Photographing Glasses

Photographing people in glasses – or glass eyewear as a product – means beating reflections in the lenses without losing the eyes. The keys are controlling your light angle and the wearer’s head position. Here’s how to photograph glasses without reflections.

If you’re having trouble with photographing glasses in your portraits then we’ve got some brilliant tips on how to avoid those annoying reflections, flares and specular highlights.

Falling short of asking your subject to take their glasses off, as a portrait photographer, you’ll need to be conscious of distracting reflections hitting those lenses.

Sure, it is easier to ask your subject to whip them off, but in doing so you’re potentially changing a familiar part of your subject’s overall look, which isn’t the right approach to a portrait.

How to Avoid Reflections when Photographing Glasses

With the million other things you’ve got on your mind when taking portraits, looking out for reflections on glasses should be in the top 5 (when it’s relevant).

Overlooking where reflections of light sources fall can cause a nightmare when it comes to editing. Even a good editor can find it takes a while to remove an unsightly reflection – so save yourself time and get in perfect in camera.

Reflections tend to occur when your light is between 0-45 degrees to your subject’s face. All it takes is a little tweak to your subject’s position, or the light, to solve this. If you’re light source is fixed, then just angle your subject away from the light.

Always watch the glasses during any head movement to ensure the reflections aren’t visible.

See these 2 setups below of what lighting positions can (and will avoid) reflections.

Watching out for Drop Shadows when Photographing Glasses

Drop shadows are another problem when photographing glasses. The use of any light in close proximity will cause a consequential shadow – and for a portrait this means it will cast across the face.

Drop shadows can make the eyes darker, when not adjusted, as well as just being plainly unsightly.

The best work around is to use 2 lights, on opposite sides, to counteract the shadow caused by the other. Soft light works better at minimising the problem, so diffuse where possible.

If you’re limited to one light, try to keep the light at eye level. Having the light substantially above or below eye level will be enough of an angle to cause a directional shadow.

What are Specular Highlights?

Another by-product of photographing glasses comes in the form of strong gleams of light bouncing off the metallic rims of glasses. These micro reflections are called specular highlights. They can add an element of style to your portrait without being distracting, but it depends on what you’re trying to achieve.

Either way, watch out for specular highlights when photographing glasses, they can be used to your advantage. These strong reflections are caused by hard light.

To reduce their appearance, diffuse your light source with a plain white bed sheet for example.

Photographing Glasses: Final Words

Candid portraits are the most challenging when photographing glasses as the constant movement requires you to be alert to every change. My advice would be taking lots of shots in a candid session at different positions.

The eyes are the window to connecting with a good portrait. Having them unclear or hidden makes it harder for an audience to engage with your photograph.

Remember to consider the position of your subject to the light. Take up positions where the light isn’t directly facing them and do your best!

For more, read our guide to reflections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I photograph someone wearing glasses without reflections?

Raise your light source higher and to the side so reflections fall below the lenses, have the subject tilt their chin down slightly or angle the glasses, and avoid light directly in front of them.

Why do glasses reflect light in photos?

Because the flat lenses act like mirrors, bouncing any light source (window, flash, screen) back to the camera. Changing the angle of the light, or of the glasses, moves the reflection out of view.

How do I reduce glare on glasses?

Move your light higher and off to the side, have the subject tilt their head slightly, angle the arms of the glasses down a touch, and avoid front-on light. A polariser can help in some situations.

How do I photograph glasses as a product?

Light to reveal the shape without harsh hotspots, use diffused light and angle it to control reflections, keep a clean background, and use a narrow aperture for sharpness. Watch for reflections of the surroundings.

Can I remove glasses reflections in editing?

Minor reflections can be reduced or cloned out in editing, but it is far easier to avoid them when shooting. For portraits, a classic trick is to shoot a frame with the glasses slightly tilted as a backup.