Skip to main content

Photo Tip #15: Silence the Photo Police (Pt. 8): Always Use A Polarizing Filter

First, what is a polarizing filter? A polarizing filter is a filter used to polarize the light. In other words it will take the glare off of shiny objects just like polarizing sunglasses. It does this by redirecting light (usually) at a 90 degree angle. It also helps to enhance blue skies. And although they work as advertised, too often photographers allow these filters live on their cameras because the salesman* at the camera store who sold them that filter told them to. The problem with this is that you will be loosing 1-2 stops of light all the time. While photographers are constantly trying to gather more light by purchasing more expensive lenses, a polarizing filter cuts down the light all the time. So use your polarizing filter only when you really need it; like when you are on a boat in the middle of the day. Don't let it live on the camera. What about the blue sky? That's what photoshop is for!

*A note about camera salesmen and camera stores. Very often we find the Photo Police like to congregate at camera stores and sometimes they are dressed as camera salesmen.


Safari Gift Certificates