Sun glare can ruin or distract from some amazing once-in-a-lifetime GoPro shots - it can overexpose your video, completely destroy the contrast in your shot so it looks all washed out, and obscure the frame ... and sometimes you might not even notice it until you get home to review your footage. Action cameras are especially prone to glare because they have a wide angle of view and are often used outdoors and in the sun - the perfect conditions for sun glare!
Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help eliminate or minimize sun glare to keep your videos looking top notch. These tips apply to most action cameras and not just GoPros.
1. Adjust your camera angle.
This is the easiest (and possibly most obvious) way to avoid sun glare - don’t point the camera t the sun! Direct light hitting your lens causes the worst type of glare, and if you position your camera so the sun is behind your back or off to the side, you will dramatically reduce the chance of the sun causing problems. Also, because most GoPros suffer from limited dynamic range (they are not great at capturing super bright light and dark areas at the same time), your GoPro will struggle less with getting exposure correct, so you will capture richer, more saturated footage that is properly exposed.
2. Avoid extra parallel glass.
Glare is caused or worsened by internal reflections inside the lens or camera. All glass reflects light, and the more pieces of glass between your subject and the camera's sensor, the more light gets to bounce around inside the camera. This is especially true for parallel glass, as it reflects much more light (think about pointing 2 mirrors at each other). Things like lens protectors, dive or waterproof cases, or lens filters that friction fit over the existing GoPro lens make glare worse. Remove the lens protector and only buy filters that replace your GoPro lens (like our twist-on filters) instead of fitting over top of it to keep glare to a minimum.
3. Reduce the camera's field of view.
Most action cameras have a super wide field of view (both because it captures more action, and keeps more of the shot in focus). This means that it gather more light than a lens with a narrower field of view, and tends to result in more glare than most other cameras. Ask yourself - "Do you really need super wide mode?" or "do I REALLY need the max lens mod for this shot?" If you use a narrower field of view, you will likely reduce the chance (and amount) of glare in your video clips.
4. Clean your lens!
Dirt, smudges, and fingerprints can not only get in the way of your nice clean footage, but also exacerbate glare and internal reflections more than you might think. Keep your camera's lens clean with a microfiber cloth (don't use paper towel, it causes micro scratches) to make sure there is nothing on your lens.
5. Use a lens hood.
There is a reason that most pro camera lenses come with a lens hood: They work. A lens hood is a shading device used on the front of a lens to block the Sun to prevent glare and lens flare.
Lens hood also protects the glass on the front of the lens from accidental drops. You can try fashioning a DIY lens hood with some black paper around the lens, or you could use a Camera Butter Shock Mod (or the ND version) with a built-in lens hood. Another option is a GoPro housing with an integrated sun screen like the Action Box Cine.
6. Shoot during the Golden Hours.
Timing your shoots to coincide with the sun’s position in the sky can make a big difference. The golden hours (shortly after sunrise and just before sunset) provide a softer, more diffuse light that minimizes glare. During golden hours, the sun is lower in the sky, casting a warm and even light that enhances your footage without the harsh glare usually occurring during the day. If you plan your shoots around these times, you can take advantage of this natural lighting and reduce the chance of glare.
7. Try using a CPL (circular polarizer).
Polarizers are a go-to solution for reducing glare when it is a result of reflection (such as light reflecting off water or a window). These filters work by blocking polarized light, and when light reflects off a surface it will be polarized differently than the direct light. So if you use an adjustable polarizer (like the Camera Butter CPL filter), you can adjust it so it gets rid of only the reflected light. The added benefit is greater contrast and saturation that leads to a more vibrant image, plus a CPL will let the camera "see through" windows and water much easier.
8. Darken your exposure or use an ND filter.
Although using a neutral density filter or reducing your exposure does not actually change the amount of light bouncing around in your lens, changing your exposure or using a high quality ND filter will darken your image, which can make the glare not as impactful in your shot. It will also reduce the “washed out” look that glare has on your image. To lower your exposure, set EV comp to around - 1.0 if using auto shutter, or use a faster shutter speed if using Protune. Tips on using ND filters can be found here.
9. Use natural or urban elements.
Use what you have around you to block the sun in creative ways. If possible, film your video near a tree, under a visor, or position the camera so that a building blocks the direct sunlight – plus they can add an interesting visual element to your footage.
10. Lean into it!
Sometimes there is just nothing you can do about glare or lens flare, so embrace it and make it a part of your footage (it ain’t a mistake if you tried to do it!) Experiment with different angles and lighting conditions to intentionally capture lens flares, enhancing the mood and style of your footage. Sometimes it can be used as a cinematic effect or add drama to a shot.
Avoiding sun glare in your GoPro footage involves a mix of practical techniques and creative solutions. By adjusting angles, using filters, a lens hood and timing your shoots, you can significantly reduce glare and enhance your video quality. Whether you’re shooting for funsies or going for pro-level footage, hopefully these ideas will help you get stunning, glare-free videos. Happy filming!
Oh, and here’s a bonus – This is what ChatGPT generated when asked for a creative idea on reducing glare:
For a truly off-the-wall approach, consider creating a GoPro Sun Glare Blimp. This whimsical idea involves using a small, inflatable blimp (or even a toy balloon) equipped with a reflective surface to deflect sunlight away from your GoPro. Attach the blimp to a lightweight, extendable pole or rig, and let it float in front of your camera to shield it from direct sunlight. Not only will you have a unique setup for managing glare, but you’ll also bring a touch of humor and fun to your filming adventures. Plus, watching a little blimp float around while you capture footage is sure to add a smile to your face!
Do you have any extra tips for avoiding sun glare? Leave them in a comment below!