Should I Wear Glasses For My Headshots And Brand Photos? l Norman, Oklahoma Brand Photographer
Let's talk about glasses and the dreaded glasses glare in photographs!
As a brand photographer, I often hear from clients who are concerned about how their glasses might look in photos. Will there be a glare? Will their eyes be visible? Should they wear contacts instead? If you've ever wondered about these things, you're not alone! Let's dive into the world of glasses and photography, and explore how you can rock your specs while getting those perfect shots.
Understanding Glasses Glare
Glasses glare happens when light reflects off your lenses, creating bright spots or a hazy effect that can obscure your eyes in photos. This can be distracting and take away from the connection you're trying to create with your audience. The type of glasses you wear, the angle of the light, and even your pose can all influence how much glare appears.
Types of Glasses and How They Photograph
1. Anti-Reflective (AR) Coated Lenses
The Best Bet: AR-coated lenses are designed to reduce reflections and glare, making them the ideal choice for photo sessions. These lenses allow more light to pass through, helping to keep your eyes clear and visible in photos.
2. High-Index Lenses
Slim and Stylish: While high-index lenses are thinner and lighter, they can sometimes cause more reflections due to their denser material. If you wear high-index lenses, an AR coating can help minimize glare.
3. Polarized Lenses
Not for Photos: Polarized lenses are fantastic for reducing glare in bright sunlight, but they can cause odd color shifts and uneven exposure in photos. If possible, swap these out for regular lenses during your session.
4. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Stylish but Watch Out: Blue light lenses are all the rage, but they can sometimes have a slight tint that affects how your eyes look in photos. An AR coating on these lenses can help reduce the effect, but you might want to check how they photograph before your session.
5. Clear or Lightly Tinted Lenses
The Go-To for Versatility: Clear lenses are the most straightforward option, allowing your eyes to shine without adding extra color or reflections. Light tints can work too, as long as they don't interfere with your natural eye color in the photos.
Tips for Reducing Glare in Photos
1. Angle Matters
Adjusting the angle of your face or your glasses can make a big difference. Tilting your head slightly or angling the glasses down just a touch can help avoid catching light directly on the lenses. I’ll often ask you to tilt your head slightly down and that usually helps.
2. Lighting is Key
Soft, diffused lighting is your best friend when it comes to minimizing glare. Natural light from a window or a softbox can reduce harsh reflections. We’ll work together to find the perfect lighting setup for your session!
3. Consider Glasses with Thin Frames
Thinner frames allow more of your face to be visible and reduce the likelihood of shadows or reflections. They also tend to be less distracting in the final image.
4. Bring a Backup Pair
If you have multiple pairs of glasses, bring them all! Sometimes, a different shape or style might photograph better, giving us more options to find the perfect look.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bare
If glare is a major concern and you’re comfortable without your glasses, consider going without them for a few shots. We can capture a mix of both with and without glasses, giving you a versatile set of images.
Glasses are a part of who you are, and they can add a lot of personality to your brand or headshot photos. By understanding how different types of glasses photograph and using a few simple tricks, we can ensure that your specs enhance your look rather than detract from it! So, bring those frames with confidence, and let's create some stunning, glare-free photos that truly capture your essence! By making the right choices with your glasses, you can ensure your eyes sparkle just as brightly as your personality in your photos. Let's make those lenses work for you, not against you!
