Should I Wear Glasses in Headshots?

One of the more common questions I get from clients is “Should I wear my glasses for my professional headshot session?” While there are many things to consider, the biggest consideration is how often do you wear your glasses? If you regularly wear glasses, or you prefer your look with glasses, then by all means, let’s bring the glasses!

Why You Should Wear Glasses in Headshots

Be Authentically You

The number one reason to wear glasses in your headshots is if you regularly wear glasses. Whether prescription or decorative, that’s the you that you are portraying to the world. The whole point of a headshot is for someone to know, like and trust you on a digital platform before they meet you in person. The biggest compliment you can get from your headshot is meeting someone in real life and they feel like they already know you from the online world. Conversely, it’s always jarring when you meet someone in real life and their online photo doesn’t match. So if you regularly show up to meetings, zooms and conferences with glasses, then you should wear them.

There’s Confidence in Wearing Glasses

Professional headshots are often a dreaded, nerve-wracking concept until you step into the studio. And sometimes wearing glasses can be a shield for insecurities. I myself wear glasses and I think I look younger when I wear them as it covers some of my crow’s feet (but doesn’t get rid of those pesky elevens!)

Glasses Make You Look Intelligent

No, this isn’t a stab at your IQ level – I’m sure it’s higher than mine. But as a culture we often associate glasses with the sciences and innovators of the 1960s. And since most of us start to need glasses as we age, it is also a sign of maturity.

You Want to be Able to See During Your Session

If you have poor eyesight and don’t want to trip, I would highly encourage you to wear glasses during your session. Often a photographer will be giving you directions from behind the camera and it is easier for everyone if you can see them.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Glasses in Headshots

Distracting Glare

Most glasses create a very distracting glare in photos. Whether it’s flash photography or constant lights, it is very hard to get a headshot where there isn’t some sort of glare. If you have glasses with an anti-reflective coating, that will help minimize the glare.

Transitions Glasses Are Difficult

If your glasses have transition lenses in them, you might want to reconsider wearing glasses during your headshot. Even when inside and the lenses are fully clear, they often have a dark tint from the transition film inside, which results in a distracting appearance. And if you are getting outdoor headshots, you might as well be wearing sunglasses.

Glasses Might Take Focus Away From Your Face

Most glasses add to a person’s appearance. However some frames can be so stylish and fashion-forward that they distract from your face and your expression as the focal point of the headshot.

If you are in an artistic or creative industry, then glasses with more flair, brighter colors and bolder patterns might be a great option. More serious vocations such as law and accounting will benefit from a more subtle and neutral pair of glasses.

Glasses Will Block Light From Your Eyes

A great headshot is one where the eyes are well-lit. And unfortunately glasses eat light. Having anything between your eyes and the light source will prevent light from getting to your “soul”.

You Only Wear Glasses to Read

If your glasses are simply readers and you won’t normally meet someone for lunch in them, then it’s best to not wear them during your headshot.

Tips for Wearing Glasses in Professional Headshots

Bring Multiple Frame Colors With Different Outfits!

If you wear glasses, you should always bring at minimum two pairs to your session. One pair may work better with some outfits while the other may not produce as much glare. When clients show up with 3-4 pairs of glasses, then we can match the right frame to the outfit you’re wearing.

How To Pick Eyeglasses For Your Face Shape

People come in all shapes and sizes, and face shapes too! The general rule is that you want a frame shape that contrasts your face shape. For example, if you have a round face then you want angular frames. Check out the diagram below from Looking Glass Optical that provides a great guide on finding your perfect glasses.

Minimize Makeup & Other Accessories

Your headshot makeup should be minimal and natural for best results. Eyeglasses are a major accessory and adding in necklaces, earrings or scarves might be accessory-overload. However pairing your glasses with a bold lipstick color can really make your headshot pop!

Clean Glasses Before Your Session

Dirt and water spots are not fun to retouch out afterwards and it is much easier to wipe them with a microfiber cloth. We have everything you need to clean your glasses at the studio, however it’s recommended to bring your own cleaning supplies. (I am extremely picky about what I clean my glasses with!)

Arrive Wearing Your Contacts

It’s great to have variety with your headshots so contacts might be a great option. Show up to your session wearing contacts and then later put your glasses on. If you wear your glasses first then transition into contact, there will be pressure marks on your nose where your glasses sit.

Photographers Control the Glare

Glasses are reflective surfaces so whenever we have light, we’ll see a reflection. But there are ways to minimize the amount of glare. Without getting into physics, a lot has to do with the angle of reflection and how your photographer positions their lights. Focusing on glare reduction is an advanced photography skill so your photo session outcome will largely depend on your photographer’s skill level.

The Final Verdict: Glasses or No Glasses?

Focus on what makes you feel most confident and comfortable and how the world recognizes you. If you feel your best in glasses and everyone knows you with a pair, then wear them for your photos.

Don’t forget to talk to your photographer about what you want your images to look like and for their input to accomplish those goals.

Lastly, glasses take about 10 seconds to put on or off, so if you can’t decide – bring a pair along, try some shots with and without them, see what looks best, and then go from there! No matter what – your comfort and confidence is vital.