Using Cross-Polarization

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Polarization is an effective tool in photography and cross-polarization is well know to allow to suppress shine and reflections from certain surfaces.

Here a few tests I have made after having been able to find suitable UV polarizers using a glass vase standing on an aluminum lab jack.

Visible light on top, reflected UV light at bottom. Zero, 45 and 90 degree polarizer angles (left to right)

 

[Asher Kelman]

So that’s the setup for photographing art in a gallery!

One light from each side.

How does one arrange the polarizers then?

Any way one can just use one on the lens and perhaps add twin (e.g. canon, split macro), lights with polarizers on them?

Asher

 

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

So that’s the setup for photographing art in a gallery!

One light from each side.

How does one arrange the polarizers then?

Any way one can just use one on the lens and perhaps add twin (e.g. canon, split macro), lights with polarizers on them?

Asher

Yep, polarizers in front of the lights (adjusted to SAME angle!), polarizer in front of the taking lens, adjusted to get minimum flare/shine

 

[Asher Kelman]

Yep, polarizers in front of the lights (adjusted to SAME angle!), polarizer in front of the taking lens, adjusted to get minimum flare/shine

Thanks! I should do that!

Asher

 

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Thanks! I should do that!

Asher

Should not be too complicated, (some) flash makers offer polarizer sheets for that to be mounted in front of the flash heads, usually with angle indicator!