Understanding neutral density filters

Neutral Density Filters

In garden and nature photography, neutral density graduated filters can come in particularly handy.

Neutral Density Graduated Filters

These are filters with a band of a darker area at the top, which helps to reduce the contrast of sky so that the finer details are retained. They are particularly useful when you're shooting directly into the sunlight.

When we talk about 'stops' in photography, we mean 'stops of light' - essentially the amount of light that you are allowing to enter the camera. Aperture is one way to control this, and is measured through f-stops. Neutral density filters are another way to adjust the amount of lighting. Different stops are available across the length of the neutral density filter.

Using Flags

When you're shooting into the sun, the light may hit the lens, which compromises the levels of contrast and can cause a milkiness to your photograph. One way to prevent this is to use a piece of card to deflect the light.