In image capturing processor in one embodiment comprises: an image capturing section including an image sensor that captures a polarization image of an object being illuminated with an illuminating light beam； and an image processing section. The image processing section has: a light intensity image generator which generates a light intensity image based on the output of the image sensor； a polarization degree image generator which generates a polarization degree image by calculating the degree of polarization on a pixel-by-pixel basis； a retouching section which generates a retouched polarization image by enhancing the degree of polarization of the polarization degree image at depressions on a micro-geometric surface of the object and by correcting at least one of its hue, saturation and value； and an image synthesizing section which synthesizes the retouched polarization image and the light intensity image together.
