Photographing Stained
Glass Windows
Windows should be photographed with daylight color slide film and black
& white film in both transmitted and reflected light. Significant windows
should be recorded with a positive color film, such as Kodachrome, with
a low ISO, since it is more stable, and images should be printed on Resin-Coated
paper. Black & white images should be printed on fiber-based paper
to be considered archival. Photographing stained glass from the interior
is not difficult if a few basic pieces of equipment are used and if a few
simple rules are observed. A strong tripod, shutter cable release, light
meter, and camera with through-the-lens metering will make the job easier.
The key is to photograph windows in even, moderate daylight with the interior
dimmed (lights off and, if necessary, with the other windows covered).
Although some stained glass is dazzling in sunlight, the camera lens and
film react differently from the human eye, which can quickly equalize the
high contrast of light and dark glass. Film cannot discriminate this intense
contrast, and the result can be a washed-out exposure or "hot spots."
 Stained glass is an exterior feature as well as an interior one. As part of any preservation project, it should be photographed from the outside as well as the inside. Photo: Neal A. Vogel. |
A light meter should be used to average out variations within the window,
with special consideration for the focal point or most important feature
of the window, such as a face. Since there is no precise formula for obtaining
a balanced exposure, shots should be bracketed three to five shutter speeds
up and down to find the best exposure. When photographing on sunny days,
shoot away from the sun; shoot eastern windows in the afternoon, western
windows in the morning, southern windows at either time, and northern windows
at midday. The glass should also be photographed from the inside with reflected
light from a flash (positioned away from the camera to provide a raking
light and to avoid reflected "hot spots"). Although photographing
with a flash will neutralize the transmitted light and black out the glass,
interior photography is valuable because it reveals the location and condition
of the cames, braces, tie-wires, and other elements. Shoot the windows
as centered and straight on as possible to minimize distortion and to keep
the window frames from blocking details. Windows should also be photographed
from the outside if there is no protective glazing to interfere with the
view. This is particularly important with opalescent glass, which was often
meant to be read from the exterior as well. As a final note, to photograph
glass consistently well, it is essential to limit the variables (by using
the same film, camera, and lenses), and to record the camera settings,
to compare with the developed pictures and to adjust accordingly next time.
"The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded Glass" an Historic Preservation Brief
