Circular polarizers and portrait photos

[bigone5500]

Is it a good idea to use a CP when photographing people for portraits? I'm talking about doing these outside too.

[OsmosisStudios]

Not really necessary. A CPL reduces glare coming from non-metallic objects, of which you likely wont have much in portraits. It also increases saturation, which can be done more selectively in post. It ALSO robs 2-3 stops of light in the process, which can be critical in less-than-ideal conditions.

[bigone5500]

Thanks. I'm wondering though if I were photographing someone who had an oily complection, would that filter help in removing some of the shininess of their skin? I'm also wondering if I were to up the exposure on camera, would that offset the increase in f-stops?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by bigone5500

Thanks. I'm wondering though if I were photographing someone who had an oily complection, would that filter help in removing some of the shininess of their skin? I'm also wondering if I were to up the exposure on camera, would that offset the increase in f-stops?

Oily skin is a simply fix: foundation and other makeup. No need for a CPL there

As for exposure: remember that the camera meters through the lens, and therefore meters with the filter on. It has adjusted itself already when it gives you exposure readings. You'll just notice that, with the same scene, if you take the filter off, you'll be overexposing.