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01/23/2008 05:53:13 PM · #1 |
So anyone have any thoughts on whether a CP is better or worse than a graduated ND for taking pictures of landscapes with sky say a sunset at the beach?
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01/23/2008 06:00:32 PM · #2 |
| I think you should consider using both. CP for saturation and removing reflections(if you want them removed), ND(hard or soft) to balance the bright sky with the darker foreground. A polarizer doesn't have much effect when shooting directly into or away from the sun but a ND will be quite helpful. In my experience at least 4 stop ND is necessary to balance the lighting. Maybe someone with more knowledge will help me out with the whys and wherefores. |
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01/23/2008 06:04:41 PM · #3 |
I often use both. The polarizer is always a good idea and the grad ND filter use will be dictated by the shot. Really you will have little choice as to whether to use it or not (unless you want to goof with HDRI).
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01/23/2008 06:15:17 PM · #4 |
It's not good to blindly recommend a certain density of GND filter without knowing the subject or composition. Different strengths of filters are required for various situations.
For the sunset image that the OP mentioned, he didn't say what was in the composition other than the sun. What type of beach is it? Rocky beach?...if so, do you want to see the rocks or are silhouettes fine? Sandy beach?...if so, then is it sugar white sand like in Florida, or darker brown sand (or even black sand, like in Hawaii)? Using a GND filter with any moving water tends to smooth out the water motion (blending waves and ripples).
As far as sunsets, I rarely use my GND filter for them (see my DPC front page and portfolio). I use it mostly for landscapes with bright skies or white snow. I also tend to use them to darken the bright beach sand during the middle of a sunny day.
To make a long story short, experiment with GND filters. When you first get one, take the same shots with and without it on. This way, you can learn what is best for your style of shooting.
Oh, and I recommend the Cokin Filter System for GND filters because you can adjust where the light/dark division is in your composition (as opposed to having it always cutting right through the middle of your image).
Message edited by author 2008-01-23 18:16:26.
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01/23/2008 06:20:12 PM · #5 |
AP is right, experimenting is the best way. Hard stop works for some situations, soft works for others.
One thing I would add is this... Try handholding your ND filters. Quick and easy way to feather the effect. The Cokin mount is great but I've found handholding to work extremely well. |
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