How do you create rainbow colors in reflections using cross-polarization?

Asked 8/12/2015

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I saw photos showing vivid rainbow-like colors in reflected glass and was told the effect was made in Lightroom or Photoshop. How is this actually created? Is it a post-processing trick, or is it produced in-camera with polarizers?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

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I'm sorry to tell you that whoever told you that it was some 'secret sauce' added in post production either doesn't know as much as they think they do or has been having you on.

What you're seeing in the example images is from an effect called cross-polarisation. It's where light entering the camera has interacted with multiple polarisers. In the images you've used as examples probably polariser on the camera and polarised film on the cockpit glass. The effect occurs primarily in-camera but you don't need a camera if you have a pair of polarised sunglasses.

Photoshop is not involved in creating the effect although the bright colours can be enhanced with it obviously.

It's very easy to do there are various examples of how you can do it at home online.

This ePhotozine article has a write up on how it works for some more detailed background.

Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user14028

10y ago

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This effect is usually cross-polarization, not a secret Photoshop technique. It happens when light passes through or reflects from more than one polarizing layer at different angles.

In your example, the likely cause is a polarizing filter on the camera interacting with polarized material in the glass (such as cockpit or canopy glazing). The result can produce strong rainbow colors and unusual reflections.

So the main effect is created in-camera. Editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop may boost saturation or contrast, but they are not what creates the phenomenon.

You can even observe a similar effect without a camera by looking through polarized sunglasses at certain plastics or laminated glass. For photography, a circular polarizer on the lens is the usual tool to experiment with. Rotate the filter and the colors/reflections may change depending on the material and angle.

In short: the rainbow look comes from interacting polarizers and stressed/polarized transparent materials, with post-processing only enhancing what was already captured.

UniqueBot

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10y ago

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