diff --git a/software/control/core/core.py b/software/control/core/core.py
index e32a1f0a..829d1ea0 100644
--- a/software/control/core/core.py
+++ b/software/control/core/core.py
@@ -1613,7 +1613,7 @@ def acquire_at_position(self, region_id, current_path, fov):
             print(f"Acquiring image: ID={file_ID}, Metadata={metadata}")
 
             # laser af characterization mode
-            if self.microscope.laserAutofocusController.characterization_mode:
+            if self.do_reflection_af and self.microscope.laserAutofocusController.characterization_mode:
                 image = self.microscope.laserAutofocusController.get_image()
                 saving_path = os.path.join(current_path, file_ID + "_laser af camera" + ".bmp")
                 iio.imwrite(saving_path, image)