Hi Chris,
There's lots of different types of neutral density filters. I'm not sure of the NDX terminology, but, I'm assuming they refer to 2-stops and 3-stops. 3-stops (ND8?) is a harsh filter and you have to be careful with its use. Typically, you'd want a set of 2-3 stops.
This image was indeed taken with a 3-stop filter. It was still quite bright, and the filter helped to add some drama to the scene; it also helps to draw the eye further down into the image.
A graduated filter is one which is half-transparent, and, the other half neutral density. The dark part is placed above the horizon and the clear part below the horizon. You expose for the foreground and the filter should hold the light back in the sky. The other way to do it, without a filter, is to bracket several images and then blend them in post.
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Originally Posted by hotspur
Thanks for the tips Humayan.
Yes,it sure would be party time when you bagged that image.
These Neutral Density filters,I believe there are two types ND 4 and ND 8
I think someone recommended the ND 8,is that the one to use in these types
of photographs? Can they be adjusted like a circular polarizer filter?,you mention 'graduated' in your reply so I take it they may be avaliable.
Which one do you feel is a good one to buy?I have been thinking about purchasing one for sometime,and would like to get a good quality one.
I noticed StephenM uses one in some of his rainforest photos of creeks,and the water comes out looking a really nice colour.
Thanks again for the helpful tuition.
Cheers Chris
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David,
Yeah, when I first started using them, they annoyed the crap out of me. It all came down to the quality and intensity of light that you shoot in and having the right strength filter at your disposal.
I, too, blend when I don't shoot with a grad. But, you know me, I'm pushing myself to get it in one shot.
I have made my own neutral density effects in Photoshop in the past. It's actually very easy to do. But, the result looked artificial. That was probably just me, though. I will try it again, but, I prefer the simplicity of the filter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidTrap
Great shot H,
I tried graduated ND filters on a photo workshop at Cradle Mtn. I sold them afterwards. I found it was much simpler to shoot two photos - one exposed for sky and one for the landscape and blend them in PS.
PS now has various "filters" that emulate most of the available "real glass filter" you would screw onto your lens. IMHO, the only one you can't replace in your kit bag is a polariser.
The other advice was to learn to shoot in manual mode and "read" the histogram.
DT
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lol, hopefully not too annoying, Leon! Cheers, mate. I owe you a print or two. ; )
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Originally Posted by leon
You are so annoying H, those pics are sensational, you have a real gift.
Leon
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Luis,
Thanks! When a fellow landscape photographer is happy, then, I'm happy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by luigi
Wohow!!! This is a fantastic landscape, love the palette of colors you got.
Congrats!
Luis
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Jen,
Sure, if the weather is kind, and, I'm at Snake Valley, we can shoot sunrise over the misty and foggy dam. : )
Thanks, all.
H