Taking photos through a window

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Any advice on how best to take a photo through a window? I've got a family of goldfinches in the hedge that I'm keen to take a photo of, but don't want to disturb them or advertise that I have anything worth stealing to all and sundry, so said photo has to be taken from the living room.

Thanks. :)
 
Make sure the glass is clean!

More seriously, can't you open the window? You can still stay back in the room where you will be less obvious, but the images will be much better.
 
Somelier said:
Make sure the glass is clean!

More seriously, can't you open the window? You can still stay back in the room where you will be less obvious, but the images will be much better.
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Not sure it would work with the way these windows open.
 
I've taken loads of bird pictures through double glazed windows. I don't think cleaning the glass makes much difference but getting the lens as close to and perpendicular to the glass as possible certainly does.

If you have a flexible, rubber lens hood for that lens then use it. The trick is to eliminate glare and reflection off the glass surfaces.
 
Bristolian said:
I've taken loads of bird pictures through double glazed windows. I don't think cleaning the glass makes much difference but getting the lens as close to and perpendicular to the glass as possible certainly does.
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I thought that, but my pic above was taken at about a 45 degree angle to the glass and about 2 foot from it.
 
Bristolian said:
I've taken loads of bird pictures through double glazed windows. I don't think cleaning the glass makes much difference but getting the lens as close to and perpendicular to the glass as possible certainly does.

If you have a flexible, rubber lens hood for that lens then use it. The trick is to eliminate glare and reflection off the glass surfaces.
Click to expand...

:agree: fully with these comments.
 
Stick on the flash. None of the dirt on the window will be visible at all.
 
Just took this through my double glazing.


starlin.jpg
 
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I`ve recently taken shots through our conservatory glas but had to clean it as the auto focus kept locking on to the crude on the glass , the wife did comment at least this hobby makes you clean the windows:D
 
Depending on your lens, it might have a switchable minimum focusing distance (my 70-200 f4L does) I set this to 3 from 1.2m if trying to shoot through a close mesh fence or something to stop to the focus hunting back and forth (especially if I'm panning) otherwise as mentioned a circular polariser might be of some help to reduce reflections.

Andrew.
 
Shoot through glass if you have to, try and find clean spot (DON'T tell wifey the windows need cleaning). Get as close and perpendicular as you can.
Another alternative is - use a tripod outside with a remote control.
Note:- I tried this, the little b*****s didn't come anywhere near until I packed my gear away.
I think the 'Monty Python' approach might be best - nail the little b*****s to a perch.
 
If I clean the window first then settle down I can get some quite clean shots through the double glazed windows in the conservatory.

Shot through the window :)
 
draiman said:
Stick on the flash. None of the dirt on the window will be visible at all.
Click to expand...

Will this not give you really bad reflections?

Personally I'd be using a polarising filter through a clean window.
 
I have always found that a rubber lens hood worked well, and if you do need flash, set it up outside with a wireless trigger or a cord if you have something suitable. A circular polariser will always help.

This was taken through glass at Marwell Zoo


Yellow Mongoose by Steve Jelly, on Flickr


Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
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