Photographing people who wear glasses without reflections

Reflections on glasses can hide the eyes completely. Asking someone to remove their glasses is not always an option; they are part of how people recognize them.

Understand the angle

Light reflects off glasses at the same angle it hits them. If the light is directly in front of the person, the reflection bounces straight back into the lens.

Fixes with light

• Move the light higher or further to the side.
• Use a larger, softer light: reflections become dimmer and less defined.
• Bounce flash off a wall to the side instead of the ceiling in front.

Fixes with the subject

• Ask the person to tilt their head slightly down.
• Tilt the glasses slightly by lifting the arms off the ears a few millimeters; it is invisible in the photo.
• Turn the face a little away from the light.

Fixes with the camera

Raise or lower the camera slightly. Even a small change in angle can remove a reflection.

Check every frame

Zoom in on the eyes during the session. Fixing glare in editing is time-consuming and often unconvincing.