Eliminating Reflections

[EvilKnight]

Hi, I am new to DSLRs and photography if it comes to that, and I need some help with regards to reflections
I recently bought a canon 550D and I am planning on taking some photos and later on maybe some video footage of a grandfather clock. I want to have a direct front view of the clock with minimal refelctions on it. I was reading something about circular polarizing filters, and I tought of asking a bit more about it since there could be other things that can help me achieve what I want, or there are specific types of filters which are recommended more then others. Thanks in advance :mrgreen:

 

[tirediron]

A circular polarizing filter (CPOL) is indeed the best tool for reducing or eliminating reflection in non-metallic surfaces. The only other method is by controlling the light (Use of lights, diffusers, reflectors, triggers, etc), which, with something as large as a grand-father clock could be difficult. As with anything, you get what you pay for in filters. Do not waste money on so-called "Professional photography filters" on flea-bay. Look for, at a minimum multi-coated Hoya or Tiffen filters, and if the budget allows, B+W, Lee, Singh-Ray or Heliopan.

 

[Big Mike]

The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.

In other words, if your light source is on a corresponding angle to the camera, in the clock's face...then you are likely to get reflections. But if the light is 'outside the family of angles', then you likely won't have a direct reflection.

If the clock's face exibits properties of polarized reflection, a polarizer filter will help, but it likely wouldn't get rid of the reflections entirely.

 

[KmH]

A great resource for any photographer to have handy, and that explains and illustrates the 'family of angles' Mike is referring to andf how to allow for them is:
Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting