Photographing people with glasses

ajmall · Apr 9, 2006

I'd like to know any methods you people use to avoid getting reflections of flashes on people's glasses? I've tried all sorts of ceiling and wall bouncing but I'd always end up with a white light in both lenses of the specs.

Paul Ron · Apr 9, 2006

If they can't take em off, use a polarizing filter.

ajmall · Apr 9, 2006

my god that was so obvious. d'oh! haven't used a polarizing filter for a long time so maybe that's why i didn't think of it

Big Mike · Apr 9, 2006

Get a precision screw driver and remove the lenses from the frames. It can be time consuming but will solve the problem.

Glorsclaws · Apr 9, 2006

I dont know if this works but I read that if you cant take the glass out of the frames then angle the specs so the glass points slightly down with the frame raising up above the ear, the tilt is supposed to avoid some of the glare!

Rob · Apr 10, 2006

Have them stand at a 45deg angle to you and light them from their behind (about 45deg to you and 90 to them). That way, the light is cast from the rear of their glasses, removing any shadows on cheeks and preventing the need for a full-facial rabbit headlight shot.

Rob

ajmall · Apr 10, 2006

Rob said:
Have them stand at a 45deg angle to you and light them from their behind (about 45deg to you and 90 to them). That way, the light is cast from the rear of their glasses, removing any shadows on cheeks and preventing the need for a full-facial rabbit headlight shot.

Rob

I take it you mean using studio lights? My original post was for use with an on camera flash though that's good advice. Thank you

Christie Photo · Apr 10, 2006

Glorsclaws said:
I dont know if this works but I read that if you cant take the glass out of the frames then angle the specs so the glass points slightly down with the frame raising up above the ear, the tilt is supposed to avoid some of the glare!

This is the way the pros have done it for years. And, it does work!

Pete