What is Iris Photography?

Iris Photography is a unique and artistic form of portrait photography that captures the intricate patterns, textures and colours of the human eye. Using specialised macro photography techniques and controlled lighting, the iris is photographed in incredible detail, revealing natural designs often compared to galaxies, landscapes or abstract artwork.

Every iris is completely unique, making this style of photography deeply personal and meaningful. Your final image is carefully enhanced during editing to bring out colour, contrast and detail, creating a striking piece of artwork that can be printed and displayed in your home.

I am one of the first photographers in Scotland, Ayrshire to offer Iris Photography, with sessions taking place in my Kilmarnock studio, welcoming clients from across Scotland.

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Iris Photography Options

I offer two editing options for your Iris Photography session:

Basic
Includes one simple iris edit, which is included in the cost of your session.

Premium
Includes more detailed and creative editing to make your iris artwork stand out even more. Premium edits are available at an additional cost.

Iris Photography is suitable for individuals, couples and families, and children aged three and over can take part as long as they can sit still and follow simple instructions.

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Iris Photography for Children

I’m often asked whether children can take part in Iris Photography sessions, and in most cases the answer is yes.

I can usually photograph children aged three and above if they’re able to sit still and follow basic instructions. Every child is different, so while I always do my best, I can’t guarantee a successful image every time, especially if they’re feeling unsure or wriggly on the day.

When it works though, the results are absolutely magical — their little eyes create some of the most beautiful pieces of artwork.

If you’re unsure whether your child would manage, feel free to get in touch and we can chat it through.

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Can You Photograph Pets’ Eyes?

Yes — I can sometimes photograph your dog’s eye too.

This depends entirely on how calm and comfortable they are during the session, as the process requires them to stay still and allow the camera close to their eye. I’m always happy to try if you’d like me to, just let me know in advance so I can allow extra time.

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Book an Iris Photography Session in Ayrshire

You can see examples of my Iris Photography editing work below.
If you’d like to book a session or find out more about Iris Photography in Scotland, just get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

I also offer Iris Photography gift vouchers, which are valid for 12 months and can be collected, posted or emailed — perfect if you’re looking for something a bit different. Just send me a message to purchase.

 

BASIC IRIS PACKAGES

Includes One Low Resolution Digital of your Iris’ and can be printed up to an 5×7 and £15 print credit

Includes One Low Resolution Digital of your two Iris’ and can be printed up to an 5×7 and £15 print credit

Includes One Low Resolution Digital of three iris’ and can be printed up to an 5×7 and £15 print credit

Includes One Low Resolution Digital of your four iris’ which can be printed up to an 5×7 and £15 print credit

Iris Photography Pricing & Session Information – Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

High Resolution Digital Upgrade

You can upgrade any Iris Photography image to a high-resolution digital file for £20.

For example, a family of three session with a plain edit is £105 for one low-resolution digital image, or £125 including the high-resolution version. You will also receive a £15 print credit to use towards professional prints or wall art.

Additional digital images from your Iris Photography session can be purchased separately.

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Studio Location & Appointment Details

All Iris Photography sessions take place in my private garden studio in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, welcoming clients from across Scotland.

Appointments last around 30 minutes and can include up to six people.
Additional people are £15 each. If you plan to bring more than six participants, extra time may be required, so please mention this when booking your session.

Your appointment includes your consultation where you will choose your preferred Iris edit style before your images are created.

Payment is due on the day of your session, and an invoice will be sent after your appointment.

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Important Information About Iris Photography Sessions

Iris Photography involves shining a controlled light directly into the eye to capture the detail and colour of your iris.
Because of this, sessions may not be suitable for anyone with light sensitivity or certain eye conditions.

After booking, please check your junk or spam folder for confirmation emails.
If payment is not received within 48 hours, your appointment may be cancelled.

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Deposit Policy for Iris Photography Sessions

To secure your Iris Photography session in Ayrshire, a non-refundable deposit of £75 is required at the time of booking.

If you need to reschedule, I’m happy to move your session with at least one week’s notice.
Cancellations made within one week of your appointment will result in the loss of your deposit.

