Filters

fightheheathens · Aug 3, 2005

so i just got a new filter system for my camera, basically i have a mount and i get different color filters that i can switch in and out of it, i have a red filter and so im looking for pointers on using that (i havent tired it with b&w yet) and what other types of filters are typical (for color photography)

Big Mike · Aug 3, 2005

Do you have a Cokin system?

There are so many filters that it would be almost impossible to list them all. There are color filters to tint or correct the image. There are special effect filters like star, soft & border filters. Some of my favorites are graduated filters, they are great for landscape shots where there is a great difference between the sky & the foreground. The list goes on and on.

I usually like to a polarizing filter for outdoor shots but I use a circular polarizer that goes on the lens and not into the Cokin filter holder.

SLOShooter · Aug 3, 2005

red, orange and yellow are most commonly used in B&W for creating contrasty images. If you use them in color well then obviously they will be read, orange or yellow tinted.

For color the only filteres I've used are soft focus, star, polarizer and ND. None of thoose change the color of the image.

Soft focus - pretty obvious, most used for portraits

Star - It's a diffusion filter I think that makes highlights and point light sources flare out. It's good for product shots if you want to get that bling bling look.

Polarizer - Invaluable. The most used filter I have. Great for landscapes and reflections.

ND - Neutral Density. Just brings the overall exposure down a few stops so that you can either use a larger aperature or a slower shutter speed. Also good for landscapes.