Use polarizing filters to get effects even Photoshop cannot
Posted on September 27, 2008
Filed Under Photography lessons
Have you ever wondered about the tricks behind a stunning landscape photograph you have seen, that has a saturated and darker sky, vibrant colors and an excellent contrast? Polarizing filters is the answer you were looking for.
Polarizing filters can do many things that even the most powerful image editing tools like Photoshop can’t do. Read on to find out more about one of the must-have gear for all serious photographers.
What does a Polarizing filter do?
- A Polarizing filter eliminates the reflection of light on tiny water droplets and dust in the atmosphere and gives you the image of more saturated and slightly darker skies.
- Polarizers help you to get stunning images of rivers and seas – the filter gives more depth to the color of water as well as the water would look more clear and transparent.
- You can easily achieve enhanced color and contrast using polarizing filters.
- Shooting through reflecting glass is always a challenge. Use polarizing filter to eliminate reflections or glare on any surface.
Choosing the right polarizer
There are two types of polarizing filters, circular and linear. Compared to circular, linear is more effective and cheaper. But cameras having ‘through-the-lens’ metering system (basically auto-focus) cannot use it as linear polarizers make the metering of the cameras ineffective. So, you need to purchase a circular polarizer.
Before purchasing a polarizing filter, you have to choose the lenses with which you are going to use it – needless to say, you should have an SLR camera. Because filters are screwed on to the lens , you need to pay attention to the diameter of the ring, which is mentioned on the filter. For example, a 55 mm filter wont fit with a lens with 80 mm diameter. Filters with higher diameter are costlier than the lesser ones.
In order to avoid vignetting (darker corners on the picture), you shall consider slim polarizers or wide-angle polarizers while purchasing a filter for your wide-angle lens. Different brands of filters behave differently with different cameras. So, consult friends or experts, who have first hand experience, before purchasing one.
When to use a polarizing filter?
Polarizers work best when the sun is at 90 degrees. Bright sunny days are an ideal time to use the filter. There is an easy trick to identify the area where you will get maximum polarization. Turn your index finger into a gun with your thumb pointing upward. Then point your index finger towards the sun. The thumb will point towards where the polarization would be maximum.
If the sun is at the middle, you will get maximum polarization while shooting landscapes. The horizon will be photographed with a magical effect. There will be minimal or no polarization during evenings – when sun is right behind or front of you.
How does a Polarizing filter work?
Light is transmitted in waveform that travels in different directions at different sizes and rates. Coating on the polarizing filter – which can be treated as a microscopic filter – is composed of molecules, which naturally align in parallel relation to one another and absorbs any light matching their alignment. The filter passes only that light that does not match its orientation.
Light waves travel in all directions at different rates and sizes. When you rotate the filter to select the right effect you want, the polarizer permits certain light ranges and blocks the rest.
Here are some videos that show the kind of effects that Polarizing filters provide:
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