filters

Even though camera technology is evolving greatly and dynamic range is getting better and better with each generation of cameras that come out there will always be a use for photographic filters. Whether that is simply to protect the lens you’re using, to create greater contrast in blue skies, or to slow down the shutter speed so much you can render the busiest cities in the world “abandoned”. Filters allow you to add endless possibilities to your photographic arsenal by simply adding an additional piece of glass to your camera.

Figure 5: Sunset Graduated Filter

For those photographers who shoot JPEGs only and are not interested in a lot of post-processing work, a creative filter system is ideal for more creativity in-camera. Cokin’s filter system, for example, is an easy-to-use, flexible option that offers a variety of creative opportunities.

One of the functions that all image makers really seem to like is the ability to apply a “look” to their images. This can be as simplistic as using Instagram filters and as rich as taking a powerful, well edited image and making it look like it was shot on classic film.