As a glasses-wearing photographer, you most likely struggle taking shots with your specs on. You may find photos come out with blurred figures or unfortunate contrasts because your poor eye sight gets in the way. However, there are ways you can compensate. Here are some considerations you may not have thought of when your glasses have become detrimental to your art.
Correction Lenses
No, this doesn’t mean more eye wear for you. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Did you know many SLR cameras have an adjustable diopter that will work correct 90 percent of glasses user’s problems? The LiveView function on most SLRs also allow the photographer to see exactly what the camera sensors pick up, and what is in focus. While this can be effective in certain lights, a viewfinder will give the photographer the best possible look at the object of interest without the fear of glare.
Special Prisms
If you keep your glasses on while you shoot, your eye cannot be pressed directly to the viewfinder. This allows light other than what comes through the viewfinder to hit your eye and create blurred edges of the framed image, though the center piece of what you see will be in focus. However, you can get a special prism from an eye care specialist that will fit your glasses more reliably. Next time you visit your optometrist, take your camera along with you and they will surely guide you in the right direction.
Flip-Ups
If you are part of that 90 percent of glasses users who can adjust the diopter on your SLR, you can simply purchase a pair of flip-up glasses. With flip-up glasses you gain the luxury of the full eyesight you need when your eye isn’t pressed to the viewfinder. When you’re ready to shoot, simply flip up one lens of your glasses and your adjusted diopter will do the rest through the viewfinder. In fact, those with presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close) have an advantage when it comes to photography as the viewfinder will correct this and actually enhance far sight vision.
Replacement Lenses
Different sunglasses lenses work better for different environments, and no single lensworks for every circumstance. Replacement lenses can be easily switched out so that you get the optics you need for the shot you want. This is especially important for those who shoot in bright light and must wear sunglasses.
Forums
While many photographers have eyesight issues, there are few clear and definitive options for those who seek information. However, there are online forums in which community members discuss these issues in terms of the best frames for SLR photography. And while there are many different fixes and work-arounds when shooting with glasses on, there is not a single easy fix for this problem. Educate yourself and ask questions on these forums to see what works for others. For instance, some people wear contacts when shooting and other’s just mash the viewfinder to their glasses.
