Neutral Density Filters

[Becca]

I am making a trip to the Grand Canyon at the end of this month and I would like to get some sunrise and sunset photos while I'm there. When I have tried to take this kind of picture before, it never comes out the way I want and someone in a photography class I took suggested using a Neutral Density Filter.

Can someone tell me how this filter works, and recommend what type I should get?

I appreciate your help!

[ssim]

Personally, I would lean towards a circular polarizer. In my experience using this filter it will bring out the colors in the sky and your landscape areas of the image.

[PhotosGuy]

it never comes out the way I want Which is what?
A Neutral Density Filter is usually used to to get a smaller DOF. Maybe you mean a graduated neutral density filter? Conkin probably still makes them. Or you can try to fix the problem in PS, but since you don't show a pic to illustrate your problem, it's all guessing on my part.

[Belmondo]

Probably you want a graduated neutral density filter. That would allow you to darken a bright sky while still fully exposing the scenery. A full neutral density filter darkens the entire image.

http://www.schneideroptics.com/filters/filters_for_still_photography/graduated/

[Becca]

This is what I mean. I get these "dots" when I try to take a picture into the sun. Is there any way to avoid that, or do I just photoshop them out? I know this is a really boring picture, but it illustrates the problem I've been having.

Thanks for the feedback!

[ssim]

When shooting directly into the sun there is a very good chance that you will get these sunspots. This is most prevalent when the sun is clearly visible as it was in your image. I've shot many sunsets with a variety of filters and you can still end up with these. The trick is to try and not shoot at 90degrees to the sun. Your image was good if not for the sunspots. They were easily taken care of in photoshop.

[Becca]

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't sure if it was something that I could correct at the time the picture was taken, or if I would just have to deal with it in Photoshop. And sorry for the HUGE picture... guess I should have made it smaller before I uploaded it!

[robertwgross]

The trick is to try and not shoot at 90degrees to the sun.

I don't think that is what you meant.

I think 90 degrees would be perpendicular to the sun direction, and that is not the normal way to shoot a sunrise or sunset.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

The spot is called flare. Different lenses give different amounts & different effects. You'll get less , maybe none, as you move up in the quality of the lens used. Try taking off any filter on the front & keep the lens clean. Might work. Might not. PS can be your friend! ;-)

[Kennymc]

ND grads will cut down the contrast between the sky and land but won't cut out lens flare, Cokins ND filters tend to have a slight pinkish cast...