The Challenges of Studio Photography for Sunglasses (And How to Overcome Them)

Photographing sunglasses in the studio presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike standard product photography, sunglasses bring together convex surfaces, high reflectivity, and transparency, making them a complex subject to light and control. If you’ve never photographed something with this level of reflectivity, get ready for a bit of a puzzle—but one that’s satisfying to solve. Here’s a breakdown of the challenges and key solutions.

1. Reflections: The Biggest Hurdle

The Problem:

Sunglasses act like curved mirrors, reflecting everything in the studio—including you, your lights, and the surroundings. If you don’t control these reflections, you’ll end up with chaotic highlights or distracting elements ruining the product shot.

The Solution:

• Use Large Diffused Light Sources – A large, evenly diffused light source minimizes harsh reflections. Softboxes, scrims, or V-flats positioned strategically can help create clean gradients instead of distracting hot spots.
• Position Lights at an Angle – Avoid placing lights directly in front of the glasses. Instead, use an overhead lighting approach with a soft fill below.
• Flag and Block Unwanted Reflections – Black cards, cinefoil, or foamcore can absorb unwanted reflections and shape highlights.
• Use a White Tent or Translucent Material – Shooting inside a diffusion tent (or even improvising with a shower curtain) can help create soft, even reflections that enhance the product rather than distract.

2. Managing the Lenses

The Problem:

Sunglass lenses are transparent but often have coatings, tints, or polarization that behave differently under studio lighting. Uneven lighting can make them look dull, or worse, show distracting reflections of the lights.

The Solution:

• Use a Polarizing Filter – A circular polarizer on your camera lens can cut down unwanted reflections while still allowing some highlight definition.
• Cross-Polarization Setup – Placing a polarizing gel on your light source and using a circular polarizer on your lens lets you dial in how much reflection remains on the lenses.
• Avoid Bare Highlights on the Lenses – Instead of allowing direct reflections of the lights, aim for soft gradient highlights across the lens surface.

3. The Frames Matter Too

The Problem:

Frames come in glossy, matte, or metallic finishes, each requiring different handling. High-gloss frames pick up reflections just like the lenses, while matte frames can look too dull if underlit.

The Solution:

• Glossy Frames – Use softbox edges or diffusion panels to create controlled highlights.
• Matte Frames – Use a slightly harder light source to bring out the texture and shape.
• Metallic Frames – Watch for unwanted color shifts from light reflections. Use neutral lighting and sometimes a slight warming gel to bring life to silver or chrome tones.

4. Avoiding Unwanted Color Casts

The Problem:

Tinted lenses and reflective coatings can shift in color depending on the light source and angle.

The Solution:

• Use Neutral Lighting – Start with a daylight-balanced (5500K) light source.
• Shoot RAW – This gives you flexibility to correct subtle shifts in post-processing.
• White Balance Cards – Place a gray card in your setup to get an accurate color reference for post-production.

5. Background Considerations

The Problem:

Mirrored lenses reflect whatever is behind the camera, meaning a traditional white or black background may not work as intended.

The Solution:

• Use a Gradient or Textured Background – A slight gradient background can add depth without being overpowering.
• Control the Environment – Shooting in a controlled space with neutral tones prevents unwanted color casts or reflections.
• Floating Effect – Consider suspending the sunglasses or using a stand that can be edited out later for a clean, high-end look.

6. Keeping the Sunglasses Clean

The Problem:

Dust, smudges, and fingerprints show up more prominently on reflective surfaces.

The Solution:

• Wear Gloves When Handling – Prevents fingerprints from ruining an otherwise perfect shot.
• Use a Rocket Blower and Microfiber Cloth – Remove dust before each shot rather than relying on post-production.
• Check with a Loupe – Zooming in on your live view or using a magnifying glass helps catch dust before pressing the shutter.

7. Composition and Styling Tips

The Problem:

Sunglasses can look lifeless or unbalanced without a proper composition.

The Solution:

• Shoot Different Angles – Flat-lay, three-quarter views, and front-facing shots all have their place.
• Use Props or Lifestyle Elements – Incorporate natural elements (sand, wood, leather) or branded elements to give context.
• Experiment with Shadows – Controlled shadow play can add depth and luxury to the image.

Final Thoughts

Sunglasses are one of the trickier products to shoot due to their convex, reflective nature. But with careful control of lighting, reflections, and composition, you can create stunning, high-end images that showcase both the frames and lenses beautifully.

New photographers should focus on light control, polarization techniques, and background management to avoid common pitfalls. Once you master these techniques, you can turn a challenging product into a portfolio-worthy shot.