What type of filter should I buy?

[mamatojack]

I recently purchased the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. With it came the 18-55 lens and a UV filter. I would like to purchase another lens and some more filters, but am unsure what types to purchase (I am a novice when it comes to photography contraptions).

The filters and lenses I would like are ones that can be used with close up photography, in which the person's face is softened.

Thanks for any help!
Katy

[IncompletePete]

You can't go wrong with a circular polariser, it really makes a difference with colours! :D

[robertwgross]

If we were talking about outdoor landscapes, then a circular polarizer makes sense.

But for closeups of faces, you might consider a diffusion filter. Basically, all of the major facial features show straight through, but tiny skin pores get lost in the filter. Sometimes it is desired for a person with freckles.

You can get a similar effect from a three-inch-square piece of ladies nylons in black. You stretch that over the lens tightly and then shoot. By experimenting with a different mesh size, you can control the degree of diffusion.

---Bob Gross---

[Vegas Poboy]

First off decide what lenses you may want to purchase and try to choose the same ring size if not purchasing step up & step down rings can save you money in the long run. Decide on what type of shooting you'll be or want to do. Go to Cokins website and see the difference in lens filters and try to decide what effects you would like to capture. I think Hoay has a website or free handbook on lens filters.