One of the more common questions I get from clients is "Should I wear my glasses for my professional headshot session?" Whether you're considering a headshot with glasses or going without, 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! Headshots with glasses can look just as polished and professional as those without - it all comes down to what feels authentically you.
Why You Should Wear Glasses in Headshots
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.
Be Authentically You
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 often 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!
There's Confidence in Wearing Glasses
Glasses Make You Look Intelligent
No, this isn't a slide at your IQ level - I'm sure it's higher than mine. But as a culture we often associate glasses with the scientists and innovators of the 1980s. 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 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 clear, a photo's flash from the headshot photographer will result in dark-ish lenses, which results in a distracting appearance. And as any other outdoor location, you will be set with 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 block out light. Having lighting in between your eyes and the back of your glasses is an advanced photography skill so your photo session outcome will largely depend on your photographer's skill level.
You Only Wear Glasses to Read
If your glasses are simply readers and you won't normally meet someone in lunch or in them, then it's best to not wear them during your headshots.
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.
Tips for Women's Professional Headshots With Glasses
For women, glasses in professional headshots can be a powerful style statement. Here are some specific considerations:
- Frame color coordination - Match or complement your frame color with your outfit. Tortoiseshell frames work beautifully with warm tones, while black frames pair well with bold colors.
- Makeup adjustments - With glasses, your eye makeup may be less visible. Consider slightly bolder eye makeup to ensure your eyes still stand out behind the lenses.
- Hair styling - If you have longer hair, consider whether you'll wear it up or down. Hair down can sometimes compete with statement frames, while an updo lets your glasses shine.
- Earring selection - If you're wearing glasses with bold frames, opt for smaller, simpler earrings to avoid accessory overload.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glasses in Headshots
Should I wear glasses in my headshot?
If you wear glasses daily in professional settings, yes - wear them in your headshot. Your photo should match how people see you in real life. If someone meets you after seeing your headshot, you want them to recognize you immediately.
Can you wear glasses in a resume photo?
Yes, you can absolutely wear glasses in a resume photo. The same rule applies: if you'll be wearing glasses to the interview and on the job, include them in your photo. Consistency between your photo and your in-person appearance builds trust.
Should I wear glasses or contacts to an interview?
Wear whatever you normally wear to work. If you wear glasses daily, wear them to the interview. If you switch between glasses and contacts, consider which look feels more confident and professional to you. The key is authenticity - interviewers want to meet the real you.
Do glasses cause glare in professional photos?
Glasses can cause glare, but an experienced headshot photographer knows how to minimize it through lighting angles and positioning. Anti-reflective coatings on your lenses also help significantly. Bring multiple pairs if you have them so you have options.
Should I take my glasses off for photos?
Only if you rarely wear them in professional settings. If glasses are part of your everyday look, keep them on. Many people actually look more like themselves with their glasses on, and removing them can make you look unfamiliar to colleagues and clients who know you.
