As a landscape photographer, I've discovered that a circular polariser (CPL) is one of the most powerful yet underutilised tools in peoples kit. It's not just a filter—it's a gateway to transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual stories.

Understanding the Circular Polariser

A circular polariser is more than just a piece of glass; it's a  tool that can dramatically enhance your landscape photography. By selectively filtering light waves, it reduces reflections, increases colour saturation, and adds depth to your images. 

How Polarisers Work

Light waves vibrate in multiple directions, and a CPL allows you to control these vibrations. By rotating the filter, you can reduce glare from non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, and foliage. This means deeper blues in skies, more saturated greens in forests, and reduced reflections that often wash out colour intensity.

Practical Applications in Landscape Photography

When I'm out shooting, particularly in coastal or forest environments, my NiSi CPL is always close at hand. It very rarely leaves my camera. Here are some advanced techniques I've developed over years of professional photography:

Maximising Sky Contrast

One of the most dramatic effects of a circular polariser is its ability to enhance sky contrast. By rotating the filter, you can deepen blue tones and create a more defined separation between clouds and sky, and sky and mountain edges. This works especially well during the golden and blue hours when light is soft and nuanced.

Pro tip: Don't max out the polarisation. Sometimes a subtle effect is more natural and compelling than an overly dramatic transformation. Also beware of the “polariser blob” when you use it to full effect on a wide angle lens and you can see an unnatural blob or shadow darkening the sky in an area. 

Water and Reflection Management

In seascape and lake photography, a CPL becomes an essential tool. By reducing surface reflections, you can reveal underwater textures and rocks, adding depth and intrigue to your composition.

I remember shooting at one of my favourite local beaches here on the South Coast of NSW where the CPL allowed me to capture the intricate rock formations, shells and sea creatures beneath the water's surface—something that would have been impossible without the filter because of glare.

Foliage and Vegetation Enhancement

Forests and green landscapes are one of my favorite places to use circular polarisers. By reducing leaf reflections, you can reveal the rich, deep greens that often get lost in standard photography. The filter cuts through the glare, making leaves look more saturated and textured.

Advanced Technique: Partial Polarisation

Not all areas of your image need the same level of polarisation. By carefully rotating the filter, you can create selective effects—reducing reflections in one area while maintaining subtle highlights in another.

Equipment Recommendations

I exclusively use NiSi filters—not just because I'm an ambassador, but because their quality is exceptional. For circular polarisers, invest in a high-quality filter with multiple coating layers to reduce potential colour cast.

When selecting a CPL, consider:

● Glass quality

● Coating technologies

● Mounting system compatibility

● Thickness (to reduce potential vignetting)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

● Over-rotating the filter, creating unnatural dark patches

● Using a CPL in low-light conditions, the lower the light the less glare and the less you will need polarisation. Using a polariser in low light will just add unnecessary exposure time.  

● Forgetting to adjust white balance. Don't shoot green scenes on auto white balance, choose cloudy for better greens! 

• Don't use a polariser on a rainbow as it will disappear!!! Just spin it around and watch as your rainbow appears and disappears.  

Final Thoughts

A circular polariser isn't just a technical tool—it's an artistic instrument that helps you see and capture landscapes more dynamically. Like any skill in photography, mastering the CPL takes practice, patience, and a willingness to experiment.

Remember, the best photographs come from understanding your equipment and developing your unique vision. So get out there, experiment, and don't be afraid to break some rules along the way!