Graduated Neutral Density Filters For Better Listing Photos
A Neutral Density Filter reduces the amount of light that passes thru the lens on your DSLR or film camera. Either a larger aperture, or a slower shutter speed must be used if you want the same exposure for your photograph. If your camera is set in an 'auto' or 'programed' mode, the camera will compensate for you. Compensation will depend on the 'density' of the filter you use. The higher the density, the more light is blocked.
A Graduated Neutral Density Filter, is what the name suggests. The neutral grayed area runs gradually down the filter, fading as it goes. It has no effect on the color balance. This will allow you to reduce the intensity of the bright portions of your image, while protecting the light in the rest of the scene. That makes it a great tool for dull or blownout skies, as well as snow, sand, and other bright scenes.
I went out this morning to take some shots that will help you to see the effect of the filter when shooting your real estate listing photos. I used a Tiffen ND6 Graduated Filter.
The photo on the left is without the filter. The photo on the right is with the filter. Notice the difference in the sky, as well as in the snow. The sky is a richer blue, and the snow is not as blown out. No post processing has been done on any of these photos.
This is an example of a landscape photo without the filter on the left, and with the filter on the right.
When using these filters, it's best not to 'stack' them on top of other filters. Doing so will reduce the quality of your image. For example, if you have a UV or polarizing filter on your lens, remove it before attaching your GND filter. The less glass between your camera and the subject, the better.
Shop around, prices vary quite a bit. Buying directly from Tiffen is the most expensive. Tiffen's Digital HT filters are very durable - The description below is taken from their site:
"Digital HT™ - High Transmission - filters offer the strength of a Titanium coating combined with the purest optical quality glass and Tiffen’s Academy-Award-winning ColorCore™ technology. They present unmatched scratch-resistant durability and worry-free cleaning while other coated filters on the market today cautiously suggest delicate, if any, cleaning procedures, in fear of destroying the coating (and thereby the filter)."
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