Rosco Polarising Filter Lighting Gel 730011 / 730012

Rosco Polarizing Filter is a linear polarizing filter developed for use on lights. It is most commonly used in photography to reduce glare from smooth reflective surfaces such as glass, water, glossy paper and certain metallic objects. Rosco Polarizing Filter is not intended to replace a camera lens polarizer. A lens polarizer may be used separately to reduce glare, but its effectiveness is then limited to a very specific placement of the camera in relation to the glare producing surface (about 55 degrees off center axis).

For this reason, it is best to employ polarizing filters on both the lights and the camera. This "cross polarization" technique allows greater flexibility in the placement of the camera. This technique is especially useful when the camera is directly facing the subject, such as when copying artwork or animation cells.

Most objects produce some glare. Even though it may be minor, this glare can cause a "washing out" or weakening of the object's colour. "Cross polarization" can reduce this glare to provide richer colour saturation. In addition to glare reduction, Rosco Polarizing Filter may be utilized for a variety of other special effects or technical applications. These include Birefringence (for crystal photography) and motion illusion.

Please note that the colour filter photographs shown on this website are the closest possible display colours and should be used as a guide only.

Application

To cross polarize, simply place the Rosco Polarizing Filter in front of the lights so that their axes are pointed in the same direction. Each filter is clearly marked to indicate the axis of polarization. The filter should be placed in a frame in front of the fixture or clipped to barndoors, but care should be taken to allow adequate air space for ventilation. Next, position the lights ideally at a 45 degree angle to the subject. Then, rotate the camera lens polariser until the glare diminishes or disappears.