How to Improve Your Photography with Circular Polarizers
Light is quite possibly the most important element of photography. The presence of light is what allows us to take photos in the first place. Sometimes, however, certain lighting conditions can introduce unwanted glares or reflections into your frame. When used properly, a circular polarizer filter can dramatically change the look of your image and help augment the light to capture the image you have in mind. The images featured below in this post are straight out of the camera. We want to show the most realistic results of using a CPL, without any post-processing edits.
Automotive Photography
An excellent example of the powerful effect of a circular polarizer is automotive photography. Cars are extremely reflective. Point your camera at a car without a CPL filter on a bright day and you will likely be unimpressed with the outcome. Each curve and angle of a vehicle catches and throws light differently creating an array of glares and reflections. You will also notice that you are unable to see anything through the front windshield. This can all be solved by simply screwing a circular polarizer onto the end of your lens. Rotate the filter until you see these reflections disappear before your eyes. In an instant, you can improve the quality and professionalism of your image.
Having one of these in your kit if you intend on shooting lots of automotive content is an absolute must. While there are times that shooting without a filter may help to create a stylized look, it is often best practice to keep a CPL on hand to get the most out of your images.
Landscape Photographers
Circular polarizers are also incredibly helpful for landscape photographers, especially those that often find themselves shooting on or near the water. Similar to a pair of polarizing sunglasses a fisherman may wear, these filters will cut through the surface glare, revealing what lies below. This is best represented in shallow, clear water, but the effects of a CPL can be seen no matter the depth or clarity. You will immediately recognize a difference in the glare coming off of the water as well as an improvement in the overall saturation of the image.
Another major effect CPL filters have on your image is how they deepen the colors of your sky. When shooting in bluebird conditions or even on a partly cloudy day, adding a CPL filter can help improve contrast and deepen the saturation. All in all, they are a must-have for any landscape photographer that is looking to enhance their image output.
Concluding Thoughts on CPLs
An additional benefit of having a CPL filter on the end of your lens is the added protection it provides for your front element. Our HGX Prime line of CPL filters comes with ultra-hardened, scratch-resistant glass, providing you peace of mind when out on a shoot. In addition to this, they offer up to almost 90% light transmission to your sensor with nearly zero reflection.
Circular Polarizers are simply a must-have item for any photographer. You may not realize how badly you needed one until you start shooting with them. They have the ability to improve your photos with nearly zero extra effort required. That sounds like a major win to us!
