Key Techniques for Eye-Focused Photography
Sharp, well-lit eyes are the most critical element for creating engaging, emotionally resonant portrait photography.
Focus & Camera Settings
• Focusing Priority: Always lock focus on the eye closest to the camera.
• Eye Autofocus: Use your camera’s Eye AF or Face Detection tracking modes, a feature available on most modern mirrorless cameras.
• Manual Focusing: Use Single Point AF, lock focus, and recompose the shot.
• Aperture Settings: Use f/1.4 to f/2.8 for blurred backgrounds. Switch to f/5.6 or f/8 for profiles or groups.
• Shutter Speed: Shoot at 1/160s to 1/250s for static subjects, and 1/1000s or faster for movement.

Lighting & Framing

• Catchlights: Position light sources to reflect in the eyes, adding life and dimension.
• Eyeline: Have subjects look into the lens for intimacy, or guide their gaze to minimize visible eye whites.
• Composition: Place the eyes along the top-third grid line to instantly draw viewer attention.

How to Enter:
• Submit 1 JPEG (long side 1920px, 144 PPI)
• Email to Contest@tcpcinc.org
• Filename = short title (1–4 words)
• No watermarks
• Include your full name in the email