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.
Lens Flare – How to avoid it
One of the problems a photographer has to deal with when shooting into the light is lens flare. Here I show you some tips on how to prevent it.
Hooksounds Music Review
Hooksounds is a music licensing agency with a difference. In this review I’m going to tell you all about them.
Hanging Gallows at Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down
The hanging gallows of Combe Gibbet, on Gallows Down near the village of Combe, West Berkshire / Hampshire border is a great photography location.
Spring in Slovenia Workshop – Trip Report
My recent Spring in Slovenia photography workshop was a great success, and we had some lovely conditions too. After a week of late spring snow in the high grounds, we were treated to some beautiful snowcapped mountains and fabulous light.
It’s all about the light, not about Photoshop
It’s all about the light and not about photoshop. While many believe that photoshop is some kind of magic tool for photographers, it isn’t.
Patience and perseverance – How I Got the Shot
Losinj Island Boathouse View and Sunrise – Read the story behind how I got the shot I had envisioned when first chancing upon this scene.
