preventing reflections on glass/plastic

leejt1986 · Feb 17, 2011

Im shooting a project that has an analog clock in the scene. I've researched and found two solutions, one, putting a polarizer on the lens, two using a black foamcore or something similar near the lens.

I'm thinking of shooting with a polarizer and a black background for the clock. will this be enough?

Stradawhovious · Feb 17, 2011

Is it possible to turn the clock a few degrees so it isn't reflecting right into the lens? That ought to do it even without the black board or polarizer.

KmH · Feb 17, 2011

Another approach is to light whatever it is that is reflecting, but that usually takes some good sized light modifiers.

Yet another is to polarize the light source, which increases the effectiveness of a CPL filter.

Christie Photo · Feb 17, 2011

leejt1986 said:
Im shooting a project that has an analog clock in the scene.

"In the scene." Where? In the background? Is it part of the subject? Propping?

Stradawhovious advised tipping or turning the clock a bit. It is the first, best approach.

-Pete

DigitalxDream · Feb 17, 2011

What is your lighting like? Is it possible to put the light behind the clock? If you are using natural light then try it with no flash. I know sometimes light can be the issue with reflection.

Big Mike · Feb 17, 2011

Many surfaces have direct reflection characteristics, and as such, any light source that falls withing the 'family of angles' will show up. The angle of reflectance equals the angle of incidence. So if the lights are in a spot where the angles line up with the camera, then the reflection will be in the shot.

If you can move the lights out of the 'family of angles' for your object, then the direct reflections won't show up. But if your objects are curved, then it may not be possible to get the lights out of the family of angles. So you either deal with it or live with it.

Another option is to fill the family of angles with a light source. So instead of having a small reflection of the light in the clock. You could use a really big light source (softbox close to etc.) and then the whole surface will have the reflection, which may look better than just a small reflection spot.

VannaTheStrange · Feb 17, 2011

Wow! I really liked all the suggestions here. I was going to ask a similar question, but you guys already answered it hehe

leejt1986 · Feb 17, 2011

Thankyou all for the quick responses.

I was considering taking the cover off the clock, but then a friend mentioned to me that it would look too awkward with the cover off.

I shouldve been more specific. I know this isnt a forum for DSLR video, but I'm shooting an intro on my Canon 7D DSLR for a news magazine project. We're spoofing 60 minutes and wanted to do our version of the ticking clock intro. But since its just a still shot of the clock I figured I could ask here.

I'm not so much worried about the light reflecting as I am reflections of myself and or my equipment appearing.

Big Mike · Feb 17, 2011

I'm not so much worried about the light reflecting as I am reflections of myself and or my equipment appearing.

Same rules apply. If you or your equipment are in the family of angles, they might show up in the reflection. You can help this by not having any light on you, because if you're not lit, there is nothing to reflect.