If there's one important digital camera accessory that professional photographers carry apart from the lens, it has to be the polarizer. The pros that use DSLRs or the large-format film normally have various types of this accessory.
It cannot be denied that the polarizer does wonders to images. It has been used even before the introduction of the photo enhancement software known as the Photoshop. Firstly, this camera accessory improves the look of a scene by reducing or removing the glare and enhancing the overall color saturation. As an example, it can darken a blue sky to create a deep and crisp blue.
Compared to the current software programs that many people and professional photographers use today in editing their photos, the polarizer's effect is unbeatable. What's good about it is that, being a filter, it allows only certain light waves to pass through. As such, it eliminates the glare that is often seen on subjects and surfaces that reflect light. The result is a rich color in the images you capture.
The polarizer filter often comes in a circular shape and is used by mounting it on a plastic disk that has a metal or plastic ring frame that can be rotated. This is attached to the lens by screwing it or clipping it on the front part. The screw-in type is ideal if you use only a single lens. It is also good to use if all your lenses have similar filter thread.
The circular polarizer is designed for the SLR cameras with auto-focus feature. It should be understood, however, that it can also be used on the manual cameras.
In terms of thickness, experts strongly recommend using the thin polarizer. The reason is to avoid the problem of vignetting or the darkening in the corners of a photo which often occurs when using the thick type. The thin type of polarizer filter may just cost a little more and if possible, should be used together with wide-angle lenses.
When using this digital camera accessory, it helps to learn the effects it creates. Before shooting, you need to rotate the filter first to get the effect you want to achieve. Keep in mind that rotating the filter creates varied effect.
The polarizer is best for landscape photography. For those taking photos of scenic spots that include bodies of water such as the river, this accessory can help you achieve a more detailed image by reducing the reflections. When photographing a river, for instance, you will be able to make the water appear transparent using the polarizer. Additionally, it is a good idea to use this filter when capturing images of foliage.
It's very important to adjust the polarizer whenever you use it. You should know the effect you want to achieve so if you're not satisfied with what you see, always adjust and take another photo. It would also help if you take another photo of the same scene without the polarizer to make you see the difference.
For information about camera accessories, visit 42photo.com, New York's legendary camera store in business for over 40 years.
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