Should I Wear Glasses in My Headshot? Yes. Here’s How To Make Them Look Great

The good news is that all the usual worries about glare, reflections, and distortion are handled on set. With careful lighting, lens choice, and a few simple tweaks, glasses photograph brilliantly. Bring your frames — I’ll take care of the rest.

Why Glasses Belong in Your Headshot

• Recognition builds trust. People want to meet the person they saw online. Turning up without glasses when you wear them daily creates a disconnect.
• They’re part of your brand. Frames signal style and intent. Classic tortoiseshell reads dependable. Minimal metal feels modern. Bold colours feel creative.
• Confidence shows. Leaving glasses off often leads to squinting or tension. Wearing them helps you relax and connect with the camera.

“What About Glare and Reflections?”

That is my job to handle. I control reflections with lighting angles, polarising techniques, small changes to your chin and head position, and the right focal length. If your lenses have a pronounced blue or green coating, I make micro-adjustments so your eyes stay clear and bright.

For team sessions, I set a lighting pattern that works beautifully across different coatings, so everyone looks consistent.

Your Quick Prep Checklist

• Clean the lenses. Fingerprints and dust soften eyes. Bring a microfibre cloth — I carry lens wipes and will check again before we shoot.
• Bring options. If you own more than one pair, bring 2–3 sets:
  • Everyday frames for recognisability
  • A lighter or rimless pair if you want a softer look
  • A bolder pair if you want a statement image for speaking, PR or media
• Check the fit. If frames ride low or tilt, we’ll adjust nose pads so your pupils sit nicely in the frame.
• Mind the tint. Photochromic lenses usually stay clear under my lights. If yours are very reactive, bring a non-reactive pair as backup.

Which Frame Styles Photograph Best?

Short answer: the ones you actually wear. We make your look work.

• Thin metal or acetate — clean, minimal lines that keep attention on your expression.
• Rimless or half-rim — light and unobtrusive if you prefer the “hardly there” look.
• Bold acetate or chunky frames — bring them on. Big, bold frames can be a brilliant part of your personality and brand. With the right lighting there are no shadows to worry about — I take care of all of that. Whether your frames are chunky, colourful, or minimalist, we’ll make them work beautifully.

Lenses: Coatings, Blue Light and Anti-Glare

Modern coatings can reflect colour. That is fine. I adjust key-light angle and camera height so your pupils stay crisp and coatings stay subtle. Strong blue-light coatings are handled with tiny position changes and, if needed, polarising control.

Contacts Versus Glasses

If you sometimes wear contacts, we can shoot both. We start with your everyday glasses for consistency, then remove them for a second variation. You leave with options for different platforms.

For Team and Corporate Sessions

• Ask your team to wear what they normally wear at work, including glasses.
• Encourage everyone to clean lenses before their slot — I bring lens wipes for a last check.
• If several people have highly reflective coatings, I dial in a universal lighting tweak so eyes stay bright across the board.

Planning a team update? See Corporate Headshots for the full process.

On the Day: What I Do For You

• Position lights off-axis to avoid direct reflections
• Adjust height and angle to keep eyes bright and sharp
• Choose focal lengths that preserve frame shape
• Coach tiny head movements to hide any stray catches of light
• Retouch gently if a micro-glint sneaks through, while keeping eyes natural

Bottom Line

If glasses are part of who you are, wear them. I handle glare and reflections so you can relax. Bring a couple of clean, well-fitting pairs, and we will create confident, authentic headshots that look like you at your best.

Fast FAQ

Will glare ruin my photos?
No. I light and pose to remove glare and reflections.

My lenses are very reflective. Is that a problem?
Not for me. I adjust light angles and your eyeline to keep your pupils visible.

Should I take the lenses out of my frames?
No. That looks unnatural. Keep your lenses in — I manage the light.

I have transition lenses. Will they go dark?
Under studio light they usually stay clear. If yours are very reactive, bring a spare pair.

Also see What to Wear for Headshots for outfit ideas that complement your frames.