Reflections when shooting through glass: Well since summer is here along with storms and lightning I'm trying to capture as many lightning images as I can. My problem is since I don't...

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

Well since summer is here along with storms and lightning I'm trying to capture as many lightning images as I can. My problem is since I don't want to leave my camera, tripod, and lightning trigger outside for extended periods I'm shooting thru double pane glass windows, which leads to unwanted reflections in the images from the light generated by the lightning.

Can I use a circular polarizing filter to mitigate those unwanted reflections? What's the group's opinion?

bthomas42 Loc: North Ridgeville Ohio

Yes a polarizing filter will help, also get the lens as close to the window as you can even touching it

DNW

I would think that the window would defuse the trigger (set for lighting) from working. ? I don't know about the filter. I haven't tried to shoot threw a window with my trigger system. If you get yours to work....then I'll try it too. ë¿ë Hmmm?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

DNW wrote:

I would think that the window would defuse the trigger (set for lighting) from working. ? I don't know about the filter. I haven't tried to shoot threw a window with my trigger system. If you get yours to work....then I'll try it too. ë¿ë Hmmm?

The trigger should be based solely on the intensity of light (change in lumens hitting the sensor).
Only if you have solar windows might you need to increase the sensitivity (if possible).

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

bthomas42 wrote:

Yes a polarizing filter will help, also get the lens as close to the window as you can even touching it

I use a flexible rubber lens hood up against the glass when shooting store windows here in the Big Apple; it might help in your situation. Cheers. Ed

DNW

Longshadow wrote:

The trigger should be based solely on the intensity of light (change in lumens hitting the sensor).
Only if you have solar windows might you need to increase the sensitivity (if possible).

Thanks for the info!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

DaveC1 wrote:

Well since summer is here along with storms and lightning I'm trying to capture as many lightning images as I can. My problem is since I don't want to leave my camera, tripod, and lightning trigger outside for extended periods I'm shooting thru double pane glass windows, which leads to unwanted reflections in the images from the light generated by the lightning.

Can I use a circular polarizing filter to mitigate those unwanted reflections? What's the group's opinion?

I guess one of the problems if the double pane. You can get up against one pane but there is still going to be space between the lens and the outer pane.

steinr98

A rubber lens hood placed right up against the glass will be the best option(in my opinion) and if needed, if you are at an angle, tape the hood to the glass for no light leaks. A Polarizer may cut down on the light and cut your lightning brightness down. Another option is to use a camera raincoat, and a remote shutter release. Leave the camera outside and you can shoot from inside! The problem with a raincoat is the clear front or the lens will get water spots on. You would have to be out and continually wipe the front- Option three- Get a rain coat(sorry!). I shoot outside with two cameras as the lightning is "Always" over "There"!!

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

dsmeltz wrote:

I guess one of the problems if the double pane. You can get up against one pane but there is still going to be space between the lens and the outer pane.

Exactly.

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

DNW wrote:

I would think that the window would defuse the trigger (set for lighting) from working. ? I don't know about the filter. I haven't tried to shoot threw a window with my trigger system. If you get yours to work....then I'll try it too. ë¿ë Hmmm?

I'm using a DIY lightning trigger and seems to work just fine as far as the trigger goes.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-534221-1.html

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

DaveC1 wrote:

Well since summer is here along with storms and lightning I'm trying to capture as many lightning images as I can. My problem is since I don't want to leave my camera, tripod, and lightning trigger outside for extended periods I'm shooting thru double pane glass windows, which leads to unwanted reflections in the images from the light generated by the lightning.

Can I use a circular polarizing filter to mitigate those unwanted reflections? What's the group's opinion?

Last month I had a series of reflection issues on several tour buses which had double pane windows while I was on tours during a cruise around the British Isles. I found that the windows were highly reflective and a CPL had absolutely no effect on the reflections. I don't know if it was because I was shooting through double pane glass or if it was because the glass may have been polarized; although if it had been, I would of expected my polarizing filter to have some response as I rotated it. It did not. The fact is that shooting through double pane glass may be a loosing proposition.

When I shoot in bad weather, I always use a rain cover for my camera even though Nikon says both my camera and lens are weather sealed. I also use a lens hood and a clear filter on the lens. That may be the best solution for you. Look at the link below to get some ideas.

https://www.adorama.com/l/Bags-and-Cases/Rain-Foul-Weather-Covers/Still-Camera-Rain-Covers

mleuck

Just go outside!

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

bpulv wrote:

Last month I had a series of reflection issues on ... (show quote)

My problem is not only the elements (weather) but I would really be angry (at myself) if some joker came up and lifted my rig off my front porch.

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

mleuck wrote:

Just go outside!

Getting a decent lightning shot takes more than 5 minutes. Usually like 5 hours (give or take.) Its more like fishing than photography. This was a day's haul from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-538367-1.html

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

I use a 16 x 16” piece of black foamcore with hole cut in the center for the Lens to go through. The glass will always reflect so let it reflect black. Easy peasy.