When to Use a Polarizing Filter for the Best Results

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I can't believe the support this video has gotten, wow! I posted it over four years ago as only the second video on my channel. Well, I suck at self promotion, but I thought it would be a good idea to mention here that I just published a Patreon page if you enjoyed this video. All of my current projects are there, including my composition ebook and the online workshops that I'm hosting. patreon.com/PhotographyLifeBlog

[@drmiteshtrivedi]

Wow. This has to be the clearest, most succint and complete answer to a question Ive ever searched on the internet. Great work

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Wow, thank you, Mitesh! Glad it was so useful.

[@TheCryptonomatron]

Agreed, first video I searched and got all the answers I was looking for and more.

[@JeffPelletier]

As so many others have said, awesome explanation on what can be a confusing subject. Good pacing, nice use of on-screen graphics to emphasize key points, and I really liked seeing the demonstrations.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Jeff, really appreciate the feedback!

[@julesselmes]

I have to admit to being ’ageist’! “What does this ‘12 year old’ kid know?” Turns out this guy’s delivery is one of the most professional and engaging on KZbin. Excellent work Spencer!

[@videofan006]

Hi Spencer, thanks. I am surprised to find in this age someone who without extra whistles, within super condensed time, with excellent examples, very well illustrating the subject, EXPLAINED MORE, than quite a few super stars of the photography channels, and did it in a calm, and very tactful way. Old saying has it that to know is one, but to know how to convey it to the rest of us, is quite another thing. You've got both! Thanks again, subscribed!

[@SeptemRoptem]

bro woke up and chose quality

[@BocaBabee]

One of the best straight forward explanation I have reviewed (for a beginner popularizer user). Heading out to do Stone Mt landscapes and this was perfect. Thanks Spencer!

[@BigOvlogger]

An outstanding video. Two thumbs up from Kingsport, Tennessee!

[@damagecontrolful]

Really GREAT - your videos are well executed, clearly explained and helpful, Thank You.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Kenny!

[@BigOvlogger]

You EARNED a new subscriber.

[@kqschwarz]

Best description of polarizers ever. I was going to mention the effect of “angle” can create banding in the sky with panoramas, but you did mention that along with a caution to using a polarizer with wide angle lenses. Great job.

[@theideastring4706]

4:50 Wow! You simplify the effect of polarisers with a "rule of thumb". Excellent explanation, thanks for doing this.

[@Stephy2387]

Finally someone who can explain it in such a clear concise way, without of the BS many others post! Thank you xx

[@seanandrew3833]

You just won me over. Very simple but straight forward explanation.

[@cameronrramos]

This is the only video on this subject that made sense and wasn’t over produced - clear and to the point. Thanks!

[@AnandaGarden]

Way to go, Spencer. I've enjoyed your articles, good to meet you on video. I think this is a first-rate overview, well worth 6 minutes of my time.

[@cdliteistubing]

Best photography tutorial I've seen yet. Definitely subscribing to this channel. Thank you.

[@stefansmuts8882]

Awesome Spencer! Great to see you on camera. I've been reading your articles for years now and I am very glad to see you making the transition to video. I look forward to the next video. Keep it up!

[@brendanclark81]

Absolutely an excellent and informative video.

[@jpbarcelos]

great summary.

[@guffygolfer]

Straight to the point and no BS introduction. Thank you so much. Excellent

[@robertmerrifield9456]

This was a good explanation of how to use the filter in layman's terms. Especially good for someone with moderate photography skills.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback, Robert! Glad you liked the video.

[@BigOvlogger]

I am more of a videographer than a photographer. I do take photos but I record tons of videos. I just purchased a Canon XA50, new, for $850. I got a super deal on it. I have experienced problems with all of my cameras when the sun was SUPER bright. Oh, that overexposed footage! What polarizer would you recommend for my Canon XA50 camcorder?

[@aram5642]

Fantastic explanation! To the point, very informative and practical - unlike all those that I had watched prior to coming here. Great tip with the non-polarized sunglasses. I knew pilots are not allowed to use them, but somehow I have never applied it to photo-shooting. Thanks a lot!

[@50deserteagle]

Where have you been all my photography life? Man you have answer just about all my questions. Thanks for sharing👍🏾👏

[@richardgreene5119]

Well executed, lad! I subscribed for your concise, to-the-point relevant conveyance of experiential practice.

[@SDA0271]

FINALLY! I found a video that explained it the straight forward no nonsense way. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, glad you liked it!

[@tomlee812]

Really enjoying this series. Thanks for making things so clear and effective.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Tom, I appreciate the feedback!

[@yukonchris]

Just found your site. Well done! I like useful information without all the puff and filler. That seems to be your approach. I have subscribed.

[@caelanwilliamson4284]

Clean explanation.

