Shooting through store window glass

[House Mommy]

I searched the threads, to no avail, about how to take photos of items behind store window glass.

My question is this, what can I do to prevent reflections? I tried shooting without using the flash, but still got a lot of reflection.

If there is no way to avoid it, how can it be removed post-production?

Thanks in advance!

[dcclark]

Depending on the source of the light, a polarizer (filter) might help. They remove natural reflections quite well, but not artificial (such as fluorescent lights).

Why are you taking photos through store windows? Could you get the store to let you into their display?

[House Mommy]

Originally Posted by dcclark

Depending on the source of the light, a polarizer (filter) might help. They remove natural reflections quite well, but not artificial (such as fluorescent lights).

Why are you taking photos through store windows? Could you get the store to let you into their display?

WOW! Thanks for responding so quickly!

I was taking photos of the SF SPCA's Macys window display. The theme was "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus". This is the second year Macys has graciously allowed the SPCA display some of their adoptable kitties and dogs in hopes of getting them all adopted out by Christmas. (One hundred so far in a week since opening the display! )

Since I am a big advocate for the SPCA, I wanted to get the word out and thought photos say a million words! If the animals can't be adopted, I will fish for donations.

Taking a photo from within would be difficult since the fur-babies are in acrylic confines, leaving little room to photograph and possibly losing some of the great background.

[dcclark]

Cool... Good luck!

[Elmo]

I love store windows check my 365 day blog

Elmo on Photography

Specifically images 158, 137, 135, 122, 114, 110, 85, 76b, 75, 74, 40,

I shoot both through the glass and sometimes the reflections in the glass.
I find the key to through the glass is a polarizer (CP). I shoot with a tripod this allows better camera positioning to remove reflections the CP misses. If shooting in daylight I often use a large piece of black cardboard to help prevent reflections.

[House Mommy]

Originally Posted by Elmo

I love store windows check my 365 day blog

Elmo on Photography

Specifically images 158, 137, 135, 122, 114, 110, 85, 76b, 75, 74, 40,

I shoot both through the glass and sometimes the reflections in the glass.
I find the key to through the glass is a polarizer (CP). I shoot with a tripod this allows better camera positioning to remove reflections the CP misses. If shooting in daylight I often use a large piece of black cardboard to help prevent reflections.

Thanks Elmo! I appreciate your input. Couple of questions though: What settings do you use for your night shots? Where do you place the black cardboard?

[autofocus]

I'd say take advantage of the reflections...see my thread started a few days ago..make sure you scroll down the thread as I added several more as it went along

Chaotic, but interesting

[Elmo]

Exposure-- Daytime I use the camera suggested exposure the evaluate the histogram and actual captured image. Night exposures I generally start with a two stop under exposure from camera recommended exposure and as above evaluate the exposure with captured image and histogram. One thing to watch is do not let light sources blow out, Underexpose if necessary.

I have good luck shooting at about a 45 degree to the glass. The black board is then placed at at the other45 degree angle to the glass. That way the camera sees the black cardboard as a reflection.

[Michael_2010]

I used Richard Taylor’s recommended night photography settings to get a few Christmas window shots. I didn’t have a big problem with reflections and I expected to before I went. In some cases I actually liked the reflection of sparkling lights in the windows.

Night Photography:2 - In the street.

This is a handheld shot I took of a cat sleeping in a storefront, using a high ISO and a wide open aperture.

[House Mommy]

Originally Posted by autofocus

I'd say take advantage of the reflections...see my thread started a few days ago..make sure you scroll down the thread as I added several more as it went along

Thanks for your view on this, autofocus. Unfortunately, with the shots I was going for, the reflections were too much of a distraction. I'll be picking up a filter very soon and try another shoot. I did go look at your thread; those photos are amazing! One day, I hope to be able to capture some amazing shots too.