How to shoot the stained glass windows of the church well

Stained glass windows are the initial goal of great photographers. Cathedrals are usually good buildings with beautiful glass windows. From the sharp top of the tower, the carved main entrance, the grotesque figure next to the arch, to the commemorative tombstone inside, they all have their own characteristics. However, stained glass windows are most suitable for photographers. Colored glass windows give us rich colors and beauty. However, usually the more colors you take, the more difficult it is to process the picture. Here, I will explain common problems and solutions to help you improve your ability to seize opportunities. Then, we will see how to use digital technology to complete shooting.

First, let's look at the mistakes we are prone to make:

1, exposure

When you enter the church from a bright place outside, you will soon find how dark it is inside. Fortunately, our eyes can be adjusted immediately, and it is easy to see clearly in dim light. But film can't forgive dim light. Therefore, you need to use a slower shutter speed or flash. Pay attention to a flash rule: don't use a flash when shooting stained glass windows. In addition, many famous buildings prohibit the use of flash lights. Because the light of the flash will be refracted to the wall, resulting in adverse reactions. Another exception is that if you want to take pictures with light, let's talk about this problem below.

The brightest part of a church is usually stained glass in the sun. They are usually at a distance from you, so the camera can't just shoot the glass window. Look at our example above. The camera's automatic exposure system records the black environment and bright glass, which leads to the exposure error. Exposure can be used to compensate the periphery, and the light passing through the glass can also be used reasonably. The image on the left is more interesting, but the details in the window are destroyed. In other words, we can't get a perfect image here unless you are allowed to use a flash, and then you can take wonderful photos with light technology. In addition, we can fix the camera on a tripod and use long exposure. You also need an ND filter to prevent the glass from overexposure. Then, you can aim the flash at different dark places and activate the flash to illuminate all black areas. This is a very flexible technology. In many buildings, you need a flash permit, which usually costs a little money.

In addition, we can take two photos: an exposed shadow area and a highlighted bright area, and carefully combine the two in the image editing software. We can try it, and it is possible to get wonderful images. If you decide to shoot only stained glass, you can rely on the automatic metering system unless the windows are very bright. Then, you need proper exposure compensation.

2. Camera vibration

When using ISO 100 film, there is no flash, so we can set the shutter speed to 1/4 and the aperture value to f/2.8. At this time, the speed of holding the camera may not keep up, so it is best to use a tripod. If you are traveling with your family, it is definitely inconvenient to bring a tripod. But you can find a wall as a support. Lean the camera against the post by hand to form a bracket around the lens. Hold your breath and press the shutter at the right time. Don't forget, turn off the flash! If you use a digital camera, you can preview the shooting and see if you are satisfied. If you use a film camera, you can control the exposure according to the metering system.

3. Shooting angle

Obviously, the architect of this building didn't consider your requirements at first. So, you have to find a prop to support the camera so that the photos you take are parallel to the ground. So, you have to try different shooting angles. You will probably take that crooked photo. This is undoubtedly a failure.

It is easy to correct this problem on a digital camera. If you use a film camera, you can use a scanner to convert photos into digital format. Then, open the digital image in the image editing software. Select Select All (shortcut Ctrl+A), and then use the transformation tool to make adjustments. In Photoshop Elements, you can choose Transform from the Image menu. Then select the distortion and pull four corners to make the image look parallel to the bottom edge.

The glass window is too big.

Some stained glass windows are so spectacular that we can't even see the whole picture in the viewfinder of the camera, but many cameras have zoom lenses, which can set a wider angle. If this still doesn't work, you can take half a window and combine them into a photo with software.