jwayne

I'm traveling to Ireland in a couple weeks and will be on a bus for 10 days touring the country. I usually shoot my pics out the window of a bus on Auto but there probably should be another way to shot them for better shots on a fast moving tour bus. Can someone suggest how you do it or what works best for you?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I envy you! We were in Ireland a couple of times, but not for many years. The best time to take photos, of course, is when they let you out of the bus. As for taking shots through the window, focus would be my main concern. AF would probably try to focus on the glass and get confused. I'd use the Auto setting and manual focus.

You could try panning with the subject as the bus speeds past. That gives a nice effect.

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

Two things come to mind that you might want to consider. Often the windows on tour buses are coated/tinted. You will likely want a good filter to counter the effects of any window coatings.

Secondly, if your camera has a "live view/mirror up" feature, I would suggest using that feature to compose and focus using your camera's larger rear display screen. . .this takes some practice, but is doable from a moving vehicle.

Lastly, try using the technique used at aquariums when shooting through the glass. Put your lens right on the glass in order to best take the glass out of the equation. This can be difficult on a moving bus unless the ride/road is smooth. Be careful that your lens front glass is not convex beyond the lenses' outer rim (which would rest on the bus window. Not a problem if using a filter on your lens. Remove lens hood.

Practice before going on your trip by shooting through the window of your moving vehicle at home.

Just some thoughts that I would consider were I taking such a tour bus trip. Good luck. Enjoy your trip and don't worry to much about trying to get every shot. Better a few "zingers" than a bunch of "oops".

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

What might also work is, when you shoot from inside the bus, put your lens gently against the glass of the bus. You'll have a better chance of not picking up dirt and grime. Have fun.

Elle Loc: Long Island, NY

I've found that shooting an upcoming subject shows less blurring than anything alongside..and try to find a clean window. Shot from a moving car in Scotland.

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/50294/2325168520103558539S500x500Q85.jpg

Al FR-153 Loc: Chicago Suburbs

Consider a CPL filter to preclude reflections off of the windows. Had that problem shooting from a tour bus in Lancaster Country, PA last fall.

PaulB Loc: Alabama

I have been on two bus tours in Ireland and don't feel that I missed many shots due to shooting from the bus. Most tours companies understand that tourist want photos and either stop the bus for quick outside photo ops or at least stop the bus momentarily to allow shots from inside the bus. Ireland is one of the most photogenic countries in the world with varying topography and its many shades of green. Although it probably won't be necessary, you might inform your tour director of your desire to have as many photo ops as practical. Have fun! It is a beautiful country!

Cliffs of Mohr


Sheep near Killkenny


Cottage on the North Sea

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

To do this you might want to invest in a rubber hood that will help pad the camera against the glass.

coldavo

Hi,

I went on a trip to the Holy Land recently (just before the troubles) and took over a hundred of pictures thru the bus windows (and thousands outside).

Definately take photos thru the windows - at least you will get a photo - if you wait for the bus to stop you will miss that one. These extra photos won't cost you much, will they?

If you use a small sensor camera you will find more problems with the windows and window reflections as the small sensor tends to give a much greater depth of field. I used a DSLR and only had problems when sitting well back from the window. I don't think that a polarising filter will work. In any case if you look before taking a photo you will be able to see any reflections present in the glass (if you can't see them, neither can the camera) and can often cut them out by shading them with your body, moving closer to the window and cupping around the lens with your hand against the glass. As mentioned by another, a long rubber lens hood also should work.

In any case - a number of my photos that were "ruined" by reflections are still marvelous mementos and others were able to be photoshopped and so fixed.

Why not practice beforehand on a cheap bus-trip around town?

Enjoy.

All the best,
Col

f8shoot

I have taken many good shots from bus windows using a Canon 40D with Tamron 18-270 VC F3.5-6 .3 zoom lens. I usually shoot aperture priority and vary the ISO as needed. Program mode also works.I don't like to place the camera lens on the glass window...too much vibration from movement of the bus. I always wear a dark top (prefer black)so that reflections next to the window are non existent. The one thing I try to be mindful of is reflections in the shot. Sometimes you have to shoot really quickly and sometimes you just can't catch it correctly. Panning as you pass a scene can also be helpful. Hope this helps!

Casser Loc: San Diego, CA

We were in Ireland 2 years ago on a bus tour. Our tour guide would be lecturing about the area we were in and then she'd say, "Ok, 10 minute photo op." The bus would pull over, we'd hop off, get our photos and be off again. It was great fun.

When the bus was moving I'd put my camera dial mode on "sports" and that seemed to take pretty good pictures. Another big tip -- sit by the window. Have a wonderful time. Ireland is beautiful.

Casser Loc: San Diego, CA

Paul -- your pictures of Ireland are beautiful. I have the same shot of the Cliffs of Mohr, but it isn't as beautiful as yours!

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

This was my thought, that using a CPL would be helpful in reducing glare and flares. CPL's make shooting through glass, and water much easier. "Constant Focus" is a setting you should consider using.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

I think those were four things. Thanks for the bonus tips. Isn't editing hard?

Cornman Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Attached are two pic's that I took from our tour bus in 2008 taken between Rome and Florence in the Italian countryside. I would suggest a high shutter speed, we had a two level bus, with seats looking out above the driver, (first picture) try to get up there. Keep your camera real steady, snap a couple of shots at a time so you have a choice, and have fun!!