My 5 Best Tips To Stop People From Blinking in Photographs

Blinking is one of those things every photographer deals with. It’s frustrating, but here’s the kicker: most photographers rely on tricks that don’t actually solve the problem.

Let’s face it — you’re the one pressing the shutter. Nobody made you photograph the blink, so it’s time to stop blaming your subjects for blinking in photographs.

Here’s the good news: the solution is simpler than you think. But first, let’s tackle some common misconceptions about why blinking happens in the first place.

Debunking the Flash Myth

Does the Flash Cause Blinking in Photographs?

Let’s start with one of the most popular myths out there: “The flash makes people blink.” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. The flash might cause your subject to blink, but the blink happens after the shutter closes. So, if you’re capturing blinks, the problem isn’t the flash.

The Math of Flash and Blinking

I hate math, but bear with me — this will be quick and painless. Most speedlights and studio strobes have a flash duration between 1/2,000 and 1/10,000 of a second, depending on the power setting. That’s insanely fast. Even though your camera’s sync speed is usually around 1/250 of a second, the flash duration is effectively your shutter speed when using strobes.

Let’s put this into perspective. At the longest flash duration of 1/2,000 of a second, the flash lasts 0.0005 seconds. Reflexive blinking, however, kicks in 15–60 milliseconds (0.015–0.06 seconds) after the flash. This means the flash is over long before the blink even starts.

So if the fastest blink happens 15 milliseconds after the flash, the flash will have ended at least 14.0005 milliseconds BEFORE the blink begins.

In short, the flash isn’t causing the blinks you’re photographing, and the sound of your shutter isn’t the culprit either, for the same timing reasons.

Understanding the Science of Blinking

The Reflexive Nature of Blinking

Blinking is a reflex — your body does it automatically to protect and lubricate your eyes. Sure, you can force yourself to blink, but most of the time, it’s subconscious. Here’s what you need to know:

– Blinking spreads a mix of oils and mucus over your eye to keep it clean and moist.  

– Babies blink about twice per minute, but by adolescence, that number increases to 14–17 times per minute — and stays there for life.  

– You blink more when nervous, talking, or in pain. On the flip side, you blink less when you’re focused (like when reading) or sense danger.  

Anticipation: The Real Culprit

So, what’s causing all the blinking in your photos? Anticipation.  

When you are repeatedly taking pictures of the same person, they will develop a classically conditioned response to your finger approaching the button, so their blink will be in response to your finger movement before you press the button.

Even if they can’t see your finger, if you tend to work and shoot with a certain rhythm, they can subconsciously pick up on the rhythm and blink in anticipation.

But that’s not all. A subject who is nervous or uncomfortable will blink more frequently, further highlighting the need to make your subjects comfortable and the need to communicate a lot while you are photographing them.

My 5 Best Tips To Stop the Blinking in Photographs

1. Relax Your Subject  

Stress increases blinking, so your priority is to make your subject comfortable. Be talkative, friendly, and empathetic. Remember: they’re human beings, not objects. Put yourself in their shoes and show some empathy.

2. Adjust Your Lighting  

Bright or harsh lighting causes blinking and squinting, which are never flattering. Soften your lighting and avoid blinding your subject.

3. Don’t Highlight the Problem  

Never mention blinking to your subject. If you bring it up, they’ll fixate on it, making the issue worse. Keep them focused on relaxing and having fun.  

4. Tailor Lighting for Sensitive Eyes

For subjects with light sensitivity, use softer lighting and raise your ISO instead of cranking up the brightness. Show empathy and adapt to their needs.

5. Break the Anticipation Pattern  

Nervous blinkers require extra effort because they anticipate the flash. I like to use a tripod and wireless remote so they can’t see your finger. Change your shooting rhythm to keep them guessing.  

Conversation is key here. Get them so engaged that they forget about the camera altogether. The more you remove the camera from the equation, the fewer blinks you’ll capture.

Why “Blinking Tricks” Don’t Work

Common Tricks and Their Drawbacks

You’ve probably seen these “solutions” online:  

• Counting tricks like “blink on two” or “open on three.”  
• TTL pre-flash to trigger an initial blink.  
• Bounce flash techniques.  
• Instructions to create “bright eyes.”

While these tricks occasionally prevent someone from blinking in photographs, they miss the point. They focus on symptoms, not the cause, often resulting in unnatural expressions.

I know there are loads of articles and YouTube videos that recommend various solutions or “tricks”. Unfortunately, they ALL overlook the cause and the psychology behind the blinks.

The Real Problem with Tricks

Tricks disrupt the natural emotion you’re trying to capture. Asking your subject to do something unrelated to the shot (like blinking on command) kills authenticity. The solution isn’t gimmicks — it’s empathy and connection.

How to Handle Nervous Blinkers

Understanding Nervous Subjects

Some people know they blink in photos and try to fight it. They stiffen up and force their eyes open, which only leads to dry, bloodshot eyes and ruined makeup.

How to Work with Them

The fix is simple: let them blink naturally. Explain that occasional blinks are fine — they signal relaxation. Then, tell them why this approach works:  

– Natural blinking keeps their eyes lubricated and prevents redness.  

– Relaxed eyes and faces lead to better, more authentic expressions.  

Once they understand the benefits, they’ll collaborate willingly, and the results will speak for themselves.

The Photographer’s Responsibility

Don’t Blame Your Subjects

Blinking is part of being human. If you capture a blink, it’s on you. A few natural blinks are OK, but missing a great shot because of a blink is avoidable with proper technique.

Turn Blinks into a Creative Asset

Here’s a fun fact: Getty Images has over 2,600 photos of people blinking in photographs, and Shutterstock boasts more than 20,000. If you can’t beat the blinks, maybe you can profit from them!

Final Thoughts

Blinking doesn’t have to be a problem. With the right techniques and a little empathy, you can minimize it and capture relaxed, authentic expressions. Remember: photography is about connection. The more you make your subject feel at ease, the better your results will be.

I hope you found these photography preparation tips useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman

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