This is the first in a series of blog posts about using a filter system for landscape photography. It is intended to be a supplement to my recently posted video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/hzpfRUabuQg?si=JmBdjxgGpU4YBkBF
This post will show the effects of the polarizing filter.
I use NiSi and Benro Filters. My Filter Holder is the NiSi V7 Holder, because of the design of the polarizer and how easy it is to attach and remove.
If properly applied the polarizing filter can be one of your most used and valuable filters. As many people know the polarizing filter will darken blue skies and bring out clouds. Notice on these examples (non-polarized is on the left, polarized is on the right) that the polarized example not only has a darker sky but the colors are richer and better defined, particularly in the grass and red roof.
In this example the glare on the surface of the water has been removed resulting in better definition of the tide pool.
Here we see an example of glare on the leaves (caused by moisture or oils on the foliage) even though it was a cloudy day the polarizer removes the washed out appearance of the leaves resulting in a rich green image.
In the last example is a demonstration of what to look for that might go wrong when using a polarizing filter. This may happen on clear blue sky days (it can also happen on cloudy days but is harder to notice). If you are using a wider angle lens and aiming the camera about 90 degrees from the sun you can get this effect of a dark band in the middle of the sky. Be careful to watch for all the effects that the polarizing filter applies when using it.
This ‘wonky’ effect can happen in many different circumstances and requires careful evaluation of the image whenever you apply a polarizing filter. My note on the very bottom is to remind me to explain that Variable Neutral Density filters are a combination of two polarizing filters which cancel out light and hence act like a Neutral Density filter. The problem is that using one polarizing filter may result in ‘wonky’ effects–using two at the same time has just doubled your chances! My recommendation is to use a filter system and the square type of ND filters.