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Storefront window glare


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10 replies to this topic

#1
Linkwilliams

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Hey ya'll, I was recently asked to take pictures for a friends store, she wanted me to take pictures of the storefront which contained a few manikins dressed with designer clothes and a few other decorative items. I went there to do this and I could not figure out how to take this picture without a glare. The storefront has four 5x10 windows. I tried to take this picture with the sun shining bright, I tried to take it when it was overcast, ect... The only time I didn't try was at night. Maybe that is what I need to do hmmm. I have tried polarizers ( cheap one ) also. Maybe I need to put more light on the inside of the window? I need some help! I would appreciate any help you give. The interior lights were on in this picture, it made no difference to turn them off

 

DSC_0112-2.jpg  



#2
Rontography

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Circular polarized filter (a good quality one).

#3
BonOlgirl

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I believe a polarizing filter would help get rid of glare, at least most of it. I would check the classifieds section on this forum. If not, you can probably find one of ebay. Just make sure you get the right size for your lens.



#4
onewiththecamera

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Actually what you are seeing is not glare per se. It is reflections in the window. A polarizing filter may minimize that a bit, but not by much. The best way to get rid of it is to shoot it at night with things inside the window well lit. You might find you get a lot of reflection from streetlights though, so that is something to watch for. You will also want to watch for distractions from other things in the background in the store though at night too. I would get some huge backdrop cloths of some sort and hang them behind the display. Then use lights creatively to light the display items. You can do speedlights, or you could get some of those parabolic clippy lights and put in fairly bright lights into them. Flag them in the front so they are not so prominent in the photo.

 

You can get rid of the reflections using flags too (not the state or national kind). Basically a flag is something that goes between things to block something. So you could get like huge sheets of say black foam core. You could get like 1/4" insulation panels and paint them black or dark grey. Then have someone hold them between the window and whatever is reflecting in the window. You could just hold up a huge black flat sheet or something like that. If it is white you will make the reflection worse. It has to be dark like black or gray or very dark blue.



#5
Davem45

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116opening (58 of 59).jpg

this was taken at night What you have is the best you could during the day reflections off glass are always going to be a problem. The big stores cheat and use non reflective glass similar to lens glass but its impossible for small businesses to do the same your would be better if lit from the back better ( a couple of 500 watt builders lamps hidden in the shop would help)



#6
Rontography

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Actually what you are seeing is not glare per se. It is reflections in the window. A polarizing filter may minimize that a bit, but not by much.


Yes to this. Disregard my earlier post. I tried this when I went to lunch. While I was able to eliminate all the glare off the windows I could do nothing with the reflection of my car.

#7
scoobymax

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I'm not sure if this will help with regards to your reflection problems but it has worked for me when it comes to glare, simply don't take the shot directly facing the window i.e stand at a slight angle to the windows thus any glare bounces away from you and your camera. And like others have said try a decent polarizing filter also.

#8
leCabri

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I would have try an HDR.

Not the king of HDR that looks crazy strange but a modarate one, just enough to have good light inside and outside.

 

Of course, polarized is the fastest and probably best solution.



#9
Stas

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Hi. Maybe you should try to use a polarizing filter to remove reflections and I think you should try to make this photo in the evening with turned on light inside of store. I hope it would help you)



#10
Linkwilliams

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WOW thanks for the words of wisdom! Unfortunately, It has been raining here for 4 days now so I haven't had a chance to get back out there. I have talked to the owner and they are going to purchase some good lights for me to use. I will go back and try when the rain stops :)



#11
Warrick

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Definitely get a polariser happening it helps alot, might sound a bit stupid but also common sense but make sure both side of the windows are free of dirt/debris as this can also bring more reflections into the equations especially if you are using flash...

 

check you focus aswell if your photographing the actual front of the shop or what is behind your window, dont forget aperture settings for your depth of field :), you dont want a perfectly focused window and blurry merchandise