Reflections in Glass

[Hazza]

Hi, Does anyone have any advice on how to shoot pictures through glass? Let me explain, I have been asked to take some photos of old pictures hanging on a cricket club wall, they cannot be taken down and they are in glass frames. Some of them are a bit lacking in contrast to start with but that can be helped in PS. My problem is how not to get reflections in the glass. Any help would be appreciated.

[FlyingPete]

You can use a polariser to minimise reflections, but the real trick is making sure your light sources are not at such an angle that they reflect at you from the glass. I have found a darkened room with the shot straight on and a couple of diffuced light sources to either side seems to work most of the time.

[Hazza]

Thanks Peter I'll give that a go. Wheres that polariser?

[iwatkins]

Tripod mount your camera and fit a polarising filter to the lens. Shutter speeds will be low anyway and the filter will make it worse, hence the tripod. The filter should cut down on most reflections.

Also try to shoto at a time of day there isn't any harsh lighting in the room in front od the picture, this will make any reflections less troublesome.

Cheers

Ian

[FlyingPete]

Thanks Peter I'll give that a go. Wheres that polariser?

You will need to buy one of those. It is a screw on filter that you attach to the front of the lens, make sure you get a 'Circular Polarising Filter' (CPL) not the older and cheaper linear ones, as you Auto Focus will play up or straight out not work.

It has a rotating action, so you can have it at the correct angle to block the most reflections, you will see the results in the viewfinder (if you are using a SLR) as you make the adjustments. If you are using a non SLR, you should set the exposure lock (* button) before making the adjustments, remember to re-meter after you have got it into position though.

[Hazza]

Thanks for the advice Ian and Peter, I will be using a 300D and I do actually have a polariser though I don't use it as much as I should and completely forgot about it to be honest. :)

[CoolToolGuy]

A polarizer is a good solution. If, however you have the time and the control over the environment, a good solution would be to put a curtain up behind the camera to eliminate the reflections from the room.

Hope this helps.

Have Fun,

[jerseycowboy]

This is great. I have an awesome view of the Statue of Liberty at work. However, it from the bathroom! I feel kind of silly setting up a tripod and camera there, but with some of the sunsets we've been having the shot is awesome!

[FlyingPete]

This is great. I have an awesome view of the Statue of Liberty at work. However, it from the bathroom! I feel kind of silly setting up a tripod and camera there, but with some of the sunsets we've been having the shot is awesome!

If you are shooting through glass to the outside, get as close to the glass as possible, the light outside can cause a reflection of you camera through the glass.

[Tom W]

This is great. I have an awesome view of the Statue of Liberty at work. However, it from the bathroom! I feel kind of silly setting up a tripod and camera there, but with some of the sunsets we've been having the shot is awesome!

Good time to wash the sensor as well. :)

J/K, of course.

[PhotosGuy]

a good solution would be to put a curtain up behind the camera to eliminate the reflections from the room. You might need to take a black 30x40" card, cut a hole in it for the lens, & use that to hide reflections from the cam & tripod, too.

[jerseycowboy]

All probably great suggestions, but really not feasible when I'm hoping to take a picture from the office bathroom :lol:

[CoolToolGuy]

All probably great suggestions, but really not feasible when I'm hoping to take a picture from the office bathroom :lol:

What's the big deal? Christo is in town, isn't he? He could probably cook up a little drape for the Statue Of Liberty in no time at all! :rolleyes:

Have Fun,

[mbze430]

Definately a polarizer and if possible, against the glass.

Here is a shot I did with a polarizer up against the glass completely.

http://mysite.verizon.net/turbo2/album/Still%20Life/slides/King's%20Armor.html