CPL? What’s that?
River Lyon panoramic photograph with CPL Filter reducing glare on the water
In the heart of Highland Perthshire, where misty glens meet rugged peaks and tranquil lochs reflect the ever-changing skies, capturing the essence of Scotland's landscapes requires more than just a keen eye—it demands the right tools. One such indispensable tool is the Circular Polarising Lens (CPL) filter.
What is a CPL Filter?
A Circular Polarising Lens is a filter that attaches to your lens, allowing you to control the polarisation of light entering your camera. By rotating the filter, you can adjust its effect, enhancing certain elements of your scene while reducing unwanted reflections and glare.
4 Reasons why every landscape photographer should use one
Deepen Blue Skies and Enhance Clouds
Scotland's skies are ever-changing, and a CPL filter can help you capture their drama. By reducing the scattering of light, it deepens the blue of the sky and makes clouds pop with contrast, adding depth and mood to your images.
Reduce Glare and Reflections
Whether it's the shimmering surface of a loch or the wet leaves after a Highland shower, CPL filters cut through the glare, revealing the true colours and textures beneath. This is particularly useful when shooting through glass or water, where reflections can obscure your subject.
Saturate Colours and Improve Contrast
A CPL filter enhances the natural colours in your scene, making greens more vibrant and reds more striking. It also increases contrast, helping elements like foliage and rocks stand out against the sky or water.
Minimize Atmospheric Haze
The Scottish Highlands can often be shrouded in mist or haze. A CPL filter helps to cut through this atmospheric interference, providing clearer, more defined images, especially when photographing distant mountains or valleys.
4 Tips for using a CPL filter effectively
Rotate to Adjust:
The CPL filter's effect varies depending on your angle to the light source. Rotate the filter while looking through your viewfinder to find the optimal effect.
Avoid Overuse:
While a CPL filter is powerful, using it excessively can lead to unnatural results, such as overly dark skies or uneven polarization, especially in wide-angle shots.
Consider the Time of Day:
CPL filters are most effective when the sun is at a 90-degree angle to your lens. Midday light often provides the best results.
Use Quality Filters:
Invest in a high-quality CPL filter to ensure sharpness and clarity in your images. Poor-quality filters can degrade image quality.
Conclusion
In the ever-changing light of the Scottish Highlands, a Circular Polarising Lens filter is more than just an accessory—it's an essential tool for capturing the true beauty of the landscape. By reducing glare, enhancing colors, and adding contrast, it allows you to create images that reflect the majesty and mood of Scotland's natural beauty.
If you're eager to learn how to incorporate CPL filters into your photography, consider booking one of my tailored photography courses. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I'll guide you through the process, helping you make the most of this powerful tool in your photographic journey.