Bryan Peterson—How to use a Circular Polarizer from Adorama Learning Center

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Bryan Peterson—How to use a Circular Polarizer

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A PPSOP Video

By Bryan Peterson

July 2, 2012

Bryan Peterson shows you how to use a polarizing filter!

Watch and learn as Bryan Peterson demonstrates the reason why a circular polarizer is a "must-have" item for your camera. In this video Bryan shows you how to use a circular polarizer for landscape photography on sunny days. See how the polarizer creates more dramatic skies.

Bryan Peterson—How to use a Circular Polarizer

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About The Author

Bryan has been a successful photographer for over 30 years, and has been teaching photography for 20 years

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Exposure issues on recent trip to the Himalayas

Hi Bryan, I am an Anthropologist and I just returned from an expedition trekking through the Northern Himalayas of Himachal Predesh, India, and I did have some issues with my landscape photos being "washed out", as in your first photo here. I was using a Nikon D3000 with the standard 18-55mm lens. I did not bring my polarizer, which I see from your lesson here would have solved many of my issues. Since I brought several 16gb SD cards, as well as several spare batteries, I was able to somewhat compensate by shooting at a high resolution setting at 1000 speed. However, your tip on using the polaizer would have saved me a lot of grief--Thanks for the tip!

by E.Paison in Riverside, CA on July 23, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Who knew

I always understood the concept of a polarizing filter and improving contrast, but I wasn't aware that I should only be using it in side light situations. Thanks

by Grouperhound in Philly on July 20, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Easy to understand, concise and helpful

Bryan did a nice job and his presentation reminds me not to keep my CP filter on always as is my lazy default.

by Graphic Photography in Boston, MA on July 20, 2012

0 of 2 people found this comment helpful

Too fundamental

Didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. How about need for exposure compensation...or use on rainy days (as mentioned as a teaser)?

by Joenars in Brevard NC on July 20, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

B Peterson cp filter

short and sweet

by Swampman in Morgan Wi on July 17, 2012

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful

Circular Polarizer

First time I have really understand use of circular polarizer

by JK in Illinois on July 17, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Outstanding Tip

I have been using a polarizing filter wrong for years. But today thanks to Bryan I will never use it wrong again. Thanks BP!

by Rick M in Danville CA on July 13, 2012

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Circular Polarizer

I always love Bryan's tips. Easy to understand and to the point. Keep them coming.

by Sharp Shooter in Las Vegas, NV. on July 13, 2012

1 of 1 people found this comment helpful

When vs. how to use

It was effective in only one instance of when to use. I would have liked to know more applications (they do exist) and a bit of information on how he used the filter (maybe just add another minute of video to explain).

by Mike in Rochester, NY on July 12, 2012

1 of 2 people found this comment helpful

Limited Advice

A polarizer is also used to cut specular reflections even indoors. Also used to cut glare on metallic or shiny surfaces and light reflections on the water.

by tyrex in Dubai, UAE on July 12, 2012

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