filter question

[montreal]

Hello to all,

I have a question about graduated filters. Many times on pictures taken with such filters, I can't really "see" it. I can see that the picture is well exposed (in the case of a graduated ND filter, for example) but the filter isn't really visible.

On this picture, though (from a cool website, by the way... not my picture), I can clearly "see" it.

http://www.timecatcher.com/Francis/001274.html

Is that a technical error or is it an artistic effect that was meant to be?

Daniel

[Steven M. Anthony]

I think you'll have to ask the artist if it was intended...

[montreal]

Actually let me rephrase that question: "Is it technically okay to take a picture where it's obvious to the viewer (even someone as inexperienced as me) that a filter was used?"

[grego]

Well in that photo, a polarizer filter was used. It makes the colors more rich. It's fine if you don't see it with your naked eye.

[PhotosGuy]

"Is it technically okay to take a picture where it's obvious to the viewer (even someone as inexperienced as me) that a filter was used?" Hollywood does it all the time, like the opening sequence in "Top Gun". I doubt that the "obvious to the viewer" applies to most viewers, who won't have a clue. ("Your cam takes nice pics!") Personally, in a good shot, I don't want you to "see it", 'cause it's come between what I want you to experience & your enjoyment of it.

Are you planning to get one? You can control how those graduated filters work. It's a function of the lens used, the f-stop, & how far away from the lens the filter is. We used to make our own with gells.

[montreal]

Are you planning to get one? You can control how those graduated filters work. It's a function of the lens used, the f-stop, & how far away from the lens the filter is. We used to make our own with gells.

Yes I am but first I'm looking at what can be done with them. I already have a polarizer and love it.

Other example from the same site: http://www.timecatcher.com/Francis/valley.html

The same filter (2 stop graduated ND) was used, but this time I can't see it at all. Perhaps something to do with the zoom or lens-filter distance as you said photosguy?

[PhotosGuy]

but this time I can't see it at all. :D:D You're not supposed to if it's done right! You need to see the before pic. It's just a means of lowering the contrast range of the final pic. This might give you an idea what's happening, but it's a PS technique, not a filter:
http://media.studio.adobe.com/tips/media/en/phs8contrast/pdfs/phs8contrast.pdf

[montreal]

:D:D You're not supposed to if it's done right!

So what you're saying is that there was a technical mistake in the first photo (see top post).

[PhotosGuy]

"Is it technically okay to take a picture where it's obvious to the viewer (even someone as inexperienced as me) that a filter was used?" Why not? Like a B&W pic? Maybe IR? Velvia film? An "Ansel Adams effect"?
I'd say he got the effect that he wanted, which would not be a mistake. Someone else might disagree. Measurebaters will still be picking the scabs of the answer to that question 500 years from now. ;-)

[Steven M. Anthony]

Actually let me rephrase that question: "Is it technically okay to take a picture where it's obvious to the viewer (even someone as inexperienced as me) that a filter was used?"

What do you mean by "technically okay?" That's a bigger question than it seems.

In my view, a photo that communicates volumes--even if somewhat lacking in technical aspects--is far superior to a technically perfect photo with no spirit. Sure, you need technique to make a photo--but a photo is (or at least can be) so much more than technique.

A great example--mentioned above--is a B/W image. Clearly, every viewer but those with total colorblindness realize the scene wasn't really in B/W!

[montreal]

Sure but remember my question is about filters.

[PhotosGuy]

Sure but remember my question is about filters. Technically Dan, you made a statement about filters. ;-) The question was, "Is that a technical error or is it an artistic effect that was meant to be?"

[montreal]

I didn't mean to offend anyone. I was just trying to learn more about filters. :o

[PhotosGuy]

I don't think anyone was offended, Dan, certainly not me! You'll get used to us after a while. ;-)