Shooting sunsets & polarizing filter ?

[BayAreaPhotog]

How would a polarizing filter effect a bright orange sunset ? The shot would include some water. . . I've used a Polarizing filter when shooting boats in the bright sun, but I've never seen the effect at sunset. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Conk]

Hmmm, it would only make the colours a bit more rich but in the same token it would cause things to be darker. My suggestion is not to use it. If you were shooting into the sun I would use a neutral density filter, but a sunset I'd be inclined to go with nothing.

[FlipsidE]

I dunno...maybe if you were getting some harsh reflections off the water, it might be worthwhile. Otherwise, I agree with Conk's suggestion. Just shoot without the filter.

FlipsidE

[tim]

Try it and let us know! :)

[GPR1]

Polarizing filters are at their maximum effect 90 degrees to the sun, with little/no effect directly into or directly away from the sun (when talking about sky, etc.). They will affect reflections no matter what their orientation to the sun. When taking a sunset shot directly at the sun, the polarizer will not affect the sun itself, and have very slight effect near the sun. If you take a very wide shot it may begin to have effect near the edges.

Go outside on a sunny day and play with your polarizer. Look through it facing the sun (with all the normal cautions about not looking directly at the sun...). Turn 90 degrees & look again. You'll see this effect dramatically in the sky.

A polarizer's job is to only let in light coming in one direction -- directly at the lens. You rotate the ring to impose more or less of this effect.

Greg