Junk Mail Magic

Remove glare from a glossy catalog photo

Glossy paper reflects light straight back into the camera, and the bright spot can wash out the mailing label. Changing the angle or the light usually clears it.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

How to cut the glare

  1. Tilt the catalog slightly or change the camera angle until the bright reflection moves away from the label.
  2. If ceiling lights still cause glare, move near a window and use indirect daylight with the catalog lying flat.
  3. Move a nearby lamp to one side if it reflects off the paper, then take another photo.
  4. Zoom into the saved image and compare every small character with the paper. Retake it if the sender or recipient details remain unclear.

When the label is still partly unreadable

Glare can hide characters in a photograph without damaging the print. Move the light or change your angle, then compare the image with the paper. Do not reconstruct a digit you cannot read. If softer light still leaves the sender or recipient label unreadable, try another copy of the mailing or ask support how to handle it.

Check the full label once more

Zoom in on the label in your camera roll and confirm every line is sharp before you upload. A clear photo gives the identification step the best chance of finding the right sender.

Instructions for the next step

Keep the phone's shadow off a mailing labelHandle a faded or smeared mailing labelReadable photosAll practical mail guides

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Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

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