Landscape Photography Ireland - Circular Porlariser's
I mentioned the importance of neutral density filters for landscape photography in a previous entry. Another key filter is the circular polariser. Landscape photography can often be an exercise in futility without this great filter. My polariser is primarily used for holding in details in blue skies, removing contrast from foregrounds and taking unwanted glare off rivers and waterfalls.
Prime time for landscape photography is unquestionably the magic hour, that special time as the day dawns or recedes with a magical colourful glow. The polariser is a great tool for getting great captivating images outside this special part of the day. This filter allows the photographer to hold in and deepen blue skies, take unwanted contrast off the foreground and remove glare from river and waterfall scenes.
In open scenes you must photograph across the light for best results. Little or no effect will be evident if your subject is front or back lit. In such situations contrast is removed from the FG and skies become a deep attractive blue. The circular polariser takes effect when rotated on your lens. A clear difference in FG contrast and sky colour will be evident through your viewfinder and within the final capture.
Another great benefit of using a polariser is the removal of glare from a river scene. Some benefit will be attained from front or back lit situations but the effect will be most evident when photographing across the light. When used in such a situation the filter allows you to maintain accurate colour within the river and maintain detail below the water as evident by the picture included in this entry. While glare on water can sometimes provide interesting viewing detail below the water surface generally makes for a better image. The use of a polariser also darkens the image by two stops. This means you can shoot with a slower shutter speed allowing the photographer to get more dynamic effects from the moving water.
All told this filter is truly a gem and its various functions are essential for any photographer interested in taking great landscape pictures outside the magic hour.