How to Scan Glossy Photos without Glare

Glossy paper loves to bounce light back at the camera. Use these tricks to capture crystal-clear scans.

Lighting Blueprint

1. Indirect daylight: Place the photo near a bright window but out of direct sun.
2. Two-lamp setup: Aim lamps from both sides at 45° angles so reflections travel away from the lens.
3. DIY diffuser: Tape tracing paper or a white T-shirt over lamps for softer light.

Shooting Angle

• Keep the phone or camera parallel by default.
• If glare persists, tilt the photo a few degrees while leaving the phone level. Perspective correction will square it afterward.
• Avoid using flash unless you bounce it off the ceiling—which is tricky for most homes.

Advanced Options

• Polarizing filter: Clip-on phone filters cut reflections dramatically.
• Dark room + light pad: For scanner users, leave the lid open in a dark room while covering exposed glass with velvet to absorb reflections.

Let AI Help

PhotoScanRestore analyzes highlights, blends multiple frames, and reconstructs textured detail where glare once lived. Even if a tiny hotspot sneaks in, the AI polish clears it.

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Need more lighting ideas? Check the iPhone-specific glare guide.

Scan Glossy Photos the Easy Way

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