This article on how to use a polarizing filter is written by Steve Perry (website | YouTube | Facebook). You can check also his previous article “How to use Nikon’s AF-ON and back button autofocus“.
Quick – What do you think a polarizing filter is used for?
If you said, “blue skies” then you’re certainly among the majority of photographers. However, that answer merely skims the surface of what a polarizer is really capable of.
The primary purpose of a polarizing filter is to remove reflections. I know, that doesn’t seem like something you should be losing any sleep over, but stick with me here. Once you discover how to really take full advantage of your polarizer, it can truly catapult your images to the next level.
Here’s the thing. Polarizers are one of the very few filters that simply cannot be duplicated in post processing software. The effect they achieve can only be accomplished on location, in the field, attached to the front of your lens.
In short, you really need to know how to use this tool!
In the embedded video above, we’ll look at why you need one, when to use it, and how to use it under a variety of scenarios.
Wagner Falls (38mm, FX)
For this image, a polarizer was essential for showing detail under the water. Without the polarizer, the reflection completely obscured all the rocks beneath the surface of the creek and created a reflection that distracted attention away from the falling water.
