Which of the following best describes the function of a polarizing filter?

A polarizing filter serves multiple functions in photography, but its primary role is to enhance color saturation and contrast, which is accurately reflected in the correct answer. When light reflects off surfaces such as water or glass, it often carries a glare that can wash out colors in an image. By using a polarizing filter, photographers can reduce this glare and improve the overall color saturation of the scene.

Additionally, the contrast between the sky and clouds can become more pronounced, resulting in more visually striking images. The filter accomplishes this by only allowing certain wavelengths of light to enter the lens; this filtering effect modifies the way colors are perceived by the camera sensor, leading to richer and deeper hues.

While a polarizing filter can help mitigate lens flare to some degree, that is not its primary function. Similarly, it does not play a role in balancing color temperature or allowing for higher ISO settings. These other functions pertain to different aspects of camera settings and optics, making them distinct from the benefits provided by a polarizing filter.