Use your sunglasses in a pinch if you need a polarizer or ND filter

Sometimes photographers need to control the light in the picture by using a polarizer or ND (Neutral Density) Filter. Sometimes we leave these at home or don’t have them with us.

A ND filter reduces the amount of light passing through the lens. This is useful if you want to use a wide aperture, but the light is way too bright to compensate with shutter speed or ISO settings.

A polarizing filter can lower the light and cut reflections coming off of surfaces such as water or glass.

All sunglasses can double as a ND filter and if you have polarized glasses, these can help as a polarizer.

Careful though – prescription glasses can have different effects, but these could be cool as well.