Using flash through glass

[Ian]

Reflections spoil the shot

Reflections, as the current DPNow salon shows, can be attractive, but when photographing through windows or at the contents of a cabinet or perspex box, reflections are anything but attractive.

You might think using flash is the worst possible solution, but it might not be - it could be your saviour if the ambient light is too low for a non-flash shot or even if the reflections you're seeing on the glass are particularly bad. Here's why:

The reflections you see will have a certain brightness level. If you can add light to the subject of your picture, you can reduce the exposure and this will under expose the reflections and, if you are lucky, to the point that they magically disappear.

Flash is the most convenient way to add the extra subject light needed. The trick is to set the flash to provide enough light and without introducing additional reflections - from the flash itself. I'd recommend shooting at an angle to reduce the likelihood of a head-on flash reflection. Experiment, both with the camera aperture and flash power (probably best done on manual if you have the time).

Thanks to flash - reflection free

Do you have any useful camera technique hints and tips like this?

Post them here!

Ian

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Using flash through glass

Great stuff Ian! I've often wondered how to get rid of reflections when taking a pic through a window or glass! Thanks for the hint. Hopefully more people out there will be kind enough to pass on a few more hints that could help others & be greatly appreciated!

[Pops]

Re: Using flash through glass

That's a great tip Ian and the illustrations prove it's worth.

[lumix]

Re: Using flash through glass

Reflections, as the current DPNow salon shows, can be attractive, but when photographing through windows or at the contents of a cabinet or perspex box, reflections are anything but attractive.

You might think using flash is the worst possible solution, but it might not be - it could be your saviour if the ambient light is too low for a non-flash shot or even if the reflections you're seeing on the glass are particularly bad. Here's why:

The reflections you see will have a certain brightness level. If you can add light to the subject of your picture, you can reduce the exposure and this will under expose the reflections and, if you are lucky, to the point that they magically disappear.

Flash is the most convenient way to add the extra subject light needed. The trick is to set the flash to provide enough light and without introducing additional reflections - from the flash itself. I'd recommend shooting at an angle to reduce the likelihood of a head-on flash reflection. Experiment, both with the camera aperture and flash power (probably best done on manual if you have the time).


Do you have any useful camera technique hints and tips like this?

Post them here!

Ian

I'm curious as to why a much poorer version of this image was used in What Digital Camera Mag.

[Ian]

Re: Using flash through glass

I'm curious as to why a much poorer version of this image was used in What Digital Camera Mag.

Haha! Not me, guv As some of you know, I am billed as a technical contributor to What Digital Camera, but I didn't supply the picture they used.

Ian

[Bearface]

Re: Using flash through glass

Genuinely fascinating stuff

I always avoid shooting through windows or glass displays, but now (assuming I get the opportunity), I'll be trying out your technique. Just goes to show that when you think you've seen it all.............

[Woodie6250]

Re: Using flash through glass

Hi Ian.

Thanks for the tip. Tried it out this past weekend on a visit to an establishment called Butterfly World. They had a separate area for arachnids, which were (thankfully) kept in glass cabinets. I managed to get this shot using the flash. Not the best shot, but I was quite chuffed to be able to use your advice.



Sean

[Ian]

Re: Using flash through glass

Hi Ian.

Thanks for the tip. Tried it out this past weekend on a visit to an establishment called Butterfly World. They had a separate area for arachnids, which were (thankfully) kept in glass cabinets. I managed to get this shot using the flash. Not the best shot, but I was quite chuffed to be able to use your advice.



Sean

Glad to be of help

Ian