Photography tip: Photos through glass

There are technical challenges involved in photographing mannequins, or any other subject, through store-front windows. They include loss of image sharpness due to uneven glass, a "muddy" appearance of the final image due to windows that haven't been washed, but the major problem is reflection. If you take a photograph through a window you will often get the reflection of whatever is across the street. To combat this, I use two different methods to reduce window glare:

1. Buy a Polarizing filter. This "magic" filter, if used correctly, can almost entirely eradicate window reflection (but not so much direct sun glare). The only catch is that you need to be photographing at a 45 degree angle to the glass for it to be really effective. With the filter on the lens, compose the photo so that you are looking at the subject at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the surface of the window. Now experiment with the polarizing filter by rotating it. You will see in real time the reflections begin to disappear as the filter is rotated, and then reappear as the rotation is completed. Take your picture at the rotation point that provides the most glare reduction.

2. A cheaper and quicker option, but somewhat limiting with regards to composition, is to simply place your camera lens directly on the window glass. Further, if you are wearing gloves, or have a scarf, wrap it around the front of your lens so that very little outdoor light is entering the small space between the lens and the window pane. You will see that all glare has been removed, and you can take your picture. This technique is also very effective when you see a nice sunset while flying on an airplane. Place the camera lens against the window, cover the lens with a fabric if necessary, and you will get a better image.

When photographing through department store windows using the second method, move along quickly after you get the shot, as security guards will be very uneasy seeing someone place a camera directly against the window pane. Always turn off your on-camera flash, as it will create even more glare.

Remember to look outside the box when choosing subject matter, and if everybody is taking a certain photo or working within prescribed photographic boundaries, you will serve yourself far better by making your own path.

Thanks to professional photographer Mark Hemmings (www.markhemmings.com) for writing this photo tip.