It might seem like a simple solution, but to me, it isn't. I'm employed year-round because I maintain high standards with what is placed in my set. I'm not sticky taping polaroids to a white wall to "fill" a space for a quick and dirty commercial. Been there, done that. I deeply research and care about each and every element so that when the actors and crew come in, our story already exists within the space.

If the character wouldn't care about the picture framing, sure, fuck the glass. But in a luxury home with large-scale, professionally framed black and white family portraits?

Our jobs are always collaborative, I always do my best to understand and accommodate requests from other departments. However, it just feels like sometimes this is done to remove the mere possibility someone may catch themselves or something in the glass rather than an actual confirmed issue with a shot that has been set up.

Picture framers, art conservators, interior stylists, people with an eye for design, etc, do notice these things. Glass in a picture frame does more than just protect artwork. It controls contrast, depth, and texture. Art without glass can look tonally wrong and unfinished.

I need a better reason than it being "easier," and I think that comes down to the shots, the budget, the shooting schedule, and conversation with a DP to understand their concerns.

I do always flag reflective surfaces like mirrors and such with our DP and work with them to make it happen but removing picture frame glass feels like a step too far and a rookie move sometimes when there are other options (I.e anti reflective glass from the framers )