Filters

Hello, this is my second post as I am still learning about the photographing process. I just found out that one can attach filters to the lens of a camera. I was hoping for anyone that has the time to answer these questions: Are there different types of filters? What is the purpose of the filter? What is the difference between polarized and nonpolarized filters? Are there any household items that could be used to try and get the same effect? Thank you for your time.

Are you shooting digital or film? The answer depends partly on that.

Are you shooting digital or film? The answer depends partly on that.

I am using a digital camera.

Then there is no need for most filters. Color filters were used with film. For example, a red filter, by blocking blue light, make skies darker in black and white photos. With digital , these effects are easily done and more accurately controlled in postprocessing.

 

The only filter I consider essential for most digital photographers is a circular polarizing filter (CPL), which cuts glare and reflections. This is an effect that is extremely hard to duplicate in post.

 

In addition, some people use neutral density (ND) filters. These are used to darken the scene if you want to use a slow shutter speed, for example, to smooth out water.

 

I use CPLs often. I have set of NDs but don't use them often.

 

No, you can't use household glass if you want good images. household glass isn't optical quality.

As said, with digital, the most essential filter addition to your kit is polarizing. These can used to darken the sky, as in

(the sky was already fairly dark).

 

However, it's easy to use graduated filter effects in post-processing to do this.

 

The modern use of polarizing filters is usually to eliminate (at the correct angles, of course) reflections on glass, water, and other materials (not including metal).

This sort of use will heighten contrast that otherwise would be lost to flare.

There is a lot of detail about using filters, some of which can be done in digital processing, but you need to find a good general photography How-to book, preferably one from the film era when the non-digital effects were more difficult. Shoot RAW and much is possible.

 

There were also "colorflow" polarizing filters and they can still be useful: see

Spiratone and Spiratone Colorflow™ Polarizing Filters

Simply Googling the term 'photographic filter' will probably provide you with many of the answers to your (basic) questions, rather than us repeating what's already been written many times over.

 

You just have to wade through a few adverts first, before getting to the information.

Edited October 27, 2020 by rodeo_joe|1