For newcomers to photography to understand what will be discussed, most likely, a definition will need to be defined. What exactly is a gradient filter? It is a transparent plate made of optical plastic or glass, on which an even soft, monophonic gradient is applied. If you are not familiar with the gradient tool in graphic editors, then you need to explain. In the image, it plays the role of a transition from one color to another, and a simple dimming gradient from gray to transparent is used on the filter.
Why do we need such a filter
Gradient is mainly used by landscape photographers. Very often, when shooting a landscape, the problem arises of uneven exposure of the upper (sky) and lower (earth) parts. Simply put, the sky almost always looks much brighter than the earth, which creates an imbalance. For example, when shooting a sunset, any photographer at least once came across this - only dark contours of objects on the earth remain in the photo. In such a situation, it is the gradient filter that corrects the unenviable position of the bottom of the photo.
There are also color filters for lenses, suitable for giving photographs unusual effects and fancy color variations. Usually, the transition from the transparent part of the filter to the shadow corresponds to 1-3 exposure levels, making it easy to select the necessary shooting parameters for it.
Types of Gradient Filters
Gradient filters are round - with thread for wrapping on the lens, as well as rectangular - installed in a holder mounted on the lens.
- The round filter on the lens is good because it is made of optical glass, often with a multilayer coating. But its main drawback is the inability to move the dividing point of the dark and light sides. However, due to its compactness, it is easy to carry and transport.
- The rectangle is made of plastic (as it is used separately from the frame and is more susceptible to mechanical damage) and does not have enlightenment, but it can not only be rotated, but also moved up and down, which greatly expands the landscape painter. To shoot a landscape using such a gradient filter, you need to use a tripod, since a plastic plate adds two extra interfaces (plastic-air) to the lens, due to which sharpness drops and you need to increase the shutter speed by about half.
The benefits of using a gradient filter
A gradient filter is traditional for photographers using film cameras, since the film has a limited light sensitivity range. Previously, they had to either use a gradients, or put up with significant losses in detail. But many modern photographers refuse to use it, arguing that the graphic editor can easily apply the same gradient when processing photos.
Nevertheless, practical experience suggests that using a gradient filter is also worthwhile on digital cameras, since it allows you to save a lot of time, and also to avoid unnecessary work with programs that not all, even very good, photographers can perform.