The photochemical step in the functioning of visual and bacterial rhodopsins entails cis–trans or trans–cis isomerization and changes in the state of protonation of the retinylidene Schiff base chromophore. In this review our present knowledge on these two events is discussed as well as the role of interactions between the chromophore and the surrounding protein, opsin. The relation between protonation and hydrogen bonding at the Schiff base nitrogen, the problems of stabilization of the proton bridge and charge separation are also discussed. A new proposal is made which implies Schiff base to counter-ion proton translocation with concomitant isomerization and reprotonation of the chromophore.