Sam love to know what camera you have.. early digital camera s didnt have the contrast range of that of the modern, hence the use of polarized filters..which essentailly reduce constrast.. but reducing the level of the sky leaving the darker areas untouched because because a polarising filter is not a neutral density filter.. it only effects the whites.. centre weighted metering would help a camera to not over expose the sky.. and because now the over all exposure is now lower the darker areas of the scene would have to be lifted in post pro...then the added problem..of artificialness. the second of your pictures uploaded to me looks as seen.. to much of a lift can and will make it look artificial. and thats what your trying to avoid at all cost...advise given on filters matt box tripod is a way to go.. but may even be future investment to up grade camera if you own an earier version digital camera.... prosumer cameras dont have the contrast range SLR.s have.. saddly a marketing ploy.. by the manufactures... hope this helps Sam...

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