When to Use a Polarizing Filter for the Best Results

The BEST explanation of polarizing filters! Well, I think so, anyway :) Polarizers are the most useful lens filters that exist for photography.
So, what things do polarizers affect? Well, they...
- Decrease glare on water
- Decrease reflections on most subjects
- Darken the sky
- Enhance color and contrast
- Enhance the appearance of rainbows and other miscellaneous subjects
Depending on the direction you fact, the strongest setting on your polarizer will change. They have almost zero effect when you're pointed at the sun.
If you have any questions about polarizers, let me know below!
~Spencer
/ spencercoxphoto
👇👇👇
This video is not sponsored! You can support Photography Life and Spencer Cox Photography by buying anything through my affiliate links!
Here is all the photo equipment I use: bhpho.to/3XUv32a
And here’s my video gear to film this video: bhpho.to/3Yt8th1
#PolarizingFilter #Camera

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@cdliteistubing]

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

[@bobkyle8902]

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!

[@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.

[@theideastring4706]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@tomlee812]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Tom, I appreciate the feedback!

[@guffygolfer]

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

[@BigOvlogger]

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

[@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

[@ianmartin5389]

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

[@Ten16Media]

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

[@50deserteagle]

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

[@cameronrramos]

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

[@mkbuhain]

Very simple but great explanation! Thank you!

[@RajendraKumar-ge9cv]

Very well explained about polariser filters. Thank you.

[@gauravkarambelkar]

Thanks Spencer! Very well explained!

[@defyingtheodds1987]

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

[@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!

[@damagecontrolful]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Kenny!

[@JebSmith]

Great video and to the point, thank you.

[@patricksteinmetz44]

Outstanding tutorial. Well done. Thanks for posting.

[@alexanderwes5204]

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

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

Informative and well done-Thanks.

[@GaryToftheNorth]

Such a great breakdown, thank you.

[@JasonLorette]

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

[@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!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Crushed it man! great explanation! Than you

[@SweetSourTravel]

Thanks, always helpful watching your videos

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Happy to hear it, thanks!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Pilarmrader]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome, glad you liked it!

[@philipedwardcaddick4294]

Brilliant very easy to follow and understanding video thanks

[@JanieP53]

Great info Spencer! Thank you. Well done!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, glad you liked it!

[@richardgreene5119]

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

[@MarkMphonoman]

Great tips and visuals. Thanks. Mark

[@evilpigskin]

Great video. Super explained. Subbed!!!!

[@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.

[@fillup901]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, Felipe! Glad it was useful.

[@QuanTranVisuals]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Motukka]

Excellent, this was great explanation 👍

[@jamespilz1529]

great video! Nicely done with lots of good info.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks, James, glad you liked 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.

[@MAJAGAONKARVIVEK]

Very nice, short and sweet video. Thanks. 🙂

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked the video, thank you!

[@ericfreutel8240]

Superb presentation. Thank you.

[@subrotomitra]

Wonderfully explained

[@noahallen4254]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thrilled to hear it!

[@RJ-wy6cx]

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

[@AbrahamGeorge213]

This is the best explanation, thanks a lot

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@krishchandran4125]

Excellent tutorial !

[@ARCHDEACONMUSIC]

Great video & examples of what a polorizing filter really does! Awesome! I just subscribed to your channel too! :)

[@BigOvlogger]

You EARNED a new subscriber.

[@brendanclark81]

Absolutely an excellent and informative video.

[@kbstabs5982]

Very well done!

[@media3group]

Thank you for the excellent and thorough explanation.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it, Cindy, thank you!

[@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.

[@joonykids]

You are a natural teacher!!!!!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you!!

[@SDA0271]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, glad you liked it!

[@bobbycranetheproducer7570]

could not have explained this better!!! thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing!

[@davidkrugs6466]

Awesome presentation, thank 😊

[@XIODHGS1]

Very good explanation. Good job.

[@ungavaproductions]

Excellent job !

[@paulfreimanis2202]

Clearly explained, well made. Great work

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@prashantnz]

Thank you. Appreciated.

[@egyptiansphinx]

Great video, thanks a lot 👍

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great video! thanks it was very helpful!!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing Zachary, glad you liked it!

[@charlierivera5725]

Well explained and detailed video. Thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Charlie, glad you liked it!

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This guy videos are super awesome

[@mickmaloney1297]

Concise & very informative. Excellent Vid. Thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks Mick! Glad you enjoyed it. We’ll be publishing another video about filters soon, so keep an eye out!

[@EricRoseBahamas]

Always enjoying your videos, from The Bahamas :)

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Eric, I appreciate the support!

[@EricRoseBahamas]

@@PhotographyLifeChannel I shared your videos with other young photogs :) All the Best!

[@francoisbeauregard6029]

Très utile et vraiment bien expliqué

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it, and thanks for the sub!

[@luisbaltodano227]

Great video. Thanks.

[@MarianoPulgar]

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

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, welcome!

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Precise tips! Great content!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

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Clean explanation.

[@jamiequinlan]

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

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Great content, very useful. Thanks!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Happy to hear it, thanks, Diego!

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Bro just wanted to say this was a fantastic review

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you found it useful, thanks Kostas!

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Thank you for this info!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad you like it.

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Excellent video.

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Thank you for a crisp video.

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Sure thing! Glad you liked it.

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Great review video! I just subscribed to your channel.

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great summary.

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Great information, thanks!

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Sure thing! Glad it was helpful.

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VERY GOOD. THANK YOU.

[@boydharrisphoto]

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[@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.

[@toshsimpkin4386]

Brilliant explanation; thanks.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad you found it useful.