Why Do My Glasses Reflect Light in Photos?

You've found the perfect lighting, looked towards the camera and taken the photo — only to discover a bright reflection across your glasses.

Reflections in prescription lenses are completely normal. Understanding where they come from can make them much easier to manage when you're taking photographs.

Why do glasses reflect light?

The surface of a spectacle lens doesn't allow every ray of light to pass straight through.

Some light is reflected from the lens surface.

When you're standing near a bright window, lamp, computer screen or camera flash, some of that light can therefore become visible as a reflection on your glasses.

Why is it particularly noticeable in photographs?

A camera captures light differently from the way you experience a scene with your own eyes.

Bright reflections that you barely noticed while posing can become much more obvious in the finished photograph.

Camera flashes can make this particularly noticeable.

Does the angle of your glasses matter?

Yes.

The angle between the light source, your glasses and the camera can make a significant difference.

A small change in the position of your head or the direction of the light can sometimes move a reflection away from the centre of the lenses.

Try changing your position

If you're taking a photograph near a window or bright lamp, try slightly changing where you're standing.

You can also move the light source or camera where practical.

The aim is to prevent strong light from reflecting directly from your lenses towards the camera.

Avoid looking directly into a strong light

Bright lights positioned directly in front of you are more likely to create noticeable reflections.

Softer lighting positioned slightly to the side can often produce a more flattering photograph while keeping your eyes clearly visible.

Can anti-reflective lenses help?

Anti-reflective lens coatings are designed to reduce reflections from lens surfaces.

They can make lenses appear clearer and allow your eyes to be more visible, particularly under artificial lighting and when being photographed.

They don't necessarily eliminate every reflection, but they can significantly reduce them.

Keep your lenses clean

Fingerprints, grease and smudges can scatter light and make reflections appear more distracting.

Cleaning your glasses with a suitable lens cleaner and clean microfibre cloth before photographs can help your lenses look their best.

Small adjustments can transform a photograph

You don't need to remove your prescription glasses every time somebody reaches for a camera.

Good lighting, clean lenses and a slight change of angle can often be enough to keep distracting reflections under control while allowing your glasses to remain part of your look.