Light Array polarization filter alignment

Cross‑polarization is a powerful technique for eliminating specular highlights and glare in photographic imaging. By aligning the polarization axis of your flash LEDs perpendicular to the polarization axis of your camera’s polarizer, reflections from shiny or highly reflective surfaces vanish, revealing only diffusely scattered light. This guide walks you through the simple, step‑by‑step process of aligning your LightArray flash LED polarizers to your camera’s polarizer to achieve a clean, cross‑polarized setup.

1. Power on & Enable Polarization

• Turn the LightArray ON and connect to it via AragoControl -> Window -> LightArray.

• In the LightArray settings window, enable Continuous Light and Polarizer modes.

2. Position the Calibration Object

• Place a highly reflective object (mirror ball or phone screen) directly in front of the camera lens, filling most of the frame.

• Ensure the camera’s live‑view feed shows a clear, focused reflection.

3. Rotate each Flash LED Polarizer

• With one flash LED at a time, slowly rotate its polarizing filter while watching the live‑view feed.

• Stop rotating when the bright specular reflection disappears or reaches its darkest level.
• Repeat this process for every flash LED in the array.
  (Aim for maximum extinction of the glare)

4. Verify Cross‑Polarization

• • In the LightArray settings panel, toggle the Polarized option OFF and back ON.

  • With polarization OFF, you should see bright reflections. With polarization ON, those reflections should vanish.

• • This confirms that each flash’s polarization axis is orthogonal to the camera’s polarizer.

• Begin Shooting

  • Your system is now cross‑polarized and ready for glare‑free photography of shiny or reflective subjects.