Waterlily, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Shot with (on right) and without (on left) polarizer filter

The images above demonstrate the effect that a polarizing filter can have on your nature photography.  The image on the left was taken without a polarizing filter, the image on the right with a polarizing filter.   Notice the lack of glare generated by the water and the brighter colors on the lily pad and the water lily.  Why the big difference?

A polarizing filter works by reducing the glare and reflections off non-metallic surfaces.  In the images above, the filter removes reflections from the water and water lily.  The reduction in the amount of reflected light from the water lily results in more saturated color.  Had there been a blue sky in the image it would be much bluer.  By reducing glare, a polarizing filter is very helpful when shooting during the mid-day sun.

While Photoshop can be used to replicate the effects of many filters used in photography, this is one that it cannot.  If you don not use a polarizing filter in your original image, you have lost the ability to correct the image later.  I use my polarizing filter so much that it rarely leaves my camera.

Should you decide to purchase a polarizing filter, make sure you buy a circular polarizing filter, these are the only ones that will work with your camera.

To learn more about how a polarizing filter works in photography and to see other examples, click here.