How can I reduce reflections when photographing museum exhibits behind glass?
Asked 3/17/2018
3 views
2 answers
0
I want to photograph museum objects displayed behind glass, but reflections from other exhibits and room lighting show up in the image. The museum allows photography, but no flash or tripod, and as a normal visitor I can’t change the lighting or set up anything around the display. I already know that changing camera position helps, but I’d like to know what else I can do within those limits. Are there practical techniques or accessories that help reduce reflections when shooting through display glass?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
3
Your only remedy will be careful selection of the camera position and mounting a polarizing filter. As you are composing and focusing, you rotate the polarizing filter for maximum reflection mitigation. If the reflections remain, select another viewpoint. Rotating the polarizing filter as you compose is the key to finding a setup with minimum reflections.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main tools are:
- Change your shooting angle/position — reflections depend strongly on angle, so move side to side or up and down until the reflected objects are minimized.
- Use a circular polarizing filter — this is the most useful accessory for cutting glare/reflections from glass. Rotate the filter while composing to find the point of maximum reflection reduction.
- If needed, combine both — adjust position first, then rotate the polarizer for the best result.
A couple of cautions:
- A polarizer won’t eliminate every reflection in every setup, but it often helps a lot.
- It reduces the amount of light reaching the sensor by roughly 2 stops, so your shutter speed will get slower unless you raise ISO. In a museum, increasing ISO is usually worthwhile to avoid blur from handholding.
If museum rules permit touching the case, a lens hood or small “lens tent” pressed close to the glass can help even more by blocking ambient reflections, but that may not be allowed.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I reduce glare when photographing through a window?
How can I photograph items inside a glass or plastic display case without reflections?
How can I photograph a sheet of glass from above without camera reflections or glare?
How can I reduce flash reflections on glass or eyeglasses with a Sony DSC-H400?
How can I reduce flash glare when photographing objects behind glass at trade shows?