The "red-eye" phenomenon is caused by the reflection of light from the retina of the subject's eyes. Red-eye occurs most often when the flash is located close to the lens of the camera and when the subject is not directly in front of the lens. It tends to be more evident when the subject is young and has blue or gray eyes. Children have larger pupils and less pigmentation than adults, and their eyes transmit more light back to the camera lens.

Techniques to help reduce red-eye

• If the camera has the red-eye reduction feature, set the flash mode to Red-Eye.
• Increase the level of light in the room by turning on all the room lights. The added light will cause the subject's pupils to contract, reducing the chance of red eye.
• Have the subject look at a bright light (for example, a room lamp or a ceiling light) just before you take the flash picture. The bright light will reduce the size of the subject's pupils.
• Red-eye is more extreme when the subject's eyes are off-center in the picture. If possible, center your subject and have the subject look directly at the camera.
• If your camera has detachable flash capabilities, move the flash away from the camera lens. If the camera has these capabilities, you can also attach the flash to the camera with a flash cord, and handhold it or clamp it to a nearby object.

NOTE: These techniques may not eliminate red eye completely. KODAK Picture Kiosks offer photo editing features that include correction for red-eye.  Click here to find a Picture Kiosk near you.