[@Ten16Media]

One of the BEST info videos I've ever watched... to the POINT! And did that the entire video! Thank you

[@patricksteinmetz44]

Outstanding tutorial. Well done. Thanks for posting.

[@jamiequinlan]

Finally a good explanation! Always wondered why there was no min or max markings on it!

[@eviem70]

Why do you only have 24K subscribers? I learned a lot just by watching this video. I’m glad I found your channel. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks, Eva! And I'm glad you found our channel as well. We've only recently started posting more content to it so hopefully that subscriber count will go up proportionally.

[@JebSmith]

Great video and to the point, thank you.

[@joonykids]

You are a natural teacher!!!!!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you!!

[@KostasLazanas]

Bro just wanted to say this was a fantastic review

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you found it useful, thanks Kostas!

[@ianmartin5389]

A wonderful education video.! Clearly explained and very well delivered. You are a true teacher.

[@UAEM4]

The best video that explains the Polarizer

[@gauravkarambelkar]

Thanks Spencer! Very well explained!

[@kenloyd]

Nice job, well thought out and I appreciate the "...when not to use a polarizer" Rarely see that counter intutive approach and I dig it.

[@wilfs1196]

Excellent video, Spencer !

[@defyingtheodds1987]

This video is well thought out with perfect examples of how cpl filter work ! Great stuff!

[@RJ-wy6cx]

This is an absolutely awesome very very informative video one of the best I have watched about the lens polarizing filters

[@jamespilz1529]

great video! Nicely done with lots of good info.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks, James, glad you liked it!

[@mostirreverent]

they are great for macro work, in that they cut the shine/glare of leaves.

[@michaelhawkins1173]

Really terrific video so helpful. My shots suffer from reflective glare from the coat of our pet. I will now try the filter. Thank you.

[@PositiveEmo]

just bought a CPL and was trying to figure out why i didnt have any markings on them. Thanks!

[@davidniemela6605]

Spencer, your videos are excellent! In 4:14 of this video, I have a framed photo of this exact same rock formation from a past vacation. Keep up your great work.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

No way! That's awesome. It's such a cool place.

[@colinmelhuish1254]

So well explained, pace was perfect, Being knowledgeable is one thing , being able to impart that knowledge that is easily absorbed by the listener and clearly understood is another. You succeed on all accounts.Thanks for posting. Have subscribed

[@JasonLorette]

This was a really great explanation, I've honestly never used one and want to try using one.

[@murrayjb2883]

Such a well explained concept.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

That was a great tutorial on CPL. Thank you. As soon as I watched this I was thinking about a recent landscape image I took of the wildflower bloom in CA. I have an awesome Breakthrough CPL and did not even think about trying it to see how it would have effected the image....Damn! Next time I will. Thanks again for another fine tutorial.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked the tutorial, Steve! The wildflowers would have been pretty awesome with a polarizer, that's true. I've seen some other photographers' photos of the bloom, though, and I'm sure you got some great images regardless - really beautiful landscape.

[@michaelvail2446]

I learned to use CPL's by trial and error. Many will benefit from this "how to" video; well done!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Same here, Michael! Hopefully this video makes the process quicker for first-time polarizer users :)

[@edilsonfaberruizrivera7262]

Easy and awesome explanation👍

[@BillLivingstone]

Great video! Straight to the point and lots of useful information. I like the simple suggestion of figuring out 90 degrees using your hand!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you found it useful! I remember feeling surprised when I learned that tip, that it's not talked about so much. I've used it a lot since then.

[@malgorzatagodziebiewska7024]

Another simply great video. Still, I'm looking for an answer: Why doesn't my 100-400mm telephoto want to take sharp photos with a polarizing filter? Neither on MF nor AF... I have a K&F Concept filter. If you have any ideas, I would appreciate the info.

[@ELECTECHNUT]

BEST POLARIZER INFO SOURCE EVER! I suggest posting more "video" examples, showing the effects of rotating the filter. The dramatic benefits would be more evident to your subscribers! 😎👍 (scenes to consider: glossy cars, iridescent bird plumage, flowers/background, water/sky combination, portrait shots.)

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it that much! Thanks for the feedback, I’ll try to post more example shots next time I talk about polarizers.

[@QuanTranVisuals]

Well, this is definitely the best cpl explanation video on KZbin. Thank you sir.

[@training7574]

Very well made and content rich video, thanks.

[@subrotomitra]

Wonderfully explained

[@terrierlover]

I bought the polar pro filter and one of the best decisions I ever made.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you’ve had good luck with it!

[@ericfreutel8240]

Superb presentation. Thank you.

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Crushed it man! great explanation! Than you

[@ErtOzk]

Came here after watching 5 video and didn't see actual difference. By far the best video.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks for saying so! Glad you found this one to be useful.