 

PREMIUM PACKAGES 

Includes One High Resolution Digital of your Iris’, an edit of your choice and  £15 print credit

Includes One High Resolution Digital of your two Iris’, an edit of your choice and  £15 print credit

Includes One High Resolution Digital of your three Iris’, an edit of your choice and  £15 print credit

Includes One High Resolution Digital of your four Iris’, an edit of your choice and  £15 print credit

Iris Photography Session Information – Kilmarnock Studio

Appointment Details

Additional people can be included in your Iris Photography session for £15 per person.

Appointments last around 30 minutes and can include up to six people.
If you would like to include more than six participants, extra time may be required, so please mention this when booking your session at my Kilmarnock, Ayrshire studio.

Your appointment includes your photo consultation, where you will choose your preferred Iris editing style before your final images are created.

Payment is due on the day of your session, and an invoice will be sent after your appointment.
Any print credit included with your package can be used towards professional prints or wall art only.

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Important Information About Iris Photography

Iris Photography involves shining a controlled light directly into the eye in order to capture the unique detail and colour of your iris.
Because of this, the process may not be suitable for anyone with light sensitivity or certain eye conditions.

After booking your Iris Photography session in Ayrshire, please check your junk or spam folder for confirmation emails.
If payment is not received within 48 hours, your appointment may be cancelled.

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Deposit Policy for Iris Photography Sessions

To secure your Iris Photography session, a non-refundable deposit of £75 is required at the time of booking.

If you need to reschedule, I’m happy to move your appointment with at least one week’s notice.
Cancellations made within one week of your session will result in the loss of your deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where are you based? In Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, KA3 2JD. Conveniently five minutes off the M77.  

Do you do gift Vouchers?  Yip, available for any amount. Just send me a message to order. 

I received a gift voucher but its asking me to pay when I book online? If you have a look at my availability online and then send me an email I will book you in from my end.  

Can you photograph my babies eye?   No, I can’t do babies, I need the children to be able to hold their head still, look into the camera and withstand the light. I recommend age three and over (if they can follow instructions)

How long does it take?  Taking the photo of your eye takes me a few seconds, so appointments are in 30 mins blocks and plenty of time to capture the full family 

Will I receive my image on the day?  No, due to me having to edit your Iris’ it will take me a couple of days to send your online gallery to you. 

Am I free to print my image? Of course! I recommend upgrading to the high res digital so you can print it off any size you like.

Do you have a shop?  No, I have a wee garden studio out my back door in Kilmarnock.

Do I need to tell you the design I would like there and then? Preferably yes, this means I can start editing your images straight away.

Can I get more than one design?  Yes you can but there is an additional editing fee of £40

How do I pay for the extra Iris’ and edit? After your appointment I will send you an invoice with the extra, edits don’t start until the payment is received. 

Can I wear my contacts ? No 

I have false eyelashes is this ok? Yes I can work round the eyelashes but its important to open your as wide as possible. 

Will my download have your watermark?  Nope! 

How much does it cost to book? £75 is payable on booking, any extra for people, edits and high res digitals are due paid on the day then the editing will commence.

But why doesn’t my eye appear green in my iris photo?  Basically, everyone in this world has the same eye color – blue. How a color is perceived, however, depends on the pigments in our eyes, which consist of melanin. If the pigment is less abundant, the melanin molecules act as a kind of yellow filter. The eye only appears green when blue light hits our eye. This is why your eye actually looks different in the iris photo than how you normally perceive it. Get to know and love your eye from a completely different perspective with an iris photo shoot. There is more information below. 

Blurry Iris Photography Disclaimer

At Karen Simpson Photography, I take great care in capturing detailed and beautiful Iris Photography images. However, due to the unique nature of this art form, there are some factors that can occasionally affect the clarity of the final image.

Why Can an Iris Appear Blurry?

Each person’s eye is unique, and certain factors can influence how sharp the image appears:

• Watery Eyes: Excess moisture on the eye’s surface can create a reflective layer that may reduce sharpness.
• Eye Health Conditions: Conditions such as dry eyes, redness, or irritation can also affect the image.
• Natural Variations: Some irises have softer patterns or textures that may naturally appear less defined.

Image Quality Expectations

While I strive to achieve a clear and detailed result, it’s important to note that some level of softness is natural in certain eyes. Each iris is different, and the final outcome may vary depending on these factors.

My Commitment to You

If you feel your image is significantly blurred beyond what is typical, please get in touch. I am more than happy to discuss your concerns, and if necessary, I may offer a complimentary re-shoot at my discretion.

