How to use light reduction filters to shoot dreamy scenes

Introduction: Photographic equipment is advancing rapidly, and new equipment is often launched to help users take better photos. However, for users who are new to photography, photography accessories that cost thousands of dollars are daunting. !So I want to use some relatively economical products to introduce them, so that everyone can explore more possibilities in shooting~. How to use the Neutral Density Filter to shoot dreamy scenes

ND Neutral Density Filter (Neutral Density Filter), a type of filter.

To put it simply, it is like wearing black glasses (sunglasses) on your camera to reduce the amount of light entering it, so you can shoot with a slower shutter speed.

Generally, the ND8 is more commonly used. , can make the shutter speed 8 times slower. Assume that the current camera setting is ISO 100 f/11, 1 second shutter, then using ND8 means the shutter speed becomes 1 X 8 = 8 seconds.

Using ND64 means the shutter speed becomes 1 X 64=64 seconds.

This time I am going to use the ND64 Tianya ND. Compared to the circular UV, I just need to buy a swivel that matches the lens diameter and I can use it all over the world.

Its light reduction ability can be seen under the light.

Installation method

Attach the appropriate diameter adapter, the picture shows Sigma 30mm F1. 4 EX DC HSM

Then put on the filter holder and install it with the ND Done~

Other cameras can use ND. The picture shows Fuji X20, my favorite street photography camera.

Real shot effect

You can see that the long exposure makes the water surface smoother and absorbs more light around it.

This shot was taken with ND4 and ISO 100 5/f 8 seconds exposure

You will find that the color tone of this shot seems to be warmer and pinker. This is also the benefit of playing with everyone, because the material of affordable ND is gum and thick, and there will be a problem of white balance color cast. However, it can be solved by shooting RAW at home and post-production, or by customizing the white balance to correct it. . But I really love this pink tone, so I didn’t modify it.

ISO 100 f/22 10 seconds ND64

Post-processing

In Photoshop’s CAMERA RAW, it can be controlled by adjusting the "color temperature" and "hue" Photo effects.

The slow shutter speed causes the water to appear foggy, giving the photo a dreamy feel.

You can try different colors to match the theme and add more photography effects. I often try different hues/color temperatures. The shortcomings of affordable ND are also an alternative benefit^^

ISO 100 f/6.3 2 seconds ND 64. The total cost is less than 100 yuan. You can try one more photography, I hope you will like it!

Usage experience

1. Since ND will reduce the light entering the lens, it will be affected when framing and composing pictures using the optical viewfinder, so it will be easier to frame and compose pictures using the camera's Live View function.

2. Of course, use a tripod and a shutter release cable to effectively reduce hand shake (this is common sense, right?)

3. I personally recommend that you shoot with manual mode, because the light and dark levels of different scenes are different. In order to reduce metering errors caused by ND blocking the lens, I will use M MODE to adjust it myself.

4. Use the black card to achieve consistent exposure of the sky and the main scene. The use of the black card will not be explained this time.