Big Cat / Dumb Reflection

[WannaBe]

Hi there,

Hung out at the zoo today and got some decent pictures. However the cougars' exhibit was walled with glass and when I uploaded the pics I saw how much the glare messed with it. I think some of the pics would be decent if the darn reflection wasn't there, or at least so noticeable. And the little orbs in the middle of its forehead need to go...

Is there a way in Gimp or Picasa or something to fix it? (There probably is, but I know very little about processing...) Also, what could I do better next time to avoid capturing the reflection at all? (Is it the time of day I was there (shooting with the sun behind me) or an aperture thing or...?)

From Misc

From Misc

Also, how do I make pictures come out bigger when I post them? These two came out awfully small and I can't make them bigger...

[wannabehorsephotographer]

I had the same problem with zoo pictures last year. I just kept moving around until I got a decent angle without glare. You can try cloning or patching the glare out, but it will probably be tedious. Sorry I'm not much help...just thought I'd sympathize.

[OsmosisStudios]

Getting glare out is easy at the point of taking the shot, but almost impossible in post.

Next time, bring along a circular polarizer. It'll help you manage that glare.

[windrider86]

I do a heck of a lot of post processing and hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the second one is a lost cause. The first one is a big maybe but would take a HUGE amount of time and effort.
Get that polarizer lens, you'll be thankful you did

[WannaBe]

Thank you all for your help and your sympathy lol. I played around with another pic I took with a little glare and made it black and white and I think it turned it into a decent pic...Oh well, I guess I'll head back there earlier in the day when the sun's at a different angle. Thanks again!

From Misc

[wannabehorsephotographer]

If you really want the shot, you might seriously look into the circular polarizer listed above. They aren't horribly expensive and even if you have a point and shoot, if it has filter threads, there is probably a filter to made to fit. (Or you could try using your sunglasses in front of the lens. I've heard it works in a pinch, but I haven't tried it). A cp helps to keep those pretty blue skies brilliant too.
I like the last picture you posted - I don't really notice any glare.