Photo Tips on Polarizing Filters
It occurred to me that I have mentioned polarizing filters in a few of my blog posts, without going into detail about what they really do. So here goes!
You may have used polarizing sunglasses? And noticed how they cut down glare and reflections in sunny weather. This is what a polarizing filter does when used as a filter with your digicam. Well - you need to have a screw-in thread on the front of the camera lens, or you can’t attach the filter. And simple point-and-shoot digicams usually don’t have that.
What to do then? OK, you can use those polarizing sunglasses instead! While not as convenient to use as a real polarizing filter, it is a workable solution. You need to rotate the sunglasses to find the angle which gives the best effect.
So what does that effect look like? Here below is an example (images by “Shiny Things“).
This is a scene from the harbour in Key West, Florida. Now, notice…
1. The water in the polarized version looks brighter and more transparent - you feel like diving into it!
2. The sky in the polarized version has a more saturated blue tone
3. And not only that, but: the palm trees in the distance have a more saturated green color!
Which version do you prefer? Yes, I thought so - the polarized version.
In sunny weather, a polarizing filter is extremely useful for making all kinds of objects look better. It is especially powerful for making the blue sky darker and more saturated. And as you can see in the example here, it also cuts down reflections in water - making the water look more like in those ads from the travel agents. Even the distant palm trees come out with a more natural-looking green color.
These effects will be most noticeable if you make the picture in sidelight - that is, with the sunlight coming in from either side. If you have the sun behind you, or shoot into the sun, you won’t notice much of an effect.
Also, there is no point in using a polarizing filter on overcast days - try it yourself, you won’t see any effect in such weather.
But on those sunny days a polarizer is really a must-have. For instance, if you have to take a picture through a glass window, then a polarizer may reduce those annoying reflections in the glass.
The most common type of polarizing filter is a “circular polarizer“. Such a filter is rotatable, and you rotate it until you see the maximum effect when looking through the viewfinder.
Photo credit: filter picture by “ninjapoodles“.
