No polarizing filter vs polarizing filter

[clockdoc]

Several members have asked me about the use of polarizing filters. Here is a shot of a gym floor without the use of a polarizing filter. Note the reflections of the lights from the ceiling in the floor.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/800835529/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/800835529_63fe87b070.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC01223_no polarizing" /></a>

Here is a shot from the same position but with a circular polarizing filter. A liner polarizing filter would have produced the same effect. Typically a dSLR requires the use of a circular polarizing filter so as to not affect the autofocus system.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/800835517/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/800835517_cccdb1294b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC01222_polarizing filter" /></a>

[Saralonde]

Thanks, Clockdoc. You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words :D.

[Teewinot]

Interesting! I must admit I've never thought to use my polarizer indoors....Thanks for sharing this great tip!

[sunsetter]

Several members have asked me about the use of polarizing filters. Here is a shot of a gym floor without the use of a polarizing filter. Note the reflections of the lights from the ceiling in the floor.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/800835529/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/800835529_63fe87b070.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC01223_no polarizing" /></a>

Here is a shot from the same position but with a circular polarizing filter. A liner polarizing filter would have produced the same effect. Typically a dSLR requires the use of a circular polarizing filter so as to not affect the autofocus system.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/800835517/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/800835517_cccdb1294b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC01222_polarizing filter" /></a>

Will the polarizing filter also reduce reflections when shooting thru a glass.
I just took pictures at a zoo thru a glass and have reflections in some of the photos. I had my polarizer with me didnt think about using it then.
Thanks- sunsetter

[Nicole]

Will the polarizing filter also reduce reflections when shooting thru a glass.
Yes, it will help reduce reflections on glass as well. :)

[clockdoc]

Hi Sunsetter,
Yes it will help to reduce reflections when shooting through glass. The key to using a polarizer is finding the correct angle that will cut the most glare. The books all say an angle of reflection between 50-60 degrees provides the most reduction. You can test this out without even having to take a picture. Just hold your polarizing filter in front of your eye and rotate it (you shouldn't have to turn it more than a quarter turn.) You should be able to see the reduction of reflections as you rotate the filter. Then experiment by changing the angle of your view. Having said all that, a polarizer will not reduce reflections from highly reflective metal (like chrome) nor will it do much good on an overcast day as the light is too scattered. It also acts somewhat like a neutral density filter and cuts the amount of light reaching the film or digital sensor. I look forward to seeing your results.

[sunsetter]

Thanks for the help.:)