How to Remove Glare from Photos When Scanning

TL;DR

• Take prints out of frames or sleeves whenever possible; extra plastic multiplies reflections.
• Kill flash, use diffused side lighting, and adjust either the photo or camera angle so reflections bounce away.
• Cross-light with two lamps or rely on multi-shot apps (PhotoScan, PhotoScanRestore) to algorithmically erase glare.
• If glare sneaks in, rescan—editing out large hotspots after capture rarely works.

Glossy prints act like mirrors, so the light that lets you capture detail can just as easily wipe it out. This guide gives you a repeatable setup for glare-free scanning, whether you’re digitizing at the kitchen table or building a semi-permanent station. We cover lighting arrangements, camera angles, polarizing hacks, and rescue options when you can’t remove a photo from glass. Pair these techniques with our beginner scanning workflow and app vs. scanner comparison to create clean captures from the start.

1) Remove Barriers That Reflect

• Take photos out of frames or album sleeves; glass and plastic double the chances of glare.
• If removal risks damage, loosen hinges or lift the album page slightly to change the reflection angle instead.

2) Build a Diffused Lighting Setup

• Turn off camera flash—direct light travels straight back into the lens.
• Use indirect daylight or position lamps at 45° angles on both sides of the photo. Soft white bulbs with shades create even illumination.
• Block overhead fixtures that cause vertical reflections by moving to a side-lit area or switching them off.

3) Adjust Camera or Photo Angle

• Keep the phone parallel to the print for distortion-free results, but tilt either slightly (5–10°) so reflected light bounces away from the lens.
• Brace elbows or use a small tripod to hold the adjusted angle steady while you capture.

4) Leverage Anti-Glare App Modes

• Activate multi-shot glare removal in Google PhotoScan or PhotoScanRestore; move the phone to each guided point so the algorithm can blend glare-free pixels.
• In Photomyne, rely on balanced ambient lighting—its batch mode is fast but still benefits from glare-free prep.

5) Polarizing Filters (Advanced, Optional)

• Clip a circular polarizer to your phone lens or hold polarized sunglasses in front of the camera to cut glare from stubborn reflections.
• Rotate the filter until the hotspot dims, then capture. This works best in combination with side lighting.

6) Post-Capture Triage

• Minor specks can be patched using healing tools, but large washed-out blotches rarely recover detail—rescan instead.
• If the print is behind irreparable glass (e.g., sealed frame), shoot at a pronounced angle, then correct perspective in editing software.

Stop Glare Before It Starts

A clean, glare-free scan is the perfect starting point for a beautiful restoration. See how our enhancement tools can make your freshly scanned photos shine.

➡️ Try the free PhotoScanRestore demo with your best scan

For more hands-on tips, explore our complete guide to scanning on an iPhone.

FAQs

Can I fix severe glare in software after the fact? Not easily. Glare erases pixel data, so editing tools can only guess. It’s faster to capture again with better lighting and angles.

What if I can’t remove a photo from its frame? Angle both the frame and camera slightly and cross-light from the sides. You can also place a dark cloth over yourself and the camera to block reflections from the room.

Is it okay to scan glossy photos on a flatbed? Yes. Flatbeds use controlled lighting under the glass, so glare isn’t an issue. Clean the scanner glass first to avoid streaks.

Will anti-glare sprays help? Avoid sprays—they can damage photo emulsions. Stick to mechanical solutions like lighting, angles, or polarizers.

Why do my scans still look hazy, even without bright glare spots? You might have diffuse reflections softening the image. Increase side lighting, darken the surrounding area, and double-check that the lens and photo surface are clean.

How do I batch-scan without re-adjusting lights each time? Create a consistent station: neutral mat on the table, two lamps at fixed angles, and a tripod mount for your phone. Once dialed in, you can fly through stacks without repositioning everything.

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Editor’s note: This guide supports our Digitize & Organize series. Combine it with the Shoebox to Screen story for real-world speed tips.