CAPTURE REFLECTIONS

Use a circular polariser to enhance the appearance of reflected images

1

COMPOSE YOUR SHOT Polarisation effects are dictated by light direction, so find your angle and composition first. Look for a balance of reflected image and landscape, being mindful of how each area will interact and impact the structure of the overall scene.

2

ROTATE BOTH WAYS Find the strongest reflection removal position of the filter as this will help identify the ideal position for the inverse effect. When reflections are removed, the polariser structure is aligned to filter light in that orientation.

3

FIND MAXIMUM STRENGTH We need to find the filter position at which the least polarised light is removed. In this configuration, non-polarised light is filtered with greater effect, tipping the balance more towards the presence (or apparent brightness) of the reflected light.

4

METER FROM REFLECTIONS Place your AF point over the reflected image and take a meter reading. This will ensure a correct exposure for that area, since reflections usually require greater exposure than the surrounding land. Try using Partial Metering to focus the calculation on the reflected area.

5

ADJUST EXPOSURE You may need to dial in some negative exposure compensation to prevent global overexposure. Try -1EV to start with, adjusting until you are satisfied with the balance of reflection and surrounding brightness. Some darkening of the nonreflected areas may be necessary in software.