how to shoot through a window

September 26, 2015 3:19 PM

I am trying to photograph through a window to show the views outside. The problem for me is getting the correct exposure.

I am trying to sell a condo I renovated. I want to show the nice views from inside through the windows. The windows are uncovered, so I can't control the lighting with shades, etc. I would like to have good exposure for the inside as well. Right now the only thing I get when shooting through the glass is washed out sun. Maybe this isn't possible to have both properly exposed in one shot. And I actually have some pretty good shots of the interiors, so I am not concerned with that.
I have tried adjusting the ISO and exposure compensation with some, but little, help. Anyone have good ideas about how to set the camera to get the views outside?
Thanks

posted by jtexman1 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

It depends on your camera, but no, generally you will not be able to shoot through a sunny window and have the rest exposed properly as well.

You can either take two exposures (one metered for the window, one metered for the room) and blend them in Photoshop - use a tripod - or just frame it through the window and expose for the view.

You could also try shooting at an angle, or on an overcast day. I suspect you're better off just shooting the view and adding it as a separate picture from the interiors.
posted by Nyx at 3:25 PM on September 26, 2015 [4 favorites]

Or try this: set the EV (exposure value) 'way down, like -2 or -3. Your camera is trying to make the exposure for the whole frame come out right, and you only need what you see through the window to come out right. You fool the camera into thinking that you want it to underexpose the frame, and as a result the bright exterior comes out properly exposed.
posted by BillMcMurdo at 3:27 PM on September 26, 2015

depending on your camera and the disparity between inside/outside exposure, you could shoot in RAW (rather than jpeg), expose for the outside, and then use photoshop or lightroom to adjust the levels to show the inside of the place.

edited to add: combined with other advice about exposure, you could also alter the time of day, shooting early AM/late afternoon when the light is not as bright and direct.
posted by iahtl at 3:43 PM on September 26, 2015 [1 favorite]

Might help if we knew what model camera you have.
posted by jon1270 at 4:01 PM on September 26, 2015

You probably have 6+ stops of difference in exposure between inside and outside. You have three choices:

1. take two shots, one exposing for the inside and one exposing for the outside and then combine in photoshop
2. apply a light blocking film to the window to reduce the appanent exterior brightness
3. use flash to increase the indoor light levels.

The last would be easiest for me because I have the flash(es) and don't have photoshop, YMMV
posted by Mitheral at 4:09 PM on September 26, 2015

This is a two exposure solution. One photo for the interior, one for the windows, and combined in post. This is how every magazine interior shot is done. If you compromise and shoot halfway for both you'll end up with a bad shot. Use a tripod so your camera doesn't move.
posted by missmary6 at 4:43 PM on September 26, 2015 [1 favorite]

And, if you're always having the outside washed out, buy a cheap polarizing filter for your camera (if you have a dslr) which will darken down the sky, and bring out clouds.
posted by missmary6 at 4:47 PM on September 26, 2015

If you don't mind the inside looking pretty dark in these shots that showcase the view, it could be as simple as making sure the camera is metering to the outside view.

But as Mitheral said, this is a GREAT use case for fill flash. external flash is way better if you have it, bounced off the ceiling. It may be challenging to avoid a flash off the window unless it's all wide open.

Another compromise is if you shoot RAW and have Lightroom or Photoshop, try to get the window exposed right and the room too dark, raise the exposure, then use a filter over the windows to adjust those exposures back down.

IDEAL is a two exposure shot, but a fill flash would be close second if you can keep the flash from bouncing on the glass.
posted by randomkeystrike at 6:45 PM on September 26, 2015

An easy workaround which just might solve this problem for you would be to try using the HDR function on your iPad or phone. Make sure to hold really still, though.
posted by Namlit at 12:34 AM on September 27, 2015 [2 favorites]