how to shoot through glass?

[erictan8888]

hi,

just like to ask: how to shoot zoo animals (or anything) through glass ?

some websites seem to suggest shooing with the lens at 90 degrees to glass while others say that the lens should be placed at 45 degrees to glass surface....

then also read that circular polariser can cut reflections...

question:

1. circular polariser must be placed at 45 degrees to glass surface for it to work, is that true? was told that if polariser placed perpendicular to glass surface, then NOT effective....

2. is it good practice to placed lens 90 degrees to glass surface and shoot through the glass? (tried that with hood on glass surface... found that can shoot flash without the reflections getting into the camera.... compared to activating the flash at 45 degrees, camera will capture the reflection of the flash on the glass)

3. which is the best way? are there any other ways?

pls advise
thanks

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

use a CPL. eliminates reflection. but be warned that u lose abt 2 stops of light

[kit_fisto]

i read frm somewhere that if u put ur lens close to the glass, u can eliminate reflection. not sure if it works or not

[LittleWolf]

Originally Posted by erictan8888 hi, just like to ask: how to shoot zoo animals (or anything) through glass ? some websites seem to suggest shooing with the lens at 90 degrees to glass while others say that the lens should be placed at 45 degrees to glass surface....

For most effective elimination of reflected light using a polariser, the lens should be inclined at the "Brewster angle". For typical window glass, it's about 57 degrees away from the normal (brewster angle = arctan(n), where n is the refractive index of the glass). However, if you can get close to the window, the best solution is probably to use a soft (rubber) lens hood and press it against the glass, creating a light seal. Going close also helps against dirt/scratches in the glass (will be blurred).

Quote: 2. found that can shoot flash without the reflections getting into the camera....

If you can avoid it at any price, don't use flash (also much nicer towards zoo animals). Even if you don't see direct reflections because you're looking at an angle, dirt/dust/scratches on the glass will become very obvious because they're close to the flash unit and therefore appear much brighter. If you have to use flash, again use a lens hood to create a light seal.

[Witness]

yes..pressing ya lens to the glass does help

[solarii]

Position your lens close to the glass to minimise reflections. Don't use flash cos it'll likely appear as an ugly highlight. And try to find a CLEAN section of glass (or clean it yourself!) to avoid dirt or dust spots on your shot.

I don't find polarisers particularly useful. They do reduce the reflections but they are far from perfect. Usually you'll still be able to see ghostly shapes. Especially if there's strong lighting behind you.

[Clown]

use bellows or hoods to seal the area between ur lens and the glass to minimise reflected light.

[willyfoo]

Hmm.. nobody mentioned using a black cloth/card yet..
This is used if you can't place the lens perpendicular to the glass..

Place a black cloth/card/object/bag to cut the reflections off.