Many people believe that a polarizer is used to make the sky bluer and the clouds stand out against the blue sky…
without polarizer
with polarizer
While that is one side benefit of a polarizer, the actual use is to remove reflection whether it’s the glare off water, or other reflective surface or simply the blue of the sky reflecting upon the landscape. By removing the reflection, the true colors come to life giving an image more color and saturation…
without polarizer
with polarizer
A polarizer is a two ring filter that threads onto the lens and the outer ring rotates. You simply rotate the ring until you see the colors begin to warm up (or, yes, the sky turn darker blue). A polarizer is most effective at a ninety degree angle from the sun. Keep in mind that a polarizer will cost you from 1 1/2 – 2 stops of light. The camera will automatically meter through the polarizer but, you need to be aware that you will have a slower shutter speed when using a polarizer.
I use a polarizer on overcast days when there is foliage as well. It removes the grey cast of an overcast sky bringing out the rich colors. Another use for a polarizer is to take advantage of that two stop loss of light when you are photographing moving water and want that silky look or want a slower shutter speed and the light is too bright…
There are two types of polarizer, the standard version and a circular polarizer. Digital cameras need a circular polarizer to work with the metering system. So, if you don’t have a circular polarizer in your bag, now is a good time to add one.
