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Graduated Neutral Density Filters For Better Listing Photos

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Estate Showcase Photography

 

 

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.

Example without Graduated Neutral Density Filter

Example with Graduated Neutral Density Filter

 

This is an example of a landscape photo without the filter on the left, and with the filter on the right.

Example without Graduated Neutral Density FilterExample with Graduated Neutral Density Filter

 


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)."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (21)

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Debi - That filter really does make a significant difference!  And thank you so much for not posting initials (NDF) instead of the full name, "Neutral Density Filter."  Since my new camera came through the door, I have been dealing with a learning curve that dwells with a manual that seems to refer to everything by initials.  I've been writing them down with their REAL meanings, while trying to chisel through the concrete surrounding my brain:-)

Dec 12, 2009 12:09 PM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Thank you Wayne, I appreciate your visit :)

Myrl- You are too funny, girl!  They don't make it easy for you do they? LOL Let me know if there's anything I can do to help :) I'm here for ya!

Debi

Dec 12, 2009 12:19 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

I see the difference Debi --I need one of those cool things, but I'll have to wait.  I'm with Myrl, I need the DSL Photography for Dummies book -my manual does not explain things well at all!

Dec 12, 2009 12:56 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Since reading the manual, it has been the first time I found out that "LV" doesn't stand for Las Vegas - It means "Live View". . .LOL

Dec 12, 2009 01:14 PM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi Mary - They usually don't! But there's a 'Dummies' book for everything! (Ask Santa for one!)

Myrl - HaHa! Don't tell Robert Swetz that! LOL Not sure that the video on the D90 is that big a deal, but everything else is great!

Debi

Dec 12, 2009 02:21 PM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Hi Debi, I have never heard of Graduated Neutral Density Filters but thanks for the photography lesson.  I am planning to take a photography class soon.

Dec 12, 2009 04:32 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Debi is does make a big difference don't know if I will master this.

Have a great weekend.

 

Dec 12, 2009 04:48 PM
Terry Edwards
Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate Corp. - Columbia, SC

Good morning Debi

I enjoyed your post.  When I was shooting 35mm I was stacking filters but since going digital I just use the photo magic software to compensate.  Life is good.

Terry in sunny SC

Dec 12, 2009 06:43 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Debi, Filters do make a difference. Sometimes I will pull out my polarizer. That filter does make quite a difference in harsh light situations...

Helping you live your American dream...

Dec 12, 2009 08:51 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

What a difference, I should always, ask a pro!
Have a glorious Sunday!
Paul

Dec 13, 2009 01:53 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi Shirley - Good for you - I'm sure you will really enjoy it! I like your little tree!

Hello Jennifer - Sure you can, just takes time :)

Hi Terry - Lots of software out there to help out - thank goodness! LOL

Hi Michael - I almost always have my CPL on the camera outside - I love it! Even so, sometimes the GND will do better.

Hi Paul - It really does make a difference. You have a great Sunday too!

Debi

Dec 13, 2009 02:09 AM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Debi:

I've vowed to get a new digital camera and get back into photography.

I really haven't used my skills since I put my 35mm to rest...

Dec 13, 2009 02:30 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Go for it Toula! You've been waiting too long!

Debi

Dec 13, 2009 05:08 AM
Mike Hendren
Mike Hendren Photography - Cloudcroft, NM

Thanks Debi.  I've tried to make do all these years without a graduated filter - shame on me!  I guess I need to get one of those guys into my camera bag.  :-)

Mike

Dec 13, 2009 09:24 AM
Jenny Kotulak
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage - Oakville, ON
Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate

Debi your photos are so great with or without a filter.  I'm learning so many new words from you lol.  I just had to look up a different  one you mentioned on Andrea's post.  Forgive my memory but was it HDR?  or something like that?

Dec 13, 2009 09:58 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi Mike - I find it a handy tool to have on hand from time to time! Course, I'm a camera gadget junkie....

Hi Jenny - LOL! Yes, Mike and Andrea are our HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo experts! It's something I keep meaning to delve into, but haven't really done it yet. Their work is very inspiring, tho - I need to get off my duff! Thank you for all your visits, and kind comments, Jenny!

Debi

Dec 13, 2009 11:02 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hi Debi, I like the way your tutorial explains everything in layman's term, so thanks for that!  Being dazzled by your photos I see I've picked up a bit of an expensive hobby! Thanks goodness for the digital age, shutters bugs like me would be so disappointed when I went to pick up my photos :(

But I'm having fun the entire time I'm enjoying my new hobby!

Dec 13, 2009 11:53 PM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hey Cynthia! I'm so glad it was easy to 'get'! I try to make it that way ;) And yes, you're right, it is an expensive hobby - but we're saving a fortune on developing!

Debi

Dec 14, 2009 08:21 AM
Lisa VonBargen
Photography7522 - Estes Park, CO
Estes Park Real Estate Photographer

Hey Debi,

Thanks for the info on the graduated density filter...I'm thinking maybe Santa will bring one this year!

Dec 14, 2009 10:02 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi Lisa - I hope he does! Have you been a good girl? (I hear it improves the odds! LOL)

Debi

Dec 14, 2009 01:14 PM