Sunday 14 June 2015

How and when to use a polarizing filter.

 
Fuji X-T1, Rokinon 12mm, ISO 200, F/8, 1/20th sec, Formatt Hitech 0.9 Soft Edge Grad ND, Formatt Hitech Firecrest 95mm Cir Polarizer



Have you ever used polarized sunglasses and noticed how they reduce reflections, take away some of the atmospheric haze and made blue skies POP and white fluffy clouds look more details? Polarizing filters are very specialized filters that no amount of Photoshop or Lightroom can re-create. Polarizing filters in photography can help with all those mentioned above and some. They can help if you want to shoot through a window or some type of glass, they can help you "see through" the water and get those amazing details from below.

When I found this gorgeous piece of landscape last night, I immediately saw the amazing detail and colours of the old tree's roots under the water. At one time, this tree probably stood fairly tall, maybe the road was that far over and over the years erosion has had its wear and tear on the area.

I had to stop and think about how I could get those details to show up in the image, how could I turn my idea into reality? A circular polarizing filter! I use Formatt Hitech filters exclusively and I highly recommend them.

*Disclaimer* I am not compensated or sponsored by Formatt Hitech in any way

Formatt Hitech Circular Polarizing Filters

It doesn't look like much, but when used properly it can add some punch and drama to otherwise bland images, providing it is used in the right conditions.

By attaching this filter to your lens and rotating the outer ring, you can see the effect happen before your eyes. This allows you to vary the degree of polarization and where it effects scene. For my idea, I rotated it until it revealed the details below the surface of the water in the immediate foreground. It also helped the otherwise bland sky transform into a sky with some detail and contrast.

If you don't have a polarizer in your camera bag, you probably should. But keep in mind, there are some things to remember about using filters on your lens:

  • Make sure you buy a high quality filter with multi-coatings to help reduce flare or glare. Hoya, Heliopan, Formatt Hitech, B+W Filters are a few great brands that have top notch products.

  • Find one that is fairly neutral in it's colour transmission and isn't a warming or cooling polarizer, which can change the white balance or temperature of your image. White balance will be another topic for another day.

  • If you use UV or Clear Protection filters on your lens, remove this filter and put on your polarizer. Stacking filters can cause a reduction of sharpness and possibly vignetting.

  • Also be aware that polarizing filters can and will reduce the amount of light coming in to the cameras sensor up to 2.5 stops. This will reduce shutter speeds and can cause blurry images.

  • There is no real need to use a polarizing filter indoors.

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