lets talk filters. neutral density graduated (or nd grad for short) filters specifically. nd grad filters can help turn a snapshot into a framed piece of art. the nd grad filter i used in this example is a cokin p series model 121m. here’s a pic for those who don’t know what i’m talking about:
mytoesarecold gallery series
this filter is clear on one end and dark on the other, hence the name “graduated”. you can see lots of options here from cokin: http://cokin.com/ for nd and nd grad filters.
so, here is our example:
mytoesarecold gallery series
as you can see the sky is highlighted pretty bad (lots of white) and needs to be brought down. along with this we also see that there isn’t much detail in the foreground and that the trees and brush is pretty dark. this is a perfect opportunity to try our nd graduated filter. here is what the photo looks like after the filter is applied:
mytoesarecold gallery series
as you can see the highlights in the sky aren’t nearly as bad and we now have more color. we also see that the foreground now has more detail and color as well.
by applying this nd grad filter we’ve tricked the camera into thinking it needed a longer exposure and in so doing we gained detail and color in the foreground.
mission accomplished. we’ve turned a lifeless snapshot into a wall hanger. yip yip!