Will a polariser work ....?

[Silver Simon]

I'm shooting some rallying tomorrow and am considering popping out and getting a polarising filter so I can get the driver and his number 2 showing through the windscreens.

I know, when shooting landscapes they really only work on sunny days. The weather forecast is cloudy for tomorrow morning, so I'm wondering if it is worth the effort to go and get one.

All help appreciated, thanks.

 

[AlfyB]

I'm shooting some rallying tomorrow and am considering popping out and getting a polarising filter so I can get the driver and his number 2 showing through the windscreens. I know, when shooting landscapes they really only work on sunny days. The weather forecast is cloudy for tomorrow morning, so I'm wondering if it is worth the effort to go and get one. All help appreciated, thanks.

As always I guess it depends when you want to take the shots. If you're planning to take them before the driver sets off it would help but if you're planning to do it as they drive past, the 2 stops of light you'll lose might stop you being able to shoot them anyway.

 

[AJQS]

The angle would need to be just right too, so you're going to need to be extremely skilled to get a working composition at the right angle on a fast moving car. As above though, you're going to be struggling for light, losing an extra couple of stops doesn't sound a sensible plan though it is of course theoretically possible.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

The angle would need to be just right too, so you're going to need to be extremely skilled to get a working composition at the right angle on a fast moving car. As above though, you're going to be struggling for light, losing an extra couple of stops doesn't sound a sensible plan though it is of course theoretically possible.

but it's worth a try, isn't it? You can always take it off

 

[Digitalize]

Yeah it will work, if the cars all are coming from the same angle of attack then it will work. Won't be perfect but close enough. You'll need to bump the ISO to compensate for the stop of light you'll lose using one.

 

[Silver Simon]

Here are a couple from the first lot I've started to edit.

I think I achieved what I wanted too with the polariser, However I'd appreciate your comments thanks.

1.

2.

 

[buckas]

Practice on the 0 car then remember the position, easily doable and get a decent one - you'll only lose 1 stop of light then

 

[HoppyUK]

Polarisers usually work well with car windscreens. If you go on a track day, there are often photographers there who shoot everybody and sell prints - they'll have a polariser on so drivers can be seen better. The optimum angle for reflections is 30-40 degrees to the surface, and that often falls just right. Polarisers sometimes create patterns on toughened glass though, often used for side windows.

The best polarisers for this are Hoya HD or the new Marumi Exus. Both excellent filters and with the advantage of lower light loss - 1.2 stops instead of the more usual 1.7-1.9 stops.