How to Get Rid of Red-Eye in Photographs

How to Get Rid of Red-Eye in Photographs by eHow Electronics Editor

Red-eye occurs when the camera flash reflects the blood vessels of the retina into the lens. Here are some ways to prevent and remove this devilish effect

Step 1:
Purchase a special pen that reduces red-eye from a photography shop. Draw over the red-eye on your photographic prints to reduce the red-eye effect.

Step 2:
Or scan the picture into your computer and use image-editing software to fix the red-eye. Most such programs have a feature especially designed for this purpose. You can remove the spinach caught in your subject's teeth while you're at it.

Step 3:
Bring the photograph to a photo-editing shop if you do not have a scanner and image-editing software.

Preventing red-eye

Step 1:
Try to put distance between the camera's lens and flash to reduce red-eye. If possible, hold the flash an arm's length from the camera or point the flash toward a white surface, such as a wall, so the flash does not flood the subject's eyes.

Step 2:
If the flash is immobile, reduce the size of the subject's pupils by turning on bright lights or by shining a bright light briefly in the person's eyes prior to taking the picture.

Step 3:
Use the red-eye reduction feature available on many cameras. This feature constricts the pupils with a series of low-level flashes prior to taking the picture.

Step 4:
Put tissue paper or a white filter over the flash to diffuse its brightness. The tissue paper shouldn't come into direct contact with the hot flashbulb. Some camera shops sell flash diffusers