Here's an example of this weird gold flash I get when I take pictures of my cats. It's different than the red eye we get when taking pictures of people. I know their eyes are more reflective than ours but this is crazy looking. I use Microsoft Digital Imaging Suite to edit photos. I've tried a few different things but they either look like I've "patched" it or it fails and I abandon the attempt. Any of you brilliant photographers know how to fix this?
It's because your flash is so close to your lens, and animal eyes are so crazily reflective!
To fix in-camera: Like Vikdaddy says, don't use flash. Alternatively, bounce your flash off the ceiling or other white-ish surface so it illuminates your subject indirectly (same way as avoiding red eye in human subjects). Of course, that means not using built-in flash.
To fix in PP (using Photoshop): Not so easy. I would start by brushing the eyes with a really dark brown (on a duplicate layer). Then, (on another duplicate layer of the new one you just did) brush them in white. Reduce the opacity on the third layer right down until the white looks natural (not too bright). That should have fixed the whites to a more un-alien appearance. Then, merge your layers (turn off your background layer first so that one isn't affected) and create another duplicate layer. On this final layer, take a black brush and paint in the middle of the eye. You won't get any colour or pupil, but since it isn't a close-up it will be hard to tell anyway.
I agree, don't use a flash if possible. Not sure what kind of camera you are using but if it's a DSLR just up your ISO and put your aperture as low as it will go. You can also use a diffuser on your flash and it can be something as simple as wrapping a kleenex around your flash with a rubber band.
@jinximages - Thanks. I was thinking perhaps no flash. Will definately experiment with that. The software I use is similar to Photoshop but not quite as sophisticated. I can do what you describe so I will practice with that.
@popslinc - definately an inexpensive way to try bouncing the flash. I'm not ready to upgrade my camera (a point and shoot Olympus) so this is a "free" option to practice with.
I use Picnik.com to edit my pictures, and in the Red Eye Correction section you can chose human or animal. I have never tried the animal option, since I sort of like the flash eye look in animals (cats in particular), but it's a thought. =)
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To fix in-camera: Like Vikdaddy says, don't use flash. Alternatively, bounce your flash off the ceiling or other white-ish surface so it illuminates your subject indirectly (same way as avoiding red eye in human subjects). Of course, that means not using built-in flash.
To fix in PP (using Photoshop): Not so easy. I would start by brushing the eyes with a really dark brown (on a duplicate layer). Then, (on another duplicate layer of the new one you just did) brush them in white. Reduce the opacity on the third layer right down until the white looks natural (not too bright). That should have fixed the whites to a more un-alien appearance. Then, merge your layers (turn off your background layer first so that one isn't affected) and create another duplicate layer. On this final layer, take a black brush and paint in the middle of the eye. You won't get any colour or pupil, but since it isn't a close-up it will be hard to tell anyway.
If you are using a Pop Up Flash, you are "kinda stuck with a "Straight on" flash, which is what causes this.
I recommend Gary Fong products. No matter what kind of fill flash you use, they work!