5 Top Tips On Photographing Stained Glass Windows
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Loading... - Beatrice Serra
- 13 Apr 2023
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Stained glass windows are a photogenic subject but they can be a nightmare to photograph. Here are a few tips to help you perfect your technique.
1. What Gear Will I Need?
- Telephoto zoom lens – Gets you close to the window without having to climb a ladder
- Wide-angle lens – Useful for when the window's particularly large
- Tripod – In dark churches you need a sturdy tripod
- Remote release – minimise shake
2. Support
When you walk through the doors of a church you instantly notice how dark the interior is and as flash is banned from most historical buildings you'll be relying on long exposures to get your shot. As a result, a tripod and remote release are essential pieces of kit but if you're out for the day with the family and didn't plan on stumbling across a stained glass window you just had to photograph you need to look for a wall you can put your camera on or find a pillar you can rest against while you take your shot. Just remember to keep your arms tucked into your body and hold your breath while you fire the shutter to minimise shake.
Not all churches will allow photographers to use tripods or if they do there may be a fee so it's best to double-check before you start taking your shots.
3. Position
In an ideal world, you'd be able to use a ladder or even scaffolding to get you directly in line with the window to minimise distortion but as people would be a little upset if you started erecting poles in the middle of a church, you need to find a spot further back from the window and use a longer lens to zoom into the stained glass. If you can't find a position that lines you up with the centre of the window take the shot anyway as you can edit this as well as problems with converging verticals once you're back home. Read More…
