[dmx005]

I'm off to the lakes on Saturday and so to get some practice in, I took some shots last night in my local park. (none worthy of being seen!) It was quite bright even at 8pm and the pics I took weren't great, blown out skies etc.

I was wondering if using a polarizer would add some depth to skies or are they just for reducing glare & reflections. I don't really want to start using ND grads just yet as there is enough to learn without adding that to the itenerary so just wondered whats the general advice for shooting landscapes in bright light. (Sorry, I guess this could be a big question!).

Also, can anyone recommend a good book that covers a bit of everything for the newbie, not focusing on anything in particular like exposure... I've browsed thru 'The Photography Bible' which looked quite good...

[Gingerbillc]

I've just read "the digital photography book" Vol 1 by Scott Kelby which was recommended. Honest advice once you get through his poor sense of humour. Check your pm.

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by dmx005

I'm off to the lakes on Saturday and so to get some practice in, I took some shots last night in my local park. (none worthy of being seen!) It was quite bright even at 8pm and the pics I took weren't great, blown out skies etc.

I was wondering if using a polarizer would add some depth to skies or are they just for reducing glare & reflections. I don't really want to start using ND grads just yet as there is enough to learn without adding that to the itenerary so just wondered whats the general advice for shooting landscapes in bright light. (Sorry, I guess this could be a big question!).

Also, can anyone recommend a good book that covers a bit of everything for the newbie, not focusing on anything in particular like exposure... I've browsed thru 'The Photography Bible' which looked quite good...

Polarisers are great, after the protective UV Filter I'd say they are the next on anyones filter purchase list. I think a fair few of us on the forum have invested in the Hoya Pro 1's from Ebay via Hong Kong cost around £40.

This link has some useful info for newbie photographers :

http://www.berniecode.com/writing/ph...phy/beginners/

Also the classic book most buy is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

The problem you have is that trying to get the picture you want from one shot is very difficult without some form of ND Grad intervention as you rarely find you get the perfect conditions that the metering of the sky matches the metering of the land. I think most of us work from at least one raw file or bracketed exposures to build up the finished image that we like.

[dmx005]

thanks, I've read a little about bracketing so might look further into that.

[dmx005]

would this suffice? I'd like to get it for the weekend and doubt I'd get one in time from HK..

or this even.. even cheaper!

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by dmx005

thanks, I've read a little about bracketing so might look further into that.

Kind of an example of how bracketing works, you use you exposure compensation on your camera to built up one final photo. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use HDR software :

[dmx005]

Id love to order today if anyone can tell me one of these would be ok...

would this suffice? I'd like to get it for the weekend and doubt I'd get one in time from HK..

or this even.. even cheaper!

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by dmx005

Id love to order today if anyone can tell me one of these would be ok...

would this suffice? I'd like to get it for the weekend and doubt I'd get one in time from HK..

or this even.. even cheaper!

Not sure, you ideally want one that is slim and rotates so that you can alter how much effect it has. I've got this one :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-58-SHMC...ef=pd_sbs_ce_4

[dmx005]

Originally Posted by dazza74

Not sure, you ideally want one that is slim and rotates so that you can alter how much effect it has. I've got this one :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-58-SHMC...ef=pd_sbs_ce_4

I see, didn't realise that the effect changed by rotating the filter. I thought that was just for graduated filters.

[norwichphoto]

The polarising effect changes by rotating. A good quality one such as the Hoya should be fine. You'll typically lose 1 stop compared to shooting without.

Your 70-200 f4 L requires a 67mm filter, the kit lens requires a 58mm one.

The polariser will make blue skies bluer, enhance greens. It will also reduce reflections from car bodywork, cut reflections on water / glass enabling you to see past the reflective surface.

Everyone who does outdoors photography should have one in their bag.

Digital cameras require a circular polariser (not the cheaper linear polariser) to maintain autofocus accuracy.

[Farno]

A circular polarizer makes a huge difference when your shooting outdoors, IMHO
I bought a very cheap praktica 52mm for £14 and it works a treat, remember to rotate the filter to get the best effects. You'll notice the sky take on a deeper blue and greens are more vivid. It also reduces glare from water. I get about 2 stops

[dmx005]

Originally Posted by Farno

A circular polarizer makes a huge difference when your shooting outdoors, IMHO
I bought a very cheap praktica 52mm for £14 and it works a treat, remember to rotate the filter to get the best effects. You'll notice the sky take on a deeper blue and greens are more vivid. It also reduces glare from water. I get about 2 stops

Do u know if they all rotate..
I just want to be sure if I buy a cheaper one that it does!

[Farno]

Originally Posted by dmx005

Do u know if they all rotate..
I just want to be sure if I buy a cheaper one that it does!

I think they have to rotate as this is how they work....i think. This isnt the best picture to show you what i mean about sky and trees/grass but here it is Pic I'll not post it up as its not that good!
Without the CP i was blowing the sky

[dmx005]

Originally Posted by Farno

I think they have to rotate as this is how they work....i think. This isnt the best picture to show you what i mean about sky and trees/grass but here it is Pic I'll not post it up as its not that good!
Without the CP i was blowing the sky

cool, I see. thanks a lot!