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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Graduated ND Filter versus Combining 2 exposures
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AuthorThread
 11/17/2008 09:23:18 PM · #1
Hello,

I am wondering if there's any difference between using a graduated ND filter versus combining 2 different exposures digitally using a gradient mask?

I understand that using a ND grad filter you would see the real photo through the lens and on the camera back during review --- but aside from that is there an advantage to using the filter as opposed to digital combination in post?

I'm starting to get into landscapes and I notice that I could use a ND Grad filter quite often, but I am usually traveling lightweight and don't want the extra bulk and cumbersomeness (new word) of filters. I have had some good results from taking two exposures and combining them later on in post with a gradient mask. It seems there is even more control having 2 exposures (sky and ground) to tweak individually.

Thanks,

Jesse
 11/17/2008 09:28:39 PM · #2
Anything you can get right at the point of capture becomes a time saver so using the filter can have its advantages.
 11/17/2008 09:30:27 PM · #3
You have much more control with combining two images. The grad ND filter is going to have problems with mountains, trees, structures, or anything sticking into the portion you want to underexpose.
 11/17/2008 09:39:55 PM · #4
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
You have much more control with combining two images. The grad ND filter is going to have problems with mountains, trees, structures, or anything sticking into the portion you want to underexpose.


I agree, you can end up with trees that look shaded but some of that can be avoided or at least minimized by hand holding the filter and moving it up and down slightly to help make the shading less noticable. Note it only helps on longer exposures.

Message edited by author 2008-11-17 21:41:37.
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