Polarizing Filters for Photo and Video

d7e7r7

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May 30, 2009
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Here's a nice video on polarizing filters...

It might seem a bit basic for those knowledgeable in photography but will hopefully interest those who are wanting to widen their knowledge of photography.

The description of the video:
Polarizing filters are cheap but yet so important. They are simple to use, yet pretty hard to explain. I do my best to show you a few examples, and hopefully it's helpful. To use them you simply turn the filter around until the image looks good.

A polarizing filter will 'correct' the image in a way that cannot be adjusted or fixed in post processing. Forget Photoshop, camera picture styles, shutter speeds, aperture, or ISO settings. You can't fix what you didn't capture.

The video:
[video=vimeo;24839406]http://vimeo.com/24839406[/video]
Link to her page regarding polarizing filters: http://oliviatech.com/circular-polarizing-filters-if-theres-one-thing-you-need

And finally her blog if you want to read/watch a bit more of her photography tips/advice/reviews/etc: http://oliviatech.com/

Enjoy
:D
 
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genetic

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Apr 26, 2008
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37,594
When we shoot, we have a mat box filled up with polarizers, ND grads, IR filters and a pro-mist filter if need be, even for our smaller production shoots outdoors (video).

The image that results from all the glass is always far superior to what you can achieve in post production in After Effects and Final Cut Studio's Color.

I'm sure it's the same with stills photography.
 
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Elimentals

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Dec 11, 2010
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Thanx, this is exactly what I was looking for, but was told you dont need it with DSLR's

Hmmmm now to source me one.....
 

bwana

MyBroadband
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Feb 23, 2005
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Thanx, this is exactly what I was looking for, but was told you dont need it with DSLR's

Hmmmm now to source me one.....
You don't need UV filters - that's built in already. There's no substitute in post production though for CPLs. :)
 

RanzB

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Jul 4, 2007
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29,562
She's hot.

Regarding the polarising filters though, I read in Bryan Peterson's book that you have to be standing with the sun 90 degrees to your lens in order for the filter to be of any use. Makes sense if you've done physics.
 

Elimentals

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You don't need UV filters - that's built in already. There's no substitute in post production though for CPLs. :)

I currently use UV filters, but more so to protect the lens from dust and scratches, cheaper to replace filter than lens.
 

ponder

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Jan 22, 2005
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Regarding the polarising filters though, I read in Bryan Peterson's book that you have to be standing with the sun 90 degrees to your lens in order for the filter to be of any use. Makes sense if you've done physics.

Most of them have a marking on them so you can adjust orientation. You should see changes as you turn the filter so it does not have to be at 90 deg but that's when it's most effective.
Anyway, I reckon it's one of the most useful filters you can own.
 
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bwana

MyBroadband
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Feb 23, 2005
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I currently use UV filters, but more so to protect the lens from dust and scratches, cheaper to replace filter than lens.
A scratched or cracked lens I can replace - that's what my insurance is for - a once in a lifetime imaged ruined due to CA is another matter. Besides, most lenses come with all the protection you're likely to ever need in the form of a lens hood. ;)
 
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