What Filters Do I Need?

Some have the idea that filters went out with film and that you won't need them with a digital camera. There is some truth to that idea (emphasis on SOME). For example, black & white photographers frequently used yellow, orange, and red filters to change the way the sky was rendered. Green filters improved skin tones. Filters that were used by black and white photographers are no longer necessary. Some filters that were used in color photography to alter the way colors were rendered have also passed from use. So, what is left; what filters do you still need for your digital camera?

The filter that most outdoor photographers keep handy is the polarizer. It will do what cannot be duplicated in processing on the computer later. Look at the following two shots.

The photo above was taken without a polarizer. Note the reflections on the shiny leaves. In the photo at right the polarizer was used to reduce the reflections and show the color of the leaves. Again this is not a right/wrong situation. In the shot without the polarizer the leaves look much shinier and if you are trying to show how slick and shiny they are this will do it. If the reflections are competing with your subject and hiding its true color then the polarizer helps to solve that problem.

There are two kinds of polarizers in use. If you have one from years ago it may be a plain polarizer and will cause problems on modern digital cameras by interfering with the auto focus and with auto exposure. This problem has been solved with what is called a Circular Polarizer. Most current polarizers are the circular type but if you are having focus or exposure problems you may want to replace the old one with a new one. When you purchase a polarizer make sure it is the current circular type.

Other currently used filters are not quite as important but we'll get back to them in a future post.

If you are interested in a few of my recent shots of Western United States take a look here: http://jimking.zenfolio.com/p727777499

I hope to be back soon.