Lightning storms capture the attention of just about everyone. Bolts catapulted through the sky are spectacular to view and dangerous to be too close to. While most prefer to view grand shows of lightning from the safety of their abodes, some of us chase the radar in pursuit of the perfect scene against the perfect storm. Though lightning contrasts dramatically against the night time sky, my preference is the appearance of lightning at dusk. The lightning becomes a part of the …
Using the reverse graduated neutral density filter
I’m a firm believer that if you do as much as possible in the camera when you capture an image, it will lead to the best image. Even if we love post-processing work, getting the best exposure on an image allows us to use our software as a creative tool – not a “fix-it” tool. Thatâs why I carry a complete selection of Singh-Ray filters for the types of shooting I do. Different filters help me in various tough lighting …
Using Mor-Slo Solid ND Filters
As a professional photographer, I came from the film days. We had to control as much of our creative vision as possible in the camera. Whether it was exposure, depth of field or motion, we did all of that through our cameras. In most cases, we used external filters to help us control the environment in which we photographed. Now, in the age of digital, we find we have tons of control once we hit the computer and software. Does …
Tips for using your Mor-Slo⢠10-stop solid neutral density filter
Editor’s note: This post is the second in a series on using solid neutral density filters, arguably one of today’s most popular creative tools for photographers. Singh-Ray pioneered the development of these filters and now offers a choice of 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-stop Mor-Slo filters. We’re often asked, “Which lens filter should I have in my bag?” but that clearly depends on the types of effects/images you are looking for, the time of day and the lighting conditions. You …
Tips for using your Mor-Slo⢠5-stop solid neutral density filter
Editor’s note: This post is a little different from our regular feature articles by leading photographers using Singh-Ray filters. Instead, it is a response to numerous inquiries we’ve received for tips on using solid neutral density filters, arguably one of today’s most popular creative tools for photographers. Singh-Ray pioneered the development of these filters and now offers a choice of 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-stops. We’re often asked, “Which should I have in my bag?” but that clearly depends on …
5 reasons why you should be using a circular polarizing filter
The sun sets through fog as seen from Fremont Peak State Park, San Benito County, California (Sony a7R II, Sony/Zeiss 24-70mm, f/22, 1/10th, ISO 100, Singh-Ray Neutral Polarizer) If you are serious about your landscape photography, there is one filter that should be on each lens in your bag â a polarizer! Why? Well, that is what I will discuss in this article. But first you need to understand that the one filter that cannot be re-created in post-processing is …
My 3-stop reverse graduated ND filter. An essential tool for shooting sunsets.
Typical graduated filters are darkest at one end, and gradually lighten up along the length of the filter. These are essential for any landscape photographer’s kit, and are commonly used when the sun is above the frame, for instance in the late afternoon. They help balance the exposure of a bright sky and a darker foreground scene. The problem with this filter when photographing sunsets, is that the frame is typically brightest towards the middle, or top third, of the frame, meaning …
“Cleanse your palette” Another approach to using solid neutral density filters
Solid neutral density filters â I use Singh-Ray Mor-Slo and George Lepp solid ND filters â have become increasingly popular the past few years. Their ability to increase exposure times from 1-stop to 20-stops (2x to, amazingly, more than 1,000,000x) helps to emphasize motion, thus adding a soft and ephemeral feel to moving elements such as waterfalls and clouds. However, there is another use for these filters beyond emphasizing motion, and that is to hide it. To soften detail. To …
Get into the flow… using filters for dramatic waterfall photography
Editorâs note: Robert Clark is a master of waterfall photography. He is a graphic designer, architect, landscape photographer and teacher â and works as a media designer, manager and frequent photographer for the National Park Service. This post is loaded with Bobâs great waterfall shots and tips! Waterfall photography is a very popular among landscape photographers. Of all the landscape images I make, I find that shooting waterfalls remains my favorite in terms of subject matter. Capturing the very real …
Singh-Ray filters: Essential tools for preserving photographic integrity
Editor’s note: Singh-Ray shooter Richard Thompson recently published his first hardcover book, “Visions of Michigan,” featuring his outstanding photography in Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, accomplished using Singh-Ray filters. To find out more about his book or order a copy, visit Richard’s website. When I’m on the road traveling, I always give special consideration to my surroundings and try to be attentive to circumstances that will best portray the places I’ve come to photograph. With outdoor photography, it’s ephemeral moments …