Polarizing filter help

I shot some images of a cathedral reflected in the windows of a building across the street on my lunch break yesterday. I was using a Tamron 17-50mm lens with a polarizing filter... which from what I understand, is supposed to reduce glare. However I clearly did something wrong, as my images all came out looking like this:

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Did you try twisting the filter while looking through the viewfinder? You should notice a difference in the effect when you do.

Where was the sun in relation to your target/shooting line? It should be at 90 degrees and you need to twist the end of the filter, as suggested, to see the effect.

timnosenzo wrote in post #5651299
Did you try twisting the filter while looking through the viewfinder? You should notice a difference in the effect when you do.

I didn't try that. But I will, thanks.

I'm not sure how to figure where the 90 degrees comes from. Do I envision a line between the camera and the subject, and then the sun needs to be at a 90 degree angle from that line?

The easiest way to remember is that the sun should be to your left or right and the subject in front of you.

MonteMama wrote in post #5651476
I didn't try that. But I will, thanks.


I'm not sure how to figure where the 90 degrees comes from. Do I envision a line between the camera and the subject, and then the sun needs to be at a 90 degree angle from that line?

Check out the explanation in this article
http://www.great-landscape-photography.com/polari​zing-filter.html

Thanks for the link. I think that makes sense - will have to give it a try on our next sunny day. They do happen in Pittsburgh a couple times a year.

The angle of the sun is irrelevant with regards to window reflections. That 90 degree figure applies only to a polarizing effect in the sky.

iamaelephant wrote in post #5652674
The angle of the sun is irrelevant with regards to window reflections. That 90 degree figure applies only to a polarizing effect in the sky.

Oh. So... can I fix what happened above by turning the filter? Or is there something else I should do?

One other thing to keep in mind about polarizers - they have little effect on metallic surfaces, and I believe this includes glass surfaces.

I've worn polarizing glasses and sunglasses for years, and the glare from the rear window of a car in front of me doesn't seem to be affected by the polarizing sunglasses.

OTH, the glare from objects like water and leaves will be greatly diminshed.

By rotating the filter slowly while looking through the viewfinder, the effect you are going to get should be visible.

Just spin the filter while looking through the camera. You will see the effect change intensity. You can even hold the filter in front of you, and look at the monitor through it. Rotate is and you can see it change. You dont need a sunny day to take advantage if a CP. Just need reflections or glare.

Glenn NK wrote in post #5653428
I've worn polarizing glasses and sunglasses for years, and the glare from the rear window of a car in front of me doesn't seem to be affected by the polarizing sunglasses.

Rotate your head (ear to sholder) You will see it change. My sunglasses are polarized as well. With the flurry of questions here. It is in the back of my mind. So I have been playing with them a bit while driving.

They reduce glare on glass. But they can almost eliminate reflections on glass.

MonteMama wrote in post #5653353
Oh. So... can I fix what happened above by turning the filter? Or is there something else I should do?

To a limited degree, yes. I would advise taking your CPL out on a nice day and experimenting to find out what is possible.

If you want to see the effects of a CPL filter, put some uncovered boiling water on the stove and turn on the light above the oven. Look at it through the viewfinder and turn the CPL and you should be able to see the change in the reflection. At least I noticed it when I did it before.

Just noticed in the OP..... there is no glare to reduce.... those are reflections. But still a CP will help.