The following table attempts to summarise how I think about using filters for any given lighting situation. Bear in mind that this is dependent on the iso and aperture you are shooting with. I will make the assumption that for most landscape images, you will be shooting with a relatively small aperture (upwards of F8) , and as low iso as you can. The suggested filter is a starting point whereby you are most likely to achieve the result you are after. Changes may need to be made depending on specific conditions at the time.
|
Desired effect Time of day |
Slight water trailing 1/5-1 second |
|---|---|
|
Blue hour Post sunset Pre sunrise |
CPL alone |
|
Golden Hour Pre sunset Post sunrise |
3 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Overcast |
3 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Bright sunshine |
6 stop ND |
|
Forest scene Diffuse light |
CPL alone |
@ Mattias Sjoulund Shot with NiSi V6 + IR ND 8
|
Desired effect Time of day |
Smooth water 1-30 seconds |
|---|---|
|
Blue hour Post sunset Pre sunrise |
3-6 stop ND |
|
Golden Hour Pre sunset Post sunrise |
6 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Overcast |
6 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Bright sunshine |
10 stop ND |
|
Forest scene Diffuse light |
CPL alone |
@ Jose Ramos Shot with NiSi V6 + Medium GND 16 + IR ND 16
|
Desired effect Time of day |
Streaking clouds (fast moving) 1-5 minutes |
|---|---|
|
Blue hour Post sunset Pre sunrise |
6 stop ND |
|
Golden Hour Pre sunset Post sunrise |
10 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Overcast |
10 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Bright sunshine |
15 stop ND |
|
Forest scene Diffuse light |
– |
@ Qianli Zhang Shot with NiSi V6 + Soft GND 16 + IR ND 1000
|
Desired effect Time of day |
Streaking clouds (slow moving) >5 minutes |
|---|---|
|
Blue hour Post sunset Pre sunrise |
10 stop ND |
|
Golden Hour Pre sunset Post sunrise |
10-15 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Overcast |
10-15 stop ND |
|
Middle of day Bright sunshine |
15 stop ND |
|
Forest scene Diffuse light |
– |
@ Takashi Nakazawa Shot with NiSi V6 + IR ND 8 + IR ND 1000
Predicting Weather In Landscape Photography
by Dylan Toh
