Polarizer question
Oct 13, 2017 08:16:33 #
Oct 13, 2017 08:29:28 #
Wanderer2
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Much of the time to reduce glare (especially on still water), darken a blue sky, increase cloud contrast and saturation in scenes with trees, etc. The often stated idea that polarizers only work when the sun is at a 90 degree angle to the plane of shooting is incorrect. There is zero effect when the sun is directly behind or in front of the camera but as the angle is increased the amount of polarization gradually increases to a peak at ninety degrees. At least that's my experience from shooting thousands of images with one.
Oct 13, 2017 08:31:50 #
I polarize nearly 80-90% of my 'scapes. On cloudy days, there are still often spectral highlights that can be eliminated. Everybody knows about blue skies. I used to love Fuji Velvia for its contrast and a CP very often "pops" the contrast in my digitals. Just vary the amount of Polarization or your shots will all "develop" a same-ol'-same-ol' look.
Oct 13, 2017 08:32:54 #
billpilot
Loc: Baltimore County, MD
Almost all the time, especially if there is some water in the scene. It also gives some contrast with a blue sky and some clouds as it brings out the contrast.
Oct 13, 2017 08:35:50 #
I cannot speak on behalf of others but a landscape photographer uses the polarizer very often. I do.
I am sure you know that polarizers saturate colors, darken the sky at a 45 degree angle and eliminate reflections from non metallic surfaces. It is very useful not only when it is sunny but also after the rain eliminating unwanted reflections. It is great to photograph fall foliage. It is not good for people's portraits.
How often landscape photographers use polarizers? Very often.
I am sure you know that polarizers saturate colors, darken the sky at a 45 degree angle and eliminate reflections from non metallic surfaces. It is very useful not only when it is sunny but also after the rain eliminating unwanted reflections. It is great to photograph fall foliage. It is not good for people's portraits.
How often landscape photographers use polarizers? Very often.
Oct 13, 2017 08:36:19 #
Frankly, seldom. It used to live on my lens. I took it off to do some night shots and never put it back on. But it's always in my bag.
Oct 13, 2017 08:47:21 #
On a recent 12 day trip with a professional landscape photographer, I learned that a polarizer enhances color in those long-exposures before dawn and near-dark. I didn't believe it at first, thinking the polarization only works with the sun at 90 degrees, as per usual directions, but we made comparisons, and I'll be using my filter in these situations from now on.
Oct 13, 2017 08:49:30 #
AlfredU
Loc: Mooresville, NC
rmalarz wrote:
Almost every time.
--Bob
--Bob
Yeah, I'm with Bob all the way here. The effects of polarized light are one of the few things that can't be added in post. In addition to handling reflections, they cut haze and deepen blue skies. They even saturate colors in the rain. I never travel without one.
Oct 13, 2017 09:09:32 #
shuck wrote:
How often do you landscape photographers use a circular polarizer?
Almost always.
Oct 13, 2017 09:54:27 #
leftj
Loc: Texas
CO wrote:
I always have a polarizer with me for landscape photography. You have to watch out for uneven polarization across the sky when using a wide angle lens.
But do you use it?
Oct 13, 2017 10:03:45 #
Oct 13, 2017 10:05:08 #
shuck wrote:
How often do you landscape photographers use a circular polarizer?
I'm not much of a landscape photographer, but when I'm photographing a scene that could benefit from a polarizer, I try it with and without. It's great for revealing fish in ponds, darkening reflections and bringing out details in foliage, deepening the blue of skies, and adding that, "I'm wearing sunglasses" look.
Oct 13, 2017 10:09:20 #
Oct 13, 2017 10:17:45 #
G Brown wrote:
I use one regularly. You can get a better 'saturation' in woodland situations. No you don't need a blue blue sky but cloud definition can help.
It is light and simple to use - not overly expensive and doesn't take up much room.....What's not to like! Put it on when necessary or leave it OFF. Not every shot needs it. Having the choice is a wonderful thing!
It is light and simple to use - not overly expensive and doesn't take up much room.....What's not to like! Put it on when necessary or leave it OFF. Not every shot needs it. Having the choice is a wonderful thing!
That is a good statement of how I use a polarizer in my landscape work. Better cloud definition, without creating an artificially blue sky is the thing. Water and other reflective surfaces also often call for a polarizer. I don't use it all the time, but do enjoy its benefits when needed.
Oct 13, 2017 11:08:25 #
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