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Written by Alan Spicer
- YouTube Certified Expert (Audience Growth, Channel Management, Content Strategy)
- YouTube & Digital Media Consultant (including work with Coin Bureau brands)
- Built repeatable growth systems across multiple channels (including 0→20k in 2 months and 15k→100k in 8 months)
- Recipient of 6× YouTube Silver Play Buttons
My bias: if a setup causes glare or makes you feel self-conscious, you’ll avoid filming. The best fix is usually placement, not buying new gear.
Lighting With Glasses for YouTube: How to Stop Reflections on Camera (UK)
If you wear glasses on camera, you’ve probably had this exact moment:
You set up a light… and your lenses turn into two bright mirrors.
Good news: glasses glare is almost always fixable with position, height, and light softness. You rarely need to replace your camera or buy an expensive lighting rig.
Jump to:
Quick answer ·
Related searches ·
60-second decision tree ·
Why glare happens ·
Fast fixes (in order) ·
Fixes by light type ·
Camera angle tweaks ·
Windows & screens ·
What not to do ·
Who this is not for ·
Gear links ·
Related reading ·
FAQs
Quick answer
To stop reflections in glasses on camera: raise your key light slightly above eye level, move it further to the side (more off-axis), and angle it down so the reflection bounces away from the lens towards the floor. If you’re using a ring light, move it off-centre and soften it. In most cases, glare is a placement issue — not a “wrong glasses” problem.
The 60-second decision tree
- You can see a bright circle/rectangle in your lenses → move the light higher + further to the side.
- Ring light reflection is obvious → shift it off-centre and/or switch to a soft key light.
- Glare appears only at night → it’s often your monitor/TV reflecting, not your key light.
- Glare changes during the day → it’s often window light or changing daylight direction.
- You keep fighting it every session → mark positions and lock in a repeatable setup.
Rule of thumb: you want reflections to bounce downwards or sideways — not straight back into the camera.
Why glare happens (in plain English)
Glasses glare happens because your lenses are reflective surfaces. If a light source is positioned so the reflection bounces straight into the camera, the camera sees it as a bright hotspot.
You don’t “fix” glare by buying more lights. You fix it by changing the geometry: the angle and height of the light (and sometimes your camera).
Fast fixes (do these in order)
- Raise the key light slightly above your head and angle it down towards your face.
- Move the key light further to the side (more off-axis than you think). Start at about 45° and push it further if needed.
- Move the light further away and increase brightness a bit to compensate (often reduces hotspot reflections).
- Lower your chin slightly instead of tilting your head back. Small head angle changes can remove glare instantly.
- Soften the light (diffusion or a larger source) so reflections are less harsh.
Quick test: look at your camera preview. If you can see the light shape in your glasses, keep adjusting until it disappears.
Fixes by light type (ring light vs softbox vs LED panel)
| Light type | What usually causes glare | Best fix | When to switch light type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring light | Light is centred behind the camera | Move it off-centre and higher; don’t shoot “through the ring” | If glare persists or the look feels too flat |
| Softbox / soft key light | Still too front-on | Move it further to the side and slightly above eye line | Rarely needed — softboxes are usually easiest for glasses |
| LED panel | Panel is harsh/undiffused and front-on | Add diffusion and move it off-axis | If you can’t soften it and it’s too harsh up close |
Practical note: if you’re a glasses wearer and you film a lot, a soft key light is usually the least stressful option long-term.
Camera angle tweaks (small adjustments, big impact)
If moving the light isn’t enough, tweak your camera angle:
- Raise the camera slightly (even a few cm can change reflections).
- Move the camera a bit off-centre so you’re not directly facing the light source head-on.
- Try a slightly longer lens / zoom (stand back a little). It can reduce the “mirror” effect compared to being very close.
Don’t overdo it — viewers can tell when the camera angle is weird. Keep it natural: eye level or slightly above.
Windows, screens, and the “mystery glare” problem
If glare keeps changing and you can’t work out why, check these:
- Monitor/TV reflections: bright white screens reflect straight into lenses. Lower monitor brightness or move it slightly lower.
- Windows: daylight direction changes throughout the day. Use curtains or face away from the window.
- Overhead lights: they can create strange lens reflections and unflattering shadows. Turn them off if possible.
What not to do
- Don’t put the key light directly behind the camera. That’s the easiest way to create glare.
- Don’t crank brightness and hope. More power often makes glare worse.
- Don’t use ceiling lights as your main light. They create harsh reflections and under-eye shadows.
- Don’t buy a new camera to fix glasses glare. This is nearly always a lighting/angle issue.
- Don’t accept a setup that takes 15 minutes to “fight into place”. Lock in positions so filming stays easy.
Who this is not for
- Creators who never film with glasses on (you may not need this level of setup care)
- People building a permanent studio rig with ceiling-mounted lighting (different solutions apply)
- Anyone hoping for a “one button” fix without adjusting placement
Gear links
Start here for scenario-based picks and bundles:
These guides connect directly to lighting decisions:
- YouTube filming setup (beginner to pro)
- YouTube lighting setup for small rooms
- Ring light vs softbox vs LED panel
If you want Amazon UK searches (tagged so the session is credited):
- Amazon UK: softbox / soft key lights
- Amazon UK: LED panels (diffused)
- Amazon UK: ring lights
- Amazon UK: reflectors (cheap bounce fill)
- Amazon UK: blackout curtains (window control)
Related reading (internal only)
- Creator Gear hub
- YouTube filming setup (beginner to pro)
- YouTube lighting setup for small rooms
- Ring light vs softbox vs LED panel
FAQs (People Also Ask style)
How do I stop ring light reflections in my glasses?
Don’t shoot directly through the ring. Raise the light, move it off to the side, angle it down, and soften it if possible.
What’s the best light for filming with glasses?
A soft key light (softbox-style) or a diffused LED panel placed higher and off-axis is usually the easiest option for reducing glare.
Why do my glasses reflect my monitor on camera?
Bright screens reflect into lenses the same way lights do. Lower monitor brightness, move the screen lower, or change your angle.
Does anti-glare coating stop reflections on camera?
It can reduce some reflections, but lighting placement is still the main fix. Even anti-glare coatings can reflect strong lights.
Where should I place my key light if I wear glasses?
Slightly above eye level and 45° (or more) to the side, angled down. The goal is to bounce reflections away from the camera.
Should I tilt my head to avoid glare?
Small chin and head-angle adjustments can help, but keep it natural. It’s better to move the light than to hold an awkward posture.
Why is glare worse at night?
Usually because your monitor brightness is higher relative to the room, and reflections become more obvious.
Is a ring light bad if I wear glasses?
Not always, but it’s more likely to cause reflections. If you wear glasses and film often, a soft key light is usually less hassle.
Can I fix glare without buying new lights?
Often yes. Raise and offset your current light, angle it down, and control bright screens/windows.
How do I light Zoom calls with glasses without glare?
Use a soft light placed slightly above and to the side, reduce screen brightness, and avoid lights directly behind the webcam.
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