Taking pictures through glass?

[camerabum09]

I'm getting ready to go to the Dallas World Aquarium and am so excited about taking pictures there..but I'm not really sure how to go about taking the pictures without a flash so they still show up but there is no reflection or glare from lights behind me or from a flash. Most of the pictures will be from tanks with fish and things like that. Anyone have any tips?

[johnastovall]

Polarizing filter....

[L Stegall]

Yes, a circular polarizing filter will help cut glare from the tanks. It will be dark and you may lose an f/stop of light with the polarizer on your camera. Having a tripod would be ideal, but I don't believe they allow them, so don't count on that. Also don't think you can bring in a monopod. I've never been to Dallas World Aquarium, but hear it is pretty dark inside, so you'll probably have to bump the ISO up. Hopefully, you can find something to brace yourself against. I'd probably open my aperture wide open - if you have a 50 mm f/1.8, I'd try that for starters. I'd avoid flash, you're really going to kill the ambient light and get a ton of glare off the glass. You'll have to post some of what you get.

[camerabum09]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Having a tripod would be ideal, but I don't believe they allow them, so don't count on that. Also don't think you can bring in a monopod.

yes..they dont allow tripods and things like that because there isn't much room..i might should've put that in my post lol. I do have a circular polarizer though. Yay for that!!

[d3sparks]

I have read, never tried this myself, that the use of a rubber lens hood - pressed up against the glass - is a great way to take pictures like this. You block out all light in the room - removing all possible sources of glare.

[bondarnes]

The easiest way to avoid glare is to put your lens in contact with the glass. A rubber lens hood would help even more.

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

The easiest way to avoid glare is to put your lens in contact with the glass. A rubber lens hood would help even more.

yep

right up against the glass if you can manage to get it to focus

[rcgsavage]

Originally Posted by camerabum09

yes..they dont allow tripods and things like that because there isn't much room..i might should've put that in my post lol. I do have a circular polarizer though. Yay for that!!

What about a mono-pod instead?

[camerabum09]

Originally Posted by rcgsavage

What about a mono-pod instead?

not sure..i didnt ask about that. ive only been a couple of times before but not to take pictures. ill find that out though. unless theres someone on here who's been and could tell me?

[Lexie]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

The easiest way to avoid glare is to put your lens in contact with the glass. A rubber lens hood would help even more.

Would one like this be a good choice? http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/lenshoods.aspx

[KenJulio]

I had the LX3 for my trip to China last year and from atop the Shanghai Financial Trade Center, I took this shot. Rim against the glass, working the angle to not get the light from beneath and above the floor. No filter or hood on this lil bad boy. Oh, I also used my girth to block any possible light when possible. :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/webmstrk...18613844882978

[Gabby498]

If it is like most aquariums where you have rows of lighted tanks on either side of the aisle a polarizer is of dubious use. It might work for one or two tanks but the reflections will be coming from so many different angles that I is not likely to block all of them. The suggestion to get as close to the glass as possible is the best advice. If you have to back away from the glass in order to focus and have someone accompanying you, have them wear dark clothing and they can possibly stand where they will block reflections.

[texkam]

Try out that new 50mm 1.8. I think you will like the results.

[camerabum09]

Originally Posted by Gabby498

If you have to back away from the glass in order to focus and have someone accompanying you, have them wear dark clothing and they can possibly stand where they will block reflections.

Thanks for the tip, I will definitely remember this when my fiance goes with me!

Originally Posted by Lexie

Would one like this be a good choice? http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/lenshoods.aspx

these look pretty good to me..Im not a professional though..which one would be best in your opinion?

As for the 50mm Mark, I hope i get it in time!! I'm excited :D

[Arnor]

Thanks Lexie for the link to the hoods! I would use a 50mm f/1.8 and the longer hoods. The 50mm has a minimum focal distance of about 18" if I remember correctly so if you can pull it and inch or two out from the glass with the hood it will make it that more easier to focus on the critters.

Best regards,