How can I reduce flash glare when photographing objects behind glass at trade shows?
Asked 2/17/2014
8 views
2 answers
0
I sometimes need to photograph products displayed behind glass at trade shows, but I often have to rely on my camera’s built-in flash. The flash reflection on the glass can ruin the shot. What practical techniques can reduce or avoid this glare without simply raising ISO very high?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
13
There is another alternative: Use two polarizing filters, one on the lens and one on the flash, and rotate one of them by 90 degrees. The directly reflected light is polarized, and the flash reflection should be nearly cancelled out, where as your target produces a diffuse, non polarized reflection of the flash-light, which passes the filter on the lens. It's not perfect, but it should improve the results.
Originally by user26144. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user26144
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main issue is that on-camera flash aimed straight at glass reflects right back into the lens. The most effective fixes are:
- Shoot at an angle so the flash reflection bounces away from the camera instead of back into it.
- Avoid flash if possible: use a tripod and a longer exposure to keep ISO lower without introducing glare.
- Diffuse the flash to reduce the strength of the reflection, though this won’t eliminate it.
- Use polarization: a circular polarizer on the lens can help reduce reflections. A more advanced approach is cross-polarization: put one polarizing filter on the flash and another on the lens, rotated 90° to each other. This can greatly reduce direct reflected glare, though it’s not perfect.
In general, if you must use a built-in flash, changing your shooting angle is the most practical solution. If you can avoid flash entirely, that usually gives the cleanest result through glass.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I reduce reflections when photographing museum exhibits behind glass?
How can I reduce flash reflections on glass or eyeglasses with a Sony DSC-H400?
How can I reduce glare when photographing through a window?
Can a polarizing filter be used to increase reflections on water or glass?
How can I photograph a framed artwork with glass without the camera reflecting in it?