ArtMetal

Eric,

Thanks for the very informative posting!

On the polarizing gels - nope, I don't know where you can get them. I have a couple of 14" x 21" polarizing sheets that I got years ago and don't even remember where. They're a fairly heavy plastic or cellulose acetate substrate, maybe .050" thick. They work great for polarizing floodlights, but I doubt they would stand the heat of hot lights up close. Haven't tried, as I don't want to ruin them.

Yep, with polarized light source and a polarizing filter on the camera you can get right down to zero light. I just use the combination to eliminate reflections when I can't do it any other way, and it works well. Of course, with polarizing filters on the lights, the available light output is cut in half, and the filter on the lens cuts it more depending on the rotation. You need to start out with pretty bright lights or soon you have nothing left for the camera to work with.

Welcome to ArtMetal!