Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining polarized imagery using a portable device, comprising a light source, a first polarizing filter configured to cover the light source, a second polarizing filter configured to cover the lens of a mobile device's built-in camera, one or more housing to contain the light source and filters, and couplers attached to the housings for coupling the housings to the mobile device. When the housing is coupled to the mobile device and the camera is operated, light from the light source passes through the first polarizing filter, then passes as polarized light through an illuminating path to illuminate an object being imaged. Then light from the illuminated object passes through an optical path, through the second polarizing filter to the camera lens. In embodiments, the axis of polarization of at least one of the polarizing filters can be modified to allow for cross, parallel and variable polarized imaging.