Camera Filters...

[Slick61]

those of you who are proficient in photography... am I correct in assuming a polarizing filter should only be used during the day in direct sunlight? Took a few evening shots of the ride (just playing around) & got a LOT of flare/hazing. Is this a result of the filter? Should I have tried rotating the filter, or maybe switched to a UV filter, or gone without a filter altogether? Would welcome some input...

this one's not too bad, albeit a little too dark



but look at the haze on this one...



I know this one's partially due to reflection off the license plate, but look at the haze at the top...



want to polish some of my photography skills. Camera is a Canon G2 (set on Auto for right now)...

thanks in advance for the input...

[velobard]

Don't claim to be an expert by any means and it's been awhile since I've done any serious photography, but my first impression is they're a little underexposed. The focus looks a touch off as well. A polarizing filter blocks some light, so you're at higher risk of underexposure. They are great for some stuff, especially in bright light where they can tone down glare and help with better color saturation.

[JohnnyDaJackal]

Yes for the most part you'd only use a polarizer for sunny conditions.

As for your pictures, I'll try to explain what *I* think is wrong. I'm still fairly new to photography but have been learning a lot these past months. First the idea of using a polarizer in a dark area like your driveway at the time of the day is a bad idea. It would be similar to wearing sun glasses at night, although some people are cool enough to pull it off..lol
The fact that you had polarizer on underexposed your picture.

I'm not sure if a UV/Haze filter would help you. If you have then play around with it and take some with and without, then you decide. I've heard so-so things about them. Some of the hardcore photographers believe UV/Haze filters lessen IQ.

Also your flash is kinda harsh. If you look at the second pic the middle is lit up where the flash was aimed but the sides are pretty darker. You might have been better suited using a tripod and longer shutter speed with no flash.

*edit* your focusing my be a tad off. For car photography you might be better suited focusing manually. I know I've read in camera manuals AF doesn't work well if the subject is very shiney...lol