How to Reduce Glare in Photos

Glare can mean a bright reflection on glass, a shiny forehead, lens flare or washed-out highlights. These do not share a single fix. A global exposure change might tame brightness, but it cannot reconstruct a label hidden behind a reflection.

What to do

1. 1.Decide whether the problem is highlight brightness or a true reflection.
2. 2.Lower highlights cautiously and inspect clipping.
3. 3.Use localized retouching if only one area is affected.
4. 4.Reshoot from a different angle when content is hidden.

Identify the kind of glare

A broad bright patch may still contain recoverable color detail. A white reflection on glass often hides the scene behind it. Lens flare from a strong light source may add ghost shapes and lowered contrast; different tools handle those problems differently.

Try restrained tonal correction

Lower highlights if the original still stores detail there. Check the histogram or clipping overlay, and avoid darkening the whole photo until everything else looks dull. Reflections on a small object are better fixed with local retouching or a different camera angle.

Reshoot when the reflection hides the subject

For glass or glossy products, change your camera angle or move the light. A polarizing filter sometimes reduces certain reflections, though it will not solve every surface. Cleaning the lens and avoiding direct light hitting it can help with flare.

Frequently asked question