[@sanwong3180]

Thank you for sharing great tips, Spencer Cox!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Sorry I was a bit slow to get back, but I'm glad you liked it!

[@markielinhart]

Great video, thank you. One question about polarising filters, how effective are they in monochrome photography - as in camera mono not post mono? Thanks again✌️🌻

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! They’re extremely helpful. They darken the sky even in monochrome, which is great because B&W skies commonly show up too bright. And they still have the glare/haze removal qualities, so they’re still helpful in revealing more subject detail (even though improving the subject’s color saturation is no longer relevant).

[@iamwiseguyhserusk]

straight to the point. no grandma stories or repeating the same. its what we want to see, not side tracking. Subbed.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Much appreciated! Welcome to the channel.

[@sarajitsil]

Awesome tutorial Spencer, very informative and well explained topic. Thank you for sharing this. 👍

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Sarajit, I appreciate the feedback and am glad you thought it was informative!

[@RajendraKumar-ge9cv]

Very well explained about polariser filters. Thank you.

[@in4chandru]

Thank you very much. You saved me a hundred.

[@Motukka]

Excellent, this was great explanation 👍

[@Pilarmrader]

really good. Precise and clear!, thank you Spencer.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome, glad you liked it!

[@mixeddrinks8100]

the sunglass part is major good take.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks! Glad you found that useful.

[@REIGREHGKJREHGER]

Very good explanation. Good job.

[@ShyamSyangtan]

Are CPL good for Vlogs or Videography?

[@strawberrystrawberry6625]

Great video! Does Circular polarize filter good with videography for traveller?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Yes! I would always bring one for video while traveling.

[@bobbycranetheproducer7570]

could not have explained this better!!! thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing!

[@noahallen4254]

best video I have ever watched on polarizing filters this helped me a lot

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thrilled to hear it!

[@alexanderwes5204]

Thanks very much for your clear and to the point explanation!

[@silviasanchez648]

Thank you! I bought a Nikon recently and I'm considering buying some filters. Polarizer was in my list, so this video is very useful for me. Thanks!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, glad you found it useful! Polarizers are a must-have if you do pretty much any type of nature photography.

[@jsr8884]

Thank you for a crisp video.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad you liked it.

[@ColeyCLogan]

Hi, thanks for the insight. Hints on spotting a good polorizer filter, or is it not to get to cheep a one? What is expected price for a good one?

[@JanieP53]

Great info Spencer! Thank you. Well done!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, glad you liked it!

[@philipedwardcaddick4294]

Brilliant very easy to follow and understanding video thanks

[@ToniLixSim]

hi i see something is wrong with my filter, when i rotate i see there is going to bee so much effect on one side, or turn more and get the effect to the center but still not perfect to both sides, or turn more and have effect on another side, so is not 100% of the pixels on the filter. maybe it need bigger than my lens

[@fillup901]

great video! straight to the point and VERY clear. Thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, Felipe! Glad it was useful.

[@evilpigskin]

Great video. Super explained. Subbed!!!!

[@lokatpic]

Thanks Spencer. This is the second time I have learned more then anyone else. Do you have on on photo shop for dummies? Right now I use windows 10 wares to adjust color, brightness and hues.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Don, no videos about Photoshop yet, but it is on our list. Do you already have Photoshop? You might look into more photographer-specific software like Lightroom, Capture One, etc., if you want a general purpose photo editing software.

[@AbrahamGeorge213]

This is the best explanation, thanks a lot

[@boydharrisphoto]

Great speaking. Nice report. Useful information. Visual examples are great to make your points. Well done! I recommend a more appealing use of studio lighting on you. You deserve better lighting in this photography life. Thank you for your great video. Keep it up!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Boyd! I'm reworking the studio for next week's video and will try to optimize the lighting setup along the way. I appreciate the feedback.

[@MarianoPulgar]

Hi Spencer, thank you so much for this video. You have a new subscriber 🙌

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, welcome!

[@mkbuhain]

Very simple but great explanation! Thank you!

[@victorcastrojr.1252]

Thank you for the clear and precise information I just hit subscribe

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it, and thanks for the sub!

[@GaryToftheNorth]

Such a great breakdown, thank you.

[@MAJAGAONKARVIVEK]

Very nice, short and sweet video. Thanks. 🙂

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked the video, thank you!

[@Matt369oi]

What type of filter do you recommend for urban portrait shooting?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Generally none would be needed.

[@PrivKF]

Very helpful video, thank you. Should polarizer be used with lens hood? Will there be any additional benefits of that?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

The only problem with using a polarizer and lens hood together is that it can be trickier to spin the polarizer when you do. Other than that, go for it!

[@ungavaproductions]

Excellent job !

[@davidkrugs6466]

Awesome presentation, thank 😊