Just got an 81B filter and I'm not sure if I like it or not

[EmmyLou]

I recently bought a Cokin 81B warming filter and am honestly not sure what I think about it. I may just have to spend some time getting used to it.

I like the tan-look it gives to skin, however, I'm not sure I'm crazy about the yellowish tint it gives everything else in the picture. I find myself constantly taking the filter off and putting it back on (depending on which look I'm going for) which can also get slightly annoying.

My friend told me to give it some more time and try to get used to it... I thought I would bring this up here and see what you guys think. Yes, I'm aware I can make these changes in photoshop, but I'm trying to eliminate as much post-processing as possible.

If you have this filter, are you a fan? What are your thoughts on it? If I find I don't warm up to it (no pun intended) I may just put it, and the holder, for sale. I'd love to get some feedback about what others think.

[braduardo]

I may be wrong, but wouldn't it just be easier to just do the effect in PS?

[EmmyLou]

I may be wrong, but wouldn't it just be easier to just do the effect in PS?


You're probably right but, as I was saying, I was just trying to eliminate as much post-processing as I can.

[Quad]

Is it possible to re-create the effect with a custom WB setting and lock that into a camera user setting? I am only familiar with a 5D so I don't know if other models have this WB Bias control.

[Curtis N]

Filter or no filter, you need to either be careful of your white balance setting before shooting (if you're shooting JPEG) or set the white balance in post (if shooting RAW).

If shooting JPEG, you can do a custom WB with a white or gray card and use the filter, or you can set the custom WB using a bluish card (I forget what they're called) to warm things up a bit.

RAW of course is king in terms of versatility, but that's a whole different debate. Regardless which method you choose, I don't see any time savings by using a filter. The fact that filters rob light is plenty of reason to seek alternative methods in my book.

Sidebar comment: Post-processing is part of photography. Always has been. With the right software and the skills to use it efficiently, it doesn't need to be terribly time-consuming and will allow you to make better pictures.

[r.morales]

interesting reading - if you have the time
http://www.rosco.com/includes/technotes/filters/Guide_to_Color_Filters.pdf