What is cross-polarization, and how does it help in product photography?

• A. It increases color saturation.
• B. It reduces depth of field.
• C. It minimizes reflections on shiny surfaces by blocking reflected polarized light.
• D. It improves autofocus accuracy.

Answer: (C)

Cross-polarization uses polarized light and a polarizing filter on the camera to cancel reflections from glossy surfaces. In practice, you polarize the light illuminating the subject and place a second polarizer on the lens oriented 90 degrees to that polarization. The specular reflections from shiny surfaces are polarized and get blocked by the lens filter when the polarizers are crossed, so the glare is reduced and you mainly capture the diffuse light that reveals true color and texture.

This makes product photography clearer on metals, glass, and polished plastics, where glare would otherwise wash out detail. It can make colors and textures stand out more, though you’ll lose some light and may need more illumination or a longer exposure. It’s specifically about reducing reflections, not changing color saturation, depth of field, or autofocus.