Using a circular polarizing filter and ISO H

During my stay at the Bayerischer Wald in September 2011, I worked on some small photography experiments in the field. One of these experiments was using my circular polarizing filter. I bought this filter when I went to Spitsbergen in 2010 to filter reflections from icebergs and glaciers. A polarizing filter can be used in many other cases as well.

A polarizing filter is a specially designed accessory that fits on the front of the camera lens. The filter controls the amount of polarized light falling on the lens. The glass of the filter only permits light rays that fall perpendicular on the filter. The effects of this technique are twofold: (1) a blue sky gets a much deeper blue colour, while other colours in the picture intensify, and (2) shine and glare on non-metallic surfaces such as foliage, rocks and water are reduced.

If you compare the two pictures below, you may notice the difference!

On the left: without circular polarizing filter
On the right: with circular polarizing filter, slightly
intensifying the colors of the landscape and
adding a blue shade to the water`
Dorr 77mm Digi Line Slim Circular
Polariser Filter 315277

If you want to know more about filters, this article may come in handy, click here

I also used another technique in the field, relating to photographing animals in action in very low light conditions. It’s possible to extend the sensitivity for light with the ISO-H function on my professional camera, which is comparable to ISO 3200. In normal lighting conditions I use ISO 200, so using ISO H is exceptional!

I decided to give it a try to photograph the actions of an European otter (Lutra lutra) on ISO H due to shading and evening light. I needed a shutter speed above 1/500 seconds per minute to freeze the moment at the same time – lower shutter speeds will result in pictures with movement in it, only interesting if you want this as a creative perspective. The downside of using a high ISO is that noise becomes much more clear, though I am overall quite pleased with these first results. What a fascinating and hyperactive mammal to behold!

Cleaning your fur is a very serious business!
And even now some of the movement is still visible and
not completely frozen. The shutterspeed dropped
somewhat below 1/500 sec!

Playing with a cone in and above water, while
still keeping track on the surroundings...
ISO H and shutter speed above 500 sec.

A real action picture! Caught in the moment of
trying to get a grip on the cone, which is now
dipped under the water surface.
ISO H and shutter speed above 1/500 sec.