Using the ND filter for slow shutter speeds

[sdommin]

Baby, its COLD outside!! 9 degrees (F) for a high today. Anyway, I went to my favorite little babbling brook the other day just after a snowfall when it was warmer (20 degrees F). I got a bunch of "keepers", but I wanted to show how we can use our G3/G5's built-in ND filter in the daytime (of course any camera can use an external ND filter, too). It was overcast - a good thing since there would be too much light had it been any brighter of a day. I wanted a slow shutter speed to get the water blurry, so I had to use f8. The slowest I could get was 1/3 sec. and still keep the highlights down. I used a tripod with a 2-sec shutter delay to avoid camera shake.

http://home.att.net/~sdommin/icybrook.jpg

I'm working on converting this to B&W. There are many techniques, and I'm trying to find the best one.

[phili1]

I used to use digidanns but after reading an article I changed to Photoshop Channel mixer, it will give it an ansel adams look.

[getg3]

Scott,
It was an awesome shot and again thanks for sharing your creativities. Keep warm, it is 70F here in Southern California :) .

[roanjohn]

Great shot!!! :D Post a black and white when you get a chance......... And clue us in on the technique you used.

Thanks for sharing.

Ro1

[sdommin]

I used to use digidanns but after reading an article I changed to Photoshop Channel mixer, it will give it an ansel adams look.
Yep, the channel mixer seems to be what most books recommend.

[PeterS45]

Great pic. When the built-in ND-filter doesn't give me a slow enough shutter speed I screw on an external ND-filter. It worked for me in the old non-digital days and it still does now. :P

[sdommin]

Great pic. When the built-in ND-filter doesn't give me a slow enough shutter speed I screw on an external ND-filter. It worked for me in the old non-digital days and it still does now. :P

That's a good idea, Peter. You could really get some slow shutter speeds then!

[spaceman]

Hey Scott,

Great shot. My parents live up in Bartlett, so I do a lot of picture taking in NH. Your neighbor in Maine.

Alan

[submannz]

I do the same as peter and allows me to capture moving water much easier in most lights, I then set the camera to full manual because the light meter gets confused.

[Doug in Alaska]

Beautiful shot, Scott!! 8)