Can post-processing replace a polarizing filter?
Asked 3/10/2011
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I know a polarizing filter can deepen blue skies and add drama to daylight photos. Can that look be recreated later in software like GIMP or Picasa, or do I need to use a polarizing filter when shooting? I'm especially interested in whether post-processing can fully match a polarizer's effect, including anything beyond darker skies.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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One result of using a polarizer is the deeper blue skies; that effect isn't hard to replicate using software such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Picasa, or the GIMP.
Another important reason a polarizer might be used is to reduce glare and reflections. The best example of this is if one is photographing a puddle or pond; without a polarizer the surface will reflect the sunlight and result in a lot of glare whereas a polarizer cuts down on that glare and the camera will capture an image that shows some underwater detail.
The second effect (removing glare) is not one that can be replicated in post-processing and requires a polarizer to get it right at the time of capture.
Originally by user89. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Only part of a polarizer’s effect can be mimicked in post.
Deepening a blue sky is usually easy to approximate with editing tools in GIMP, Picasa, Photoshop, Lightroom, and similar software by adjusting color, contrast, or saturation.
What post-processing cannot truly replace is a polarizer’s ability to reduce glare and reflections at capture time. For example, on water, glass, or other reflective surfaces, a polarizing filter can cut surface reflections and reveal detail underneath or behind them. If that reflected detail was never recorded by the camera, software cannot recover it later.
So if your goal is mainly richer skies, editing can get you close. If you also want control over reflections and glare, you should buy and use a polarizing filter when shooting.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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