How to photograph landscapes from the train?

[ilnonnovinci]

Hello, this is my first post here, and I hope I'm writing in the right place. I need an advice, being a beginner, on how to take photos from the train. For work, I commute for 70km across the Belgian countryside and, particularly in the sunny or cast winter morning and evening, I get quite a striking light or dramatic skies.

The problem is that even using a circular polarizable filter, I cannot eliminate nor reduce the reflexes from the glass of the train window. Even shooting as close as possible to the glass with a 45 degrees angle. Probably this is due to the fact that a strong light comes from the opposite window in the wagon and from the internal light of the train. I have tried to shade the area behind me with my coat, but does not seem to work.

Attached is a photo I took with my cellphone, but usually I use a canon g3 or a canon eos 350D with the 18-55mm kit lens with the filter.

also, in which direction is better to shoot? I mean, shoot in the direction of the train movement, with the subjects coming towards me or in the opposite direction, having the subject running away from me. I have found this second option easier since the subject **seems** to stay longer in the frame and moving slower
Advices? Thanks a lot.

[RecurrentNerve]

Try a rubber, circular lens hood. They are pretty cheap, should be about €10. You can press these against the glass, eliminating any reflection getting in front of the lens.

As for which direction to shoot, that's up to you. Whatever you find easiest. The problem with this kind of shooting is that you need a quick shutter speed to eliminate motion blur which means you usually need a large aperture, not ideal for landscape shots. You'll need to experiment to get the fastest shutter speed you can while keeping an f-number of about 11. A relatively high ISO will be necessary.

[oldwolf]

Have you rotated the circular polarizer? I don't normally have too many problems with the CP when I rotate it to eliminate reflections.

[ilnonnovinci]

@ oldwolf: yes, I rotate it, and I was keeping in mind that the lens rotate when focusing. probably is the double glass and the strong backlight that was creating troubles.

@ Recurrent Nerve: thanks for the tip. I have ordered a rubber lens hood on ebay... I should be able to try it soon.

[Photologyst]

I often take photos from moving vehicles, boats, trains, etc. Frequently, the reflections make a wonderfully nuanced photo, especially at twilight when the lights are on.

Try it.