My headache nr 1: Food photography glare.

My headache nr 2: Food photography reflection.

Here’s the deal: I discovered a solution! No, it’s not Lightroom! Although, it might help …

KEEP SCROLLING: TYPICAL INTERNET DISCLAIMER

Before I go on, I need to make a little disclaimer. These are just my thoughts and I don’t know everything. I’m still learning & just sharing some things I have discovered over the years. Some of you who are reading this might think otherwise and have different opinions. However, I believe that a different point of view is just part of photography.

Wait? What? Are you shooting landscape?!

I have used a circular polarizing filter for many years. However, it has mostly been for my travels or landscape photography. It’s one of the things that’s always in my camera bag.

Yet, somehow I started to use that filter for food photography only recently. 😅 I missed out. I was struggling with that food photography glare for years until I stumbled on this article.

General reasons to use the polarizing filter?

#1 General reasons: Exposure & “fancy” sunglasses 😎

This kind of filter looks like sunglass and is darker than the usual lens. It will change my exposure, but longer exposure is not a problem when I use the tripod (read my post about tripod here). I will get better quality.

Usually, photographers use this filter when they are shooting outside in the middle of the day. It’s a great tool when the light is quite harsh because of the sun. I also noticed the effect of the polarizing filter when I was traveling in the Australian outback. It saved some of my images. For sure!

#2 General reasons: Glare Headache

When I’m shooting water or other shiny objects, then the polarizing filter is my best friend. I can cut out the glare by merely rotating my circular polarizing filter. It makes my life so much more comfortable, and I can save a lot of time with editing.

#3 General reasons: Reflections Headache

Glass or other shiny objects might give the reflection that I don’t need. The fantastic part about the polarizing filter is that in some cases I can get rid of the reflection.

#4 General reasons: Vibrant Colors

Have you ever noticed that good sunglasses make the colors better? With the polarizing filter, it’s quite similar.

The polarizing filter might help with more vibrant colors as well. I will get that nice contrast that I might need for my images. If you don’t notice the difference, then look at the sky. When you rotate your circular filter, then you can see the difference.

#5 General reasons: Protection

We all know that lenses are expensive. No questions asked. When I can protect my 600 -900 euro lens with 50-90 euros filter, then it’s worth it.

Circular polarizing filter for FOOD photography (FP)?

Does it apply all this to my food photography? Let’s compare the general photography with food photography?

#1 FP reasons: Exposure & “fancy” sunglasses 😎

In most cases, I always like to use a longer exposure to get better quality. However, since I don’t shoot in straight sunlight, then this isn’t the most obvious argument for me.

#2 FP reasons: Glare Headache

That’s the main reason I sometimes like to use the polarizing filter. Quite often the glass, cutlery or other tableware gives that glare, that drives me crazy. So, the polarizing filter is my best friend for that food photography glare. I can cut out the glare by merely rotating the circular polarizing filter. It makes my life more comfortable, and I can save my editing time.

#3 FP reasons: Reflections Madness

Glass or other shiny objects might give the reflection that I don’t need. What’s fantastic about the polarizing filter? In some cases, I can get rid of the reflection that seems impossible.

#4 FP reasons: Vibrant Colors

Again, since I don’t shoot in straight sunlight, then the polarizing doesn’t make a huge difference with colors. However, it always depends on what kind of food I’m shooting or what are the light conditions.

#5 FP reasons: Protection? Yes, my food photography is “dangerous”

Compare to climbing on the rocks, then food photography is a little bit safer for your gear. Obviously, we can’t compare food photography with some action sport but still! Maybe it is?! 😅

It might be when you are like me, and you like to climb on the tables. If I can protect my lens from dust and my crazy decisions, then I can’t complain.

For my food photography, I use circular Hoya 58 mm filter for my Nikkor 50 mm F/1.8 lens (If you are planning to buy one, then make sure that the filter match with your lens diameter because there are a large variety of sizes).

Recap

The polarizing filter is not only for landscape photography.



Fix food photography glare or reflections issues with circular polarizing filter & save time on editing.

Also, big thanks for Feedspot for adding me for top 50 food photography blogs. I’m quite surprised since I haven’t done many posts about photography.

Classical Comment Begging 123 🙄

If this post was helpful, then please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @healthylauracom or another platform.

It helps me to create better content & I know you would like to read more about this topic.

Updated: 29.10.2018