Circular Polarizer Demo

If you remember at two years ago, I posted up a circular polarizer demo article. Today I will show you some more examples of why you should use a circular polarizer, but I most likely will be copying some text I wrote in the last article as there is no point typing the same content up twice. HAHA If you want to see the last post, you can do so here.

The sample photos with the polarizer shown today was taken using the B+W 82mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating. First off, let me tell you why a circular polarizer is good. First of all, if you love landscape photos, you have to get one, a circular polarizer helps contrast the colors and deepen the blue sky. Using a circular polarizer can also help get rid of glare from water, glass, leaves (what I'm showing you today), etc... A polarizer will also protect your lens from the elements like fingerprints, scratches, and water. It is a good idea to use a filter. I have also read online that a filter saved his L model lens from a fall! Definitely worth the investment because $100 < $5,000. LOL

If you are serious about photography like me, I recommend you not get the cheap ones because they cause unwanted glares in your photos and the polarizing effect isn't good. The ones I have are a B+W 58mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer and a B+W 82mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating. They are German made filters, and includes special nano-technology coating that causes water that collect on there to drip right off. There is also little vignetting at wider angles. However, this filter is pretty expensive, but most good ones are. The 58mm one cost me around $100 and the 82mm one cost me around $250 (still worth it for the great German optics).

If you don't know much about polarizers, you will find two types of polarizers. One type is the linear polarizer and one type is the circular polarizer. The linear polarizers will have a slightly better polarizing effect than circular polarizers, but will render your auto focus function useless as the polarizer will prevent the auto focus sensor from seeing light. Linear polarizers are usually cheaper than circular polarizers. Circular polarizers won't effect the auto focus sensor and is what most people use. Circular polarizers are more expensive.

The only down sides to using a circular polarizer (like with all filters) is that since filters is suppose to filter out the light, it will also slow down your shutter speed and the time of day it will work the test (due to the sun) is slightly limiting. If the shutter speed gets too slow, make sure you have your camera on a tripod.

Alright, let's move onto the sample photos I took. All these photos were taken on my road trip traveling from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you want to see my trip photos, you can do so here. Please note some of the "non-polarized" shots still had the polarizer on, but it was rotated to not have a polarizing effect on the image as taking off the filter is a bit of a hassle.

A non-polarized shot at Eureka, CA. 

Here is a polarized shot. As you can see some of the glare from the water has been removed. 

Here is a non-polarized shot from Wheeler, Oregon from the deck of the Wheeler On The Bay Lodge. 

Here is a polarized shot. As you can see the glare from the window is minimized. 

Here is a non-polarized shot from Government House in Victoria, BC, Canada. 

Here is a polarized shot. As you can see the reflection from the glass is minimized.

Also, the circular polarizer can help make your photos more saturated. This photo is shot at Reflection Lake inside Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Without a polarizer, this photo would not be as colorful. 

This is all the sample photos I got. Remember the filters I have is a  B+W 58mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer  and a B+W 82mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating. If you are going to buy it, please buy it through my link. :) I get referral money that way and you'll be supporting the costs of running this blog. Even if you don't, please click in to check it out. I understand this filter might be a bit expensive for a lot of people, there are cheaper filters out there, but I don't recommend those. Also, when purchasing, don't forget to check if you got the right size filter!

Thanks for looking at this demo. I hope you have enjoyed it. If you haven't seen my past sample photos taken with circular polarizers, you can do so here. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

Crater Lake National Park (Part 2) - Oregon, USA

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Oregon photos, use this link. To view my best Crater Lake National Park photos, use this link. To view all of my day 14 photos, use this link.

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Today I have the rest of my photos from Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, USA. The photos from Crater Lake National Park has been split into 2 parts. The lake of Crater Lake National Park was formed from a collapsed volcano. The island in the middle is called Wizard Island. The lake itself is 1,943 feet (592 m) deep at its deepest point making it the deepest lake in the United States, 2nd deepest in North America, and the 9th deepest in the world. Upon getting to Crater Lake National Park, the whole area was covered in heavy smoke. At the time, we didn't know what it was. It wasn't until I got to Lava Beds National Monument, the park ranger told us that there were several forest fires burning around the area in Oregon itself and the surrounding states contributing to the low visibility and smell.

This was the view of Wizard Island through the smoke. Generally, the view is a lot better than this. I know this because this isn't the first time I've been to Crater Lake. I have went there when I a child. I had very beautiful memories of this place which is why I decided to go back this time. The forest fires really killed it, but did provide an opportunity for some rare looks of what this area would look like under heavy smoke! 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 57 43 N 122 09 25 W   

A black and white process of the photo above. 

I reframed the shot and took another photo from the same spot. 

Looks kind of dreamy doesn't? This is a black and white process of the photo above. 

Here is what the rim of the volcano looks like. This area was literally right in front of me. I didn't really zoom in. I wanted to show you guys how heavy the smoke is and how quickly the visibility drops. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 56 45 N 122 10 08 W   

A black and white process of the photo above. 

I then got a photo of the awkward looking trees in the area. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 56 44 N 122 10 09 W   

A black and white process of the photo above.

Drove partially around Crater Lake in hopes of finding better scenery, but I didn't find much. Stopped on the side of the road for a photo of the forest. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 58 43 N 122 06 03 W   

Here is an HDR composition of Mount Scott. Mount Scott is a parasitic stratovolcano that stands 8,934 feet (2,723 m) and is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park. The volcano is named after the Oregon pioneer Levi Scott who founded Scottsburg, Oregon

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 55 46 N 122 01 41 W

Being disappointed at the visibility of the park, I begin heading to my hotel for the night. Passed by Vidae Falls (still in Crater Lake National Park). 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 53 03 N 122 05 58 W   

A black and white process of the photo above.

