We’re going to jump in our time capsule for a seven-minute trip back to the days of 35mm photography and discover how an old-school (and largely forgotten) sharpening technique is still valuable today. So grab your digital camera and climb aboard!

You pilot today is Robin Walley, a UK-based landscape pro and prolific author of over 30 instructional books for photographers. There’s a link in the description beneath the video with the shooting and post-processing titles he’s written in case you’d like to explore.

Here’s how Whalley describes the topic at hand: “This technique was often used to sharpen grainy film scans without exaggerating the grain.” But as you’ll quickly see, the method has a very beneficial effect in today’s era of digital photography, “that makes details POP as if the image was three-dimensional.”

Whalley demonstrates the process with an expansive landscape photo he captured at iconic Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. He made the shot using a first-generation Sony RX100 with exposure settings of ISO 80, f/5, and 1/50. It’s nicely composed but quite soft—especially when you zoom in and take a close look.

The common approach is to address this problem, at least to some degree, is using Lightroom’s Capture Sharpening tools. But here’s the problem: by taking this route according to Whalley: It’s very easy for me to push the details too far, at which point the image could best be described as crunchy.”

Whalley says one way to reduce this unsightly effect is to use Lightroom’s masking slider by following his instructions. Unfortunately, another problem may arise; namely, “the softness is gone but details still aren’t clear.”

The last five minutes of the video are devoted to the old school method Whalley prefers, and he walks you through every step of the way. One you’re done, check out his instructional YouTube channel where that are many more shooting and post-processing techniques worthy of consideration.

And don’t miss the recent tutorial we featured with another accomplished pro who reveals the biggest 10 landscape photography mistakes and the best techniques for fixing them in camera and during post processing.

Does a Circular Polarizer (CPL) occupy a prominent spot in your camera bag? If not, that’s about to change in the next 10 minutes as instructor Fil Nenna explains everything you need to know for taking advantage of this powerful and affordable accessory that many pros never leave home without.

Nenna addresses a variety of common concerns, including the difference between linear and circular polarizers (both of which are round). When shooting with digital cameras the more recent CPL version is definitely the one to get for reasons Nenna reveals.

As Nenna explains, the CPL is different from old school varieties from back in the heyday of 35mm photography “because of how it transforms light waves passing through the filter’s two elements.” The discussion continues with a brief explanation of polarized light before moving on to practical examples of how CPLs work to enhance various scenes with different types of challenges.

So what’s the big deal? Polarizers do some amazing things, like darkening pale blue skies, boosting saturation, and eliminating unwanted reflections on water, foliage, and other non-metallic surfaces. They provide a good degree of control because you can quickly increase or decrease the effect by rotating the front ring on the filter.

Another important consideration because of the way in which CPLs work is your position relative to the sun which also has an important impact on the strength of your results. This means that a slight shift in vantage point or camera angle may significantly enhance the magic a polarizer provides,

The remainder of the video is devoted to a few simple suggestions for optimum composition and several equally easy techniques for putting a CPL to work. As you’ll see, there’s a one or two stop penalty to factor into the equation. Another important note describes why you may not want to rotate the filter to the max.

That’s because eliminating ALL reflections (especially from water surfaces) can often deaden a shot. Nenna posts weekly videos on his interesting YouTube channel that’s full of tips on quirky gear and overlooked shooting techniques.

On related note, don’t miss the tutorial we featured with one of our favorite image-editing instructors who demonstrates an easy Lightroom technique for creating outdoor photographs with “perfect light” when the sun fails to cooperate..