 You know how we all look at photographs
shot by professional photographers, and think to ourselves, wow,
these are amazing skies, where in the world was this guy shooting?
Or, we see a photograph of the ocean, and it is sparkling clear with
sea creatures rippling through the its glass-like surface. This is no
coincidence, and is what makes a professional photograph a pro!
Though this does not mean that these advanced techniques are
restricted to professionals. Anyone, granted with a little practice,
and learning from their mistakes can do this.
What do Pros do Differently?
In order to understand how the images
turn out the way that they for these Pros, you must first understand
what polarization is. Without getting into all the technical
mambo-jumbo, suffice it to say that Polarization is a way of
filtering light in such a way that will block certain amount of light
coming in parallel to your lens. This “side” light as I like to
call it is what causes the water to look drab, the skies to appear
pale blue, and the greenery to look contrasty and unappealing.
Polarizer is an almost magical tool, which has an ability to restrict
only the light that causes your photographs to look washed out. A
polarizer is a filter which you mount on your camera's lens. It is
available in many sizes and types, so it almost does not matter what
camera you have, you will find one that fits. Make sure to by a
quality product. Even a 58mm diameter quality polarizer will cost
about 50 dollars. You ALWAYS get what you pay for. Stick to products
made in America, Europe or Japan, ones made in China, Philippines,
and Malaysia are often lower in quality.
One important aspect to keep in mind is
that professionals always scout their subjects ahead of their shoot,
and will observe the subject at different times of day, and often
will observe the same subject at different times of year. Most
photography lovers simply do not have the time to do that. But to
maximize your photographs and get the most out of them, with a
polarizing filter, there are some rules you should try to follow.
Rules to Polarizer Usage
A polarizing filter is an amazing tool,
but when used correctly, you will get maximum performance, and
improvement in your photographs. First of all, you achieve maximum
polarization when the sun is low in the sky. This means, mornings and
afternoons are better times to shoot landscapes with a polarizer,
than say at high noon. Most dramatic landscapes are not shot during
daytime, they are typically captured early or late; in either case,
the sun is low.
Sometimes, we cannot choose our
shooting time, and have to do best we can. When choosing your
shooting subject, try to place yourself with the sun being to your
left or right. If the light is at a 90 degree angle to the direction
in which you are shooting, you will get maximum polarization.
Do not shoot directly into the sun. The
effect of the polarizer is immediately visible, so look carefully,
and turn yourself, while looking at the change in the effect. Always
turn the little ring on the filter, and the polarization effect will
be increased or reduced. Remember, there is such a thing as the sky
being “too blue” and the water too clear and unnatural. The best
suggestion I can give you is to experiment. Always observe your
subject. When the sky is cloudless, and purely blue, your photograph
will turn out boring. Clouds change greatly when viewed though a
polarizer, so look for them, Always!
In Conclusion
There are many approaches that
professionals use to achieve those stunning landscapes we all enjoy.
You can come close. A polarizer when used properly, and with tips
given in this writing, will become a wonderful tool in your arsenal.
You will fall in love with it, I promise. Even when you shoot
portraits, and other subjects, you will find it useful. In my humble
opinion, a polarizer is an essential tool for every photographer,
amateur or a pro.
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