A closer up shot of Vidae Falls. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 53 04 N 122 05 59 W   

A black and white process of the photo above. 

Right at the edge of the park, here is Fossilized Steam. I didn't quite get what it is. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 51 29 N 122 09 14 W   

Black and white process of the photo above. 

A sign describing what Fossilized Steam is. 

These are all the photos for today and for day 14. I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I will continue with the photos from Lava Beds National Monument in Tulelake, CA. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

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Crater Lake National Park (Part 1) w/ Odell Lake and Lowell - Oregon, USA

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Oregon photos, use this link. To view my best Crater Lake National Park photos, use this link. To view all of my day 14 photos, use this link.

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Today I have photos from many places in Oregon including the famous Lowell Covered Bridge in Lowell, Oregon, Odell Lake, and they well known Crater Lake National Park. The photos from Crater Lake National Park will be split into 2 parts. The lake of Crater Lake National Park was formed from a collapsed volcano. The island in the middle is called Wizard Island. The lake itself is 1,943 feet (592 m) deep at its deepest point making it the deepest lake in the United States, 2nd deepest in North America, and the 9th deepest in the world. Upon getting to Crater Lake National Park, the whole area was covered in heavy smoke. At the time, we didn't know what it was. It wasn't until I got to Lava Beds National Monument, the park ranger told us that there were several forest fires burning around the area in Oregon itself and the surrounding states contributing to the low visibility and smell.

 My first destination is near Lowell Covered Bridge in Lowell, Oregon photographing the Dexter Reservoir.

  Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 54 36 N 122 46 46 W   

Here is a black and white process of the above photo. This was one of the best scenes I saw on this trip.  

 Here is the view on the other side of the bridge/road. Not as good in my opinion. 

  Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 54 38 N 122 46 48 W 

A photo of the forests in Oakridge, Oregon. 

   Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 44 39 N 122 28 00 W   

 A photo of the forest in Crescent, Oregon. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 36 48 N 122 04 04 W   

Now I approach Odell Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. On the left is Odell Creek. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 32 57 N 121 57 45 W   

 Another photo of Odell Creek getting closer to Odell Lake. Beyond that yellow tree that has fallen is Odell Lake. There are many logs and driftwood at where the creek meets the lake. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 32 57 N 121 57 46 W

I walk into Odell Lake for some shots. This (in my opinion) turned out to be one of my best shots ever. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 33 01 N 121 57 48 W   

Black and white process of the photo above.  

 Another photo from the same spot but different angle. While the lake looks very clean in my shots, walking into the river, I noticed a thin layer of gasoline on top of the lake. The lake is polluted probably from all the fishing boats in it.

Driving toward Crater Lake National Park, I stopped to get a photo of the forest. This was when I first started smelling smoke. It wasn't a very strong smell, but I could definitely smell it. I thought maybe they were just doing a controlled burn like the ones they do in Yosemite National Park and other forests to help promote tree growth.  

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 05 14 N 121 58 34 W  

Photo shot at the ticketing station for Crater Lake National Park. This was from the North Entrance Station. Look at how thick the smoke is down the highway. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 04 40 N 122 07 05 W  

A black and white process of the photo above.  

My first destination is the Pumice Desert. That is not fog you are seeing, but smoke. This is an HDR composition.

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 01 43 N 122 07 12 W  

 Here is another photo of the Pumice Desert from a slightly different angle. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 001 44 N 122 07 12 W

Shot a few scenery shots on the drive to Crater Lake. This is an HDR composition. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 57 57 N 122 09 07 W  

Here is another scenery shot on the drive to Crater Lake. As you can see, that is all smoke from the surrounding forest fires! I will continue with the photos from Crater Lake and Wizard Island in the next post. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 54 54 N 122 09 08 W   

Black and white process of the photo above. 

These are all the photos for today. I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I will continue with the rest of the photos from Crater Lake National Park. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

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Copyright Warning: These photos are some of my best and most popular works of art. Unauthorized usage and reproductions are strictly prohibited. Please contact me here to purchase prints and negotiate photo licenses.

Oregon and Washington Coast

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Oregon photos from this trip, use this link. To view my best Washington's coast photos from this trip, use this link. To view all of my day 4 photos, use this link.

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Today I continue my photos up north. The photos for today are from both Oregon and Washington. I have photos from Astoria (Oregon), Chinook (Washington), Naselle (Washington), and South Bend (Washington). I will also have a few shots of the bridge that joins Washington and Oregon called the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

A photo of the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Astoria, Oregon. On the other side is Washington. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 10 50 N 123 51 36 W 

A black and white process of the photo above.  

Here is a photo near where I took the above photo in Astoria, Oregon.  

 A black and white process of the photo above.

A photo with some facts about the Astoria-Megler Bridge.  

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 11 16 N 123 51 11 W 

A long exposure with an ND filter (so no cars would show up) of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Somehow no cars drove through my long exposure anyways. Photo was shot near that sign above. 

 A black and white process of the photo above.

Now taking a photo of the Astoria-Megler Bridge from the Washington side facing Oregon. Photo was shot from the Washington State Department of Transportation Rest Area in Naselle, WA. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 14 56 N 123 51 43 W 

A zoomed in shot from around the same spot. My dad went to do #2 at the rest area, so I had a bit of time to shoot. LOL Sadly the panorama I shot didn't stitch right. 

Now in Chinook, WA, a sign welcoming you to Washington. 

 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 15 01 N 123 51 30 W 

 A photo from Naselle, WA.

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 25 03 N 123 50 50 W

Here are a photos from South Bend, WA  of the Willapa River. 

Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 39 59 N 123 48 38 W 

2 more shots from around the same spot as above. 

These are all the photos for today. I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I have the last of my photos from Washington's Coast. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

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