The use of ND filters

[petercox]

May 28, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Hi folks –
I’ve just written my May newsletter article (a little late in the month, I know!), and would appreciate feedback. It’s on how and when to use ND filters.

Graduated Neutral Density Filters, Explained

Have I missed anything?

Cheers,
Peter

[andy mcinroy]

May 28, 2009 at 7:05 pm

Very good Peter, I think you covered that very well.

I like the examples with the filters placed partially over the scene. I think that is a great way to illustrate it.

One thing about filters which I frequently see on here here is an inappropriate the choice of strength where stillwater is present.

My golden rule where stillwater reflections are involved is not to use more than 2 stops of filtration. This usually balances the exposure perfectly. Any more than this and the reflection become brighter than the sky above it and the filtration is a big giveaway.

For example, this was taken with a three stop and my mistake is obvious. I should have stuck to my rule.

[petercox]

May 28, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Thanks Andy. Yes, reflections are a real snare for ND filters. I believe the rule is the reflection must be one stop darker (at least) than the scene being reflected.

Cheers,
Peter