Bad light: When shooting in bad light (noon) does using a polarized filter help...

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Bad light

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Jul 19, 2014 00:19:05 #

Lucius Loc: Denver, Colorado

When shooting in bad light (noon) does using a polarized filter help

Jul 19, 2014 00:27:30 #

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Lucius wrote:

When shooting in bad light (noon) does using a polarized filter help

There is no such thing as bad light (even though I have probably used that term myself).
And yes, a polariser can help in noon light if you know how to use it properly and depending on subject.
But if you are thinking "hey its noon, my polariser will fix that" then you will be sorely disappointed.

Jul 19, 2014 04:45:29 #

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Jul 19, 2014 04:49:15 #

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I find that to get a true sense of what a polarized filter can and cannot do is to take the time to thoroughly experiment with it.

Jul 19, 2014 05:59:14 #

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Lucius wrote:

When shooting in bad light (noon) does using a polarized filter help

yes as long as the sun is 90 degrees from the lens it will

Jul 19, 2014 08:48:38 #

Lucius Loc: Denver, Colorado

Thanks. I was tlhinking it would make the sun/light a little less harsh.

Jul 19, 2014 09:02:47 #

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Lucius wrote:

Thanks. I was tlhinking it would make the sun/light a little less harsh.

It can help a little, so it is worth trying, but I don't consider it an absolute. Sometimes it even seems to make things worse. In camera settings or post processing if you shoot raw may also help to mitigate the harsh contrast, deep shadows and bluish tint of mid day sun but nothing really cures it. A lens hood is another sometimes-helper, as is a broad brimmed hat, a shade tree or a passing cloud. Don't let anyone convince you to stop shooting in the middle of the day, but do maximize the better conditions early and late when possible.

Jul 19, 2014 09:12:39 #

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Just came in from a dawn shoot of downtown Austin from the new boardwalk along the lake here. I concur, if you can get your butt out of bed or miss dinner, the golden hours are magic. I've read that for mid-day portraits, try to find a gazebo or some other shaded location. It takes more work to shoot in the middle of the day, but you can work wonders in post these days.

Jul 19, 2014 09:13:01 #

Lucius Loc: Denver, Colorado

Thanks. I am going with a group and they want to experiment at this time a day

Jul 19, 2014 09:46:56 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Lucius wrote:

When shooting in bad light (noon) does using a polarized filter help

Experiment with fill-flash and/or reflectors, you will be pleasantly surprised. :)

Jul 19, 2014 17:03:17 #

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Lucius wrote:

Thanks. I was tlhinking it would make the sun/light a little less harsh.

Lucius, you seem to have a misconception.
Read up on why and how polarisers work.

In some ways they will make the light more harsh.
In some ways their effect could be described to make it less harsh.
Personally I would use one in these conditions, but less harsh is not the reason.
Better colour, better saturation, less glare off non-metal reflective surfaces, but be careful that you are not ruining or lessening any pleasant reflections.

Jul 19, 2014 18:34:24 #