Photographing through glass can be tricky. Whether you’re at a museum, a coffee shop, or shooting a city skyline from a window, reflections and glare often ruin the shot.
But with a few simple techniques, you can capture clean, clear photos through glass — without the annoying glare or distractions.
Here’s how to get it right.
1. Get Close to the Glass
The most important tip: get as close as possible to the glass — ideally with your lens touching or almost touching the surface.
Why this works:
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Blocks out surrounding reflections
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Limits internal reflections from lights or objects behind you
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Creates a clear view of your subject
Tip: If you’re using a smartphone, press the camera gently against the glass.
2. Use a Lens Hood or Your Hand to Block Reflections
Reflections happen when light bounces between the glass and your lens.
How to fix it:
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Use a lens hood to shield your lens from stray light
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If you don’t have one, use your hand, hat, or a dark cloth to block reflections from the sides
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Create a tent of darkness around your lens to absorb light
This is especially helpful in daylight or under overhead lighting.
3. Shoot at an Angle
Sometimes, reflections are strongest when you’re shooting straight on.
Try this instead:
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Slightly tilt your camera to reduce direct reflections
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Move to the side or find a better position
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Observe where reflections are weakest before shooting
You can still keep your subject centered by cropping later.
4. Turn Off Your Flash
Flash bounces right back into the lens when used near glass, creating a bright white burst in your photo.
Always:
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Turn off the flash
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Rely on natural or ambient light
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Increase ISO or lower shutter speed if needed
5. Wear Dark Clothing
Light-colored clothes (especially white) reflect easily onto glass.
What to wear:
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Dark shirts or jackets
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Avoid jewelry or shiny accessories
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If possible, cover the back of your camera/smartphone with something dark too
You’re trying to blend into the shadows — not light up the scene.
6. Clean the Glass (If You Can!)
Smudges, fingerprints, and dust can ruin a beautiful shot.
If allowed:
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Use a soft cloth or lens wipe
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Clean a small spot just big enough for your photo
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Avoid drawing attention or disturbing others in public places
7. Use Manual Focus (or Tap to Focus on the Subject)
Your camera may try to focus on the glass instead of what’s behind it.
Solution:
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Switch to manual focus if you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera
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On smartphones, tap on the subject behind the glass to lock focus
Tip: Use focus peaking (if available) to fine-tune sharpness.
8. Use Editing to Remove Minor Reflections
If a faint reflection still sneaks in, you can usually fix it in post.
In Lightroom, Snapseed or Photoshop:
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Use healing or clone tools
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Lower highlights or contrast locally
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Apply gradient masks to control brightness in reflection zones
It’s always best to minimize glare in-camera — but editing can save the day.
Great Ideas for Shooting Through Glass
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Cityscapes from high windows
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Portraits in cafés or behind rain-covered windows
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Aquarium animals
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Shop displays or museum exhibits
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Street reflections layered with people and buildings
These shots often tell layered, poetic stories — use the glass creatively, not just technically.
Final Thoughts: Make the Glass Invisible
Photographing through glass is part science, part creativity.
The goal is to make the glass disappear, leaving only your subject — clear, crisp, and beautifully framed.
So get close, block the reflections, and let your lens show what the eye sometimes misses.