Some glasses feel like my final boss when it comes to business portraits.

As a photographer, I’m usually prepared to present glasses-wearers professionally and without issues. The right lighting, the right angle, and reflections and glares are no longer a problem – at least, that used to be the case. But in recent years, a trend has emerged that has become a challenge even for experienced photographers: glasses with blue light filters.

Why blue light filters are a problem for photographers

Blue light filters in eyeglass lenses are great for daily use. They relieve the eyes when working on screens, reduce fatigue, and protect the retina. But in front of the camera, they turn into a little disaster. The issue is that these lenses often reflect strongly, in a way that regular lenses do not. White light reflections: Especially with flash lighting, the lenses can light up completely white. This not only looks unnatural but also distracts massively from the person. Color distortions: Even when the reflection is minimized, an unpleasant color shift often remains. The skin tones suddenly appear cold or greenish, and the eye looks strangely distorted. “Angle of incidence = angle of reflection” doesn’t work: Normally, reflections can be controlled by careful light setup. But with blue light filters, this fundamental rule of lighting doesn’t seem to work reliably.

What does this mean for you?

If you wear glasses and plan a portrait shoot, think about your lenses! Especially when photographing with flash, you should consider whether you can use a pair of glasses without a blue light filter – if that’s possible. Alternatively, you can also talk to your photographer and work together on solutions for your business portraits. There are special light setups that can minimize the problem, but they often require more effort and experience.

Conclusion

Glasses with blue light filters are a blessing in everyday life, but often a curse in front of the camera – at least when flash lighting is involved. So, think about how your glasses might react to light at your next photoshoot. This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises and get portraits that truly impress.

Allerletzte Möglichkeit: Weg mit der Brille :D