Circ Pol for park shots?

[stitchbug]

I'm taking some family photos in the park in a couple weeks.
I set the time for 4pm for better light, but was wondering whether or not I should use a CP filter while shooting.
I don't know much about CP filters, but I thought they're to be used when photographing landscapes/oceans/reflective.
Will there be any benefit to using one for a family shoot?

[wulf]

Circular polarizer? Their main role is damping down unwanted reflections, so could be useful if some of the people wear glasses. If you do take one though, do some practise first so you understand what it does and how to use it. Unfamiliar gear is best used when it doesn't matter if you make mistakes.

Wulf

[SarahN]

Originally Posted by stitchbug

I'm taking some family photos in the park in a couple weeks.
I set the time for 4pm for better light, but was wondering whether or not I should use a CP filter while shooting.
I don't know much about CP filters, but I thought they're to be used when photographing landscapes/oceans/reflective.
Will there be any benefit to using one for a family shoot?

I shoot around that time anytime I do a shoot (or can help it) and never use any filters. I don't know if it'd be BAD to use one, but you certainly don't need it to get great shots.

[Benji]

The one and only time I used a CP filter on people it gave her an "alien skin" look. I'm sure glad I only used it on a couple of shots. My suggestion is NOT to use it.

Benji

[dcclark]

One possible issue is that polarizers can absorb 1 or 2 stops of light. If you're shooting in the later afternoon, especially on a dim day, this could make your shutter speed awfully slow.

BUT -- I highly recommend trying it first. Maybe do a few practice shots, or go out another day and try. You might discover that you like it!

[RicF964]

I'm amazed at the thoughts behind polarizing filters. Whenever I'm outside during the day I have one on my camera. It helps with blown out sky, not just reflections. It also helps with saturation. As far as using it with people in the picture, I've never had alien looking results. To know where the polarized light is, point your index finger at the sun and pivot your hand right and left. Wherever your thumb is pointing is polarized light.

However, that being said you should always test before you do something as important as this shoot. Bring it with you. They don't weigh much or take up much room; if you don't like the results put it away and keep shooting.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by RicF964

To know where the polarized light is, point your index finger at the sun and pivot your hand right and left. Wherever your thumb is pointing is polarized light.

Ah yes the old "make a gun" trick to tell where maximum polarization will be. This means maximum polarization at the horizon (or anything else straight ahead like people) will be when the sun is directly overhead.

Benji

[stitchbug]

Originally Posted by RicF964

I'm amazed at the thoughts behind polarizing filters. Whenever I'm outside during the day I have one on my camera. It helps with blown out sky, not just reflections. It also helps with saturation. As far as using it with people in the picture, I've never had alien looking results. To know where the polarized light is, point your index finger at the sun and pivot your hand right and left. Wherever your thumb is pointing is polarized light.

However, that being said you should always test before you do something as important as this shoot. Bring it with you. They don't weigh much or take up much room; if you don't like the results put it away and keep shooting.

This is why I was asking...I had read somewhere about using a CP for this reason...
I'll just try it before the shoot and see what I thin kabout the results!

[ashwanik]

Originally Posted by RicF964

I'm amazed at the thoughts behind polarizing filters. Whenever I'm outside during the day I have one on my camera. It helps with blown out sky, not just reflections. It also helps with saturation. As far as using it with people in the picture, I've never had alien looking results. To know where the polarized light is, point your index finger at the sun and pivot your hand right and left. Wherever your thumb is pointing is polarized light.

However, that being said you should always test before you do something as important as this shoot. Bring it with you. They don't weigh much or take up much room; if you don't like the results put it away and keep shooting.

I can't understand your index finger and thumb suggestion. Please clarify it.I am new to this. Regards

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by ashwanik

I can't understand your index finger and thumb suggestion. Please clarify it.I am new to this. Regards

Here's the trick: polarizers work better depending on which direction you point them, relative to the sun.

Suppose you point your index finger at the sun, and keep your thumb sticking straight out (perpindicular) to your hand. Then, if you rotate your arm and keep the index finger pointed at the sun, your thumb will point to a big circular area of sky. If you point your polarizer at any of those areas where your thumb pointed, that's where you'll get the most dramatic polarizing effect.

The polarizer will still work just fine pointing other directions, but "90 degrees away from the sun" is where it will give you really seriously dark blue skies. Give it a try on a sunny day and see what I mean.