How can I reduce reflections when photographing through glass?

Asked 3/27/2012

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When I shoot through a window or other glass, I often see reflections in the photo. It happens most when it is dark or overcast outside, or when the area behind me is brighter than the scene beyond the glass. What can I do to minimize or eliminate those reflections?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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The easiest way would be to use a polarizer filter, which allows light coming from a single direction but blocks most of the light coming from the other directions.

Depending on your camera model that could be harder to do. Usually bigger cameras have adapters for filters built in the lenses, but some smaller cameras also offer this option, just not all of them.

So you could use to it to capture the light coming from the direction of the scene itself, but block most of the light coming from the others sources behind the glass (the reflections you are seeing).

As Matt Grum noted, if you can remove or block the light from inside you will have a lot less reflections. But even if you don't have lights turned on behind the window, the light that comes from outside may reflect on you and your background and appear on the window (therefore on your shot too).

Again, even if you had no lights behind the glass, the polarizer would allow you to capture mostly only the light coming directly from outside.

Originally by user46. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user46

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Reflections happen because light from your side of the glass is bouncing back into the lens. The most effective fixes are:

  • reduce or block the light on your side of the glass
  • move close to the glass so outside light can enter but stray room light can’t
  • use your body or another shield to shade the lens and glass
  • if possible, reposition indoor lights so their reflections don’t bounce straight into the camera

A circular polarizing filter can also help reduce many reflections on glass, especially if your camera or lens supports filters. Rotate it while viewing the scene to find the best reduction. It may not remove every reflection, but it often improves the shot significantly.

In short: the darker your side of the glass and the closer/shaded your camera is, the less reflection you’ll see.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

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