I often look for opportunities to photograph cityscapes. Besides the obvious, flying from a helicopter/plane, or flying a drone, the next best viewpoint is from high atop a structure. One of the best places to do this is Tokyo, Japan. There are many buildings that allow access to the top floors with an observation area. The only drawback to this is, most photo's must be taken through a window, which introduces glare to the equation. There are several options that can be used to reduce or eliminate glare when photographing through a window.
Below is the original photograph and two of the same image that were digitally enhanced to achieve the desired result of no glare. I captured this photograph while on the observation floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. A quick ride in the elevator to the 45th floor and I was rewarded with stunning views. As I quickly and methodically capture picture after picture I realized there was an annoying glare of either me standing in the reflection, or the reflection of some other object. In the first picture below, labeled original, there is a streak of light on the bottom portion of the photograph. Additionally, there are other flaws that I'll show you on the second photograph.
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| ORIGINAL |
The photo below has been digitally enhanced to show more flaws. In the left middle third of the picture there are squares. Although slightly noticeable in my original photograph, once enlarged it becomes apparent there are more flaws.
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| ENHANCED |
The last photograph I applied a Photoshop technique. Don't worry, keep reading if you do not have Photoshop. There are other techniques that you can use, and it is the preferred method; while capturing your photos. Back to Photoshop, there is a tool and it's called the "Lasso Tool" click on the "Lasso" and draw a close line around the flaw you want to eliminate - Then go to the "Menu Bar" and click "Edit" - Scroll down to "Fill and click - Ensure under "Contents - Foreground" is selected. Under "Blending - Mode" - Select "Normal - And finally ensure the "Opacity" is 100% - Click okay, and voila` just like magic it's gone. See the photo below.
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| FINAL |
Finally, the preferred method is not to have the glare from the beginning. One technique you can use is to place the camera lens directly, or as close as possible to the object that is creating glare. Which is usually glass. One final technique is to use a polarizing filter. However, these can be expensive if you purchase a quality filter. The ultimate goal in photography is to create a photograph that you envision. By applying these techniques you can either eliminate the flaw at the time of the shot, or use the Photoshop method. As a note, the Photoshop method has limitations, so while experimenting you will learn what can or cannot be eliminated.
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