With and without a C-PL. © 2010 by Cultural photography from Asia | Craig Ferguson Images
Photographer (and Photog Friday Alumni) Craig Ferguson has done some great work using a Phottix Cicular Polarizing Filter (C-PL). Photographer Peter Carey used a Phottix C-PL in stunning panoramic shot of Mount Rainier.
A C-PL filter, which screws onto the end of a lens, is great for removing reflections in your photos from non-metallic surfaces (glass and water), and improving color saturation, clarity and contrast.
See the images above with and without a C-PL filter – a huge difference. If you’re doing a lot of outdoor shooting a C-PL filter is a great addition to your kit bag.
How do C-PL Filters work?
Without blinding you with science – C-PL filters only allow certain types of light into your lens, and stop others. This helps cut the reflections from glass and water, helping to boost the colors in the sky and foliage. If you’re interested in the science behind polarization take a look at this University of Colorado explanation and demo.
To adjust colors – turn the C-PL filter before taking a photo. You will see the image in your viewfinder change – getting darker, then lighter, as the effect increases then decreases. Take a photo when you have adjusted the filter to colors and tones your are happy with. Chimp, and try again. Using a C-PL filter does take practice. Polarizing filters will absorb 1.5 to 2 stops of light. Be prepared to adjust your exposure.
Click over to the Phottix Store to purchase a C-PL filter for your lens. Phottix C-PL Filters are made from German glass and optimized for digital cameras.
Craig Ferguson, photographer of the above images, has a great Photo Tip series appearing on his blog. I recommend giving it a read.
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