Polarized Mt. Rainier

One of the first things I do when I get a new camera or lens is buy a circular polarizing filter. Just like your polarized sunglasses, it filters out a particular orientation of light. These two photos were taken within seconds of each other but with the polarizing filter turned 90 degrees.

The molecules of the polarizing material are long and narrow, like bars on a jail window. Light with waves oriented vertically go right through. Reflected light waves oriented horizontally are stopped. (Polarized sunglasses cut down on reflected light, such as light reflected on other cars or the road surface.) This is one way photographers can bring out definition that is just not possible with a point and shoot camera.