Filters

[bhoskins]

Hi,

I was just wondering wether it is possible to do those misty water shot effects that you see being done with waterfalls etc without ND filters or a polarizer?

Thanks

Ben

 

[maulrat]

It will be very challenging because you would need enough light reflection from the other objects to produce some good color yet hold your shutter open just enough to get some good motion blur. Try very, very close to nightfall.

 

[bhoskins]

Okay, if I was going to buy a ND filter what one should i get? I've seen Hoya ones with NDX2, NDX4, NDX8, is this the darkness of the filter? Lastly, which would be the best to get the effect that I am looking for.

Ben

 

[maulrat]

This was taken in an area covered by trees. The sun was also hidden on the other side of the mountain and it was very close to nightfall. I used an ND2 filter. I tried another shot right after after I removed the ND filter that came out completely blown out even with so little light.

I personally suggest buying a CPOL and at least an ND2 to stack. My next shots will be with using an CPOL+ND4 or ND8.

 

[maulrat]

I would definitely start out with an ND4. Yes, the bigger the number, the more light is blocked out. I believe the CPOL blocks the same amount of light as an ND2. As for brands, it all depends on your budget. Being new to filters, I myself am starting out using Tiffen and Hoya considering how relatively cheap they are... compared to B+W. Let me find you that link I have laying around to a ton of sample shots taking with all diff types of filters and stacks of filters.

 

[Syndac]

Hoya seems to be one of the most common brands, that's what most of my filters are. I chose the ND8 and I'm glad I did. Sometimes even that doesn't seem like enough for some of my pics.

 

[maulrat]

Ok. Here is the link to a good filter sample page. I spend way too much time here, hehe. Notice that the photos of waterfalls and rivers are usually taken with a heavy ND and/or ND filters stacked upon one another.

http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/browsecategories?typeId=8

This photo, I took earlier this week. I was stacking an Quantaray ND2 + a Hoya Circular Polarizer. It turned out alright, but again... this was taking after sunset on a very cloudy day. I am still awaiting my ND4 and ND8 in the mail because I need a longer shutter drag for the days with clear skies.

 

[bhoskins]

Okay, is the technique possible without a CPOL, I presume this is to boost the colours in the picture? Could this not be done in PP in photoshop? So the higher the number for the filter, the more misty the water will appear, or does the shutter speed have a factor to play aswell?

Ben

 

[maulrat]

Okay, is the technique possible without a CPOL, I presume this is to boost the colours in the picture?

Yes, it can be done without an CPOL but using an ND filter.

Could this not be done in PP in photoshop?

Hehe, just about anything can be done in photoshop these days. You can always get the motion blur from another photo off the net, then mask the layer into your photo but you won't get the satisfaction your deserve.

So the higher the number for the filter, the more misty the water will appear, or does the shutter speed have a factor to play aswell?

By leaving your shutter open longer, the water produces the motion blur effect. The filter just enables you to open your shutter longer without blowing out the exposure. The filter itself, doesn't produce the misty effect.

 

[maulrat]

Hoya seems to be one of the most common brands, that's what most of my filters are.

Yeah, you can get low line Hoya ND filters online now for around $15 USD each.

I chose the ND8 and I'm glad I did. Sometimes even that doesn't seem like enough for some of my pics.

so true.

 

[bhoskins]

By leaving your shutter open longer, the water produces the motion blur effect. The filter just enables you to open your shutter longer without blowing out the exposure. The filter itself, doesn't produce the misty effect.

Right got it now, I think i'll look into an ND8 seeing as a don't have a CPOL and dont currently have the money to buy one.

Thanks for your help maulrat, appreciated!

Ben

 

[Syndac]

Right got it now, I think i'll look into an ND8...

Excellent choice. You'll be glad you picked 8.

 

[bhoskins]

Haha, im hoping ill get some good results, im off on holiday next week and wanting to try a few new things, ill put some pics up after so you can see how I do

Ben

 

[kundalini]

Hoya ND filter link.

The higher the number, the less light comes in. Usually in 1, 2, 3, etc stops. I chose a 3 stop because I was going camping and specifically shooting waterfalls. And I am happy with it.

Hoya Pro is okay and a lot of people have them. After a couple of B+W filters though, well, enough said............. until we talk about Grad NDs that is.

This shows a 3 stop difference.

 

[bhoskins]

The higher the number, the less light comes in. Usually in 1, 2, 3, etc stops. I chose a 3 stop because I was going camping and specifically shooting waterfalls. And I am happy with it.

Hoya Pro is okay and a lot of people have them. After a couple of B+W filters though, well, enough said............. until we talk about Grad NDs that is.

Yea I think I am going to go with the 3 stop filter. Hoya is good for me seeing as im on a bit of a budget, well at least until I get paid (spent most my wages on photo equipment this month!). Also, new to filters, so im sure ill be back with more questions soon enough

Ben