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No More Glare: iPhone Photo Scanning Lighting Tips

Set up lighting to avoid glare and shadows when scanning photos with an iPhone—including quick diagrams and AI safety nets.

Published Nov 13, 2025 · Updated Nov 13, 2025

Glare is the #1 frustration when scanning glossy prints with a phone. Use these lighting tricks to keep reflections off your images—and let AI cleanup handle the rest.

Set Up Soft, Even Light

  • Window light: Place the photo on a table near a bright window, but keep direct sun off the print.
  • Two-lamp method: Put lamps at 45° angles on either side so light hits the photo evenly. Bounce light off a wall or white foam board to soften it.
  • Diffuse DIY: Tape baking parchment or a white T-shirt over a lamp to diffuse harsh bulbs.

Positioning Tips

  • Keep the phone parallel to the print; tilt the photo slightly instead if glare persists.
  • Watch for your phone’s shadow—move lights higher or step back and zoom in slightly.
  • Turn off the flash and let the app control exposure.

Use App Tools

PhotoScanRestore flashes a subtle warning when glare appears and auto-runs glare removal after capture. If a hotspot slips through, you can reshoot quickly or rely on the AI blend to smooth it out.

See Glare Removal in Action

Quick Diagram

Lamp ↘         ↙ Lamp
      \ Photo /
        Table
      ↑ iPhone

Place lamps slightly higher than the photo, aiming down so light reflects away from the phone lens.

Need more help with tricky shiny prints? Visit the full glossy photo guide for advanced setups.

Scan Without Glare – Free Demo

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No More Glare: iPhone Photo Scanning Lighting Tips · Guide