specular highlights

Specular highlights are bright spots that appear on shiny surfaces when light reflects directly off them. Imagine a smooth metal surface or a glossy object; when light hits it, some of that light bounces back directly to your eyes, creating a small, bright area. This effect helps us understand the texture and shape of the object, enhancing its three-dimensional appearance. Specular highlights are commonly observed in everyday items like water, glass, or polished wood, and they play a crucial role in photography, art, and computer graphics to convey realism and depth.