What does a polarizing filter do to water?

By Ian Middleton

Tutorials, Photography Tips

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When photographing water, consider using a polarizing filter.

In my previous entry, two great polarizing filter effects, I showed you how a polarizing filter can be used to cut out haze in the sky or on mountains, and boost contrast. But what does a polarizing filter do to water? Well, simply put, a polarizing filter reduces glare and darkens reflections on water. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on whether the reflections are wanted or not.

The two images below show you the difference. I took the first photo without polarization applied, and you can see that the sky and hotel are both nicely reflected in the water, helping to create a mirror image.

In the second photo, I applied full polarization to the scene. As you can see, the clouds are no longer visible in the water because the polarizing filter has darkened the water down and cut out the reflection.

Without polarizing filter

With polarizing filter

Lake Bled

The same goes for this classic view of Lake Bled in Slovenia from Osojnica viewpoint. In the first photo the water is much brighter without the polarizing filter applied, but in the second photo with full polarization the water has been darkened down. This has the effect of making the church and colours stand out more in the photo.

Without polarizing filter

With polarizing filter

Which are better?

Personally, I like them all. Each has its own appeal. What do you think? Leave your comments below…

So if you haven’t got one, get out there now and add this great filter to your camera kit. I recommend these two makes. I used the Hoya Pro Digital circular polariser for these two images above, which I still have. I also now use a Kase magnetic filter that came with their K9 filter holder. You can see what I think of this in the video below.

Get the right size for your lens

Be sure to check the diameter size of your lens so that you buy the right size filter. To do this, look on the front of your lens for the diameter in millimetres. As an example you can see on the righthand side of the lens in the photo here is 77mm.

My book

Learn Photography

For a more comprehensive look at photography, check out my book, available to buy at Amazon.

Shedding light on all the photography basics in one book.

Want to know how to take better photos? Well, first you need to master the basic techniques. Whether you are a complete beginner or an intermediate looking to improve your photography, this book is packed with photography techniques, tips and advice for beginners and intermediates.

All the camera functions and their effects explained.

Sun rising over Lake Bled and the island church of the assumption of Mary with the Karavanke mountains in the background, Slovenia.

Favourite photos

My Favourite Photoshoots of 2024

I thought I would start the new year with a review of my favourite photoshoots throughout 2024. While I got some good stuff every month, I have focused on the months that produced some of my best and favourite photographic moments.

Stitched panorama of Jamnik church of Saints Primus and Felician, perched on a hill on the Jelovica Plateau with the kamnik alps and Storzic mountain in the background, Slovenia.

Tutorials

How to create a stitched panoramic photo

In my latest YouTube video, I show you how to create a stitched panoramic photo, filmed at Jamnik Church in Slovenia, a great location for panos.

In my video, I use the Benro 34clv levelling tripod to ensure all frames are perfectly level as you pan across the scene. In addition to this, you will also see how I use the Shutter remote control app to help compose the images and trigger each shot without having the touch the camera at all.

Photography Tips

Camera Filters, are they still useful?

There are people out there who argue that camera filters are no longer necessary in the age of digital photography. However, there are some which cannot be simulated such as a polariser, and an ND. The fact is there are numerous occasions when a camera filter can and should be used.