I want your experience with Karen Simpson Photography to be positive, and I’m committed to ensuring you love your final piece.

Did you know? Just like fingerprints, each person’s iris has a distinct and unique pattern. The intricate lines, shapes, and colours in the iris create a personalised and one-of-a-kind visual signature. Photographing your eyes allows you to appreciate and showcase this natural and beautiful uniqueness.

Window to the Soul: The eyes are often referred to as the “window to the soul.” They convey emotions, experiences, and personality. A well-crafted eye photograph can capture the depth and stories reflected in your eyes, providing a powerful and intimate glimpse into your inner world.

Memories and Timeless Portraits: Eye photography can serve as timeless portraits that transcend the limitations of fashion trends or external appearances. Your eyes capture the essence of who you are at a particular moment in time. As the years pass, these photographs become valuable mementos, preserving memories and emotion, great for something different for families.

Artistic Expression: The eyes offer a canvas for artistic expression. Photographers can experiment with lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques to create visually stunning and evocative images. Eye photography provides a unique opportunity for both the photographer and the subject to explore creativity.

 Eye photography is a wonderful way to celebrate and cherish the individuality of your eyes. It’s not just about capturing a physical feature; it’s about preserving a part of your identity and creating art that tells a personal and meaningful story.

• 12 x  8  – £35
• A4         – £40
• 16 x 12  – £45
• 16 x 16  – £55
• 20 x 14 – £60
• 20 x 20 – £65
• 24 x 16 – £75

Floating frames, canvas’, frames and collage frames available in your online gallery. 

MORE VARIETY OF WALL ART AND PRINT SIZES AVAILABLE IN YOUR ONLINE GALLERY

Acrylic Ice Blocks 

• 7 x 5 – £100
• 11 x 8 – £130

Acrylic Wall Art 

• 20 x 16 £170
• 30 x 20 £295
• 36 x 24  £375

MORE SIZES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Why Green Eyes Don’t Always Look Green in Iris Photography

One of the most common questions I get is:
“I’ve got green eyes – will they look bright green in my iris photo?”

And the honest answer is… nope

Iris Photography isn’t about copying your eye colour exactly as you see it in the mirror. It’s about revealing the tiny details, patterns and textures inside your iris that you’ve probably never noticed before. Every eye tells a story, and that’s what I focus on capturing.

The Science Behind Green Eyes (Melanin Explained Simply)

Green eyes aren’t actually green.
There is no green pigment in the iris. What we see as “green” is the result of light scattering through layers of melanin, combined with the natural structure of the iris.

Green eyes have low to medium levels of melanin. Under magnification and specialist lighting, the hidden pigment layers become visible. This is why green eyes often reveal gold, amber, blue, grey or hazel tones in iris photography.

They’re not one flat colour, they’re a blend that changes depending on light, depth and reflection.

The Truth About Green Eyes & Iris Photography

Green eyes are some of the most complex to photograph. What looks green in normal daylight is often a mix of many colours when viewed up close. Once the iris is captured in detail, the true structure and pigment layers start to show.

That’s why some green eyes:

• Appear more golden or amber

• Show hints of blue or grey

• Or reveal dramatic textures you’ve never noticed before

And honestly… that’s the magic.

It’s About Detail, Not Just Colour

My style of iris photography uses specialist lighting and editing techniques to bring out:

• The natural textures in your iris

• The depth and movement in your eye

• The unique “fingerprint” pattern that makes your eye completely yours

The result isn’t a flat photo of a green circle. It’s a piece of personalised eye art that’s dramatic, emotional and totally unique to you.

Why Your Iris Photo May Look Different to Real Life

Your iris reacts to light, contrast and magnification. Because melanin is layered through the iris, the colours shift depending on:

• How light hits your eye

• The depth of pigment in each layer

• The way your iris reflects light

So while your iris artwork might not match your mirror reflection exactly, it will show a deeper, more artistic version of your eye that you simply can’t see normally.

Every Eye Is Unique

Two people can both have “green” eyes, yet their iris artwork will look completely different. That’s what makes iris photography so special. No two designs are ever the same.

So if you have green eyes, don’t worry about whether they’ll look “green enough.” What you’ll get is something far more meaningful:
a one-of-a-kind piece of art created from your eye.