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.
Neowise comet meets lightning
The story behind the photo I captured of Neowise comet over the Kamnik Alps just as lighning striked over the Kamnik Alps in Slovenia.
Spring in Slovenia – Flowers and Snowcapped Mountains
It starts gently. Weeks before the mountain passes clear and the tourist coaches roll in, something remarkable happens in the hillsides and meadows. Tens of thousands of crocuses and other spring flowers push up through still, cold grass, carpeting the hillsides in soft violet and mauve almost overnight. They don’t announce themselves. You simply round a bend, and there they are.
Bear Essentials – EOS Magazine
Since 2015 , I have been privileged to visit and photograph the beautiful brown bears that roam the heavily forested country of Slovenia. This article was written for EOS Magazine and has just been published.
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.
Finding a new perspective
At first I was annoyed when the usual road to Sveta Ana church was closed and I was diverted through the village of Kamnik pod Krimom. But when I chanced upon this viewpoint showing both these churches in an adjacent setting, I forgave them. It just goes to show how driving around can reveal all sorts of different perspectives.
Slovenia Autumn Workshop Report
Bad weather should never stop a workshop. It’s an opportunity to show just what you CAN photograph & how best to utilise the conditions. On mu Slovenia autumn workshop, we did just that.
