Trying Long Daylight Exposures: I read an article on using ND filters to create extended daylight shots & thought I'd give it a try. I shot this with a Nikon D5100 & a Older Vivitar...

asjohnston3 Loc: Irving, TX

I read an article on using ND filters to create extended daylight shots & thought I'd give it a try. I shot this with a Nikon D5100 & a Older Vivitar (mfg. by Tokina) 28mm 2.8 wide angle lens. Settings - 10 sec. exp., f22, iso 100. I used a Hoya CP filter and a #8 &#4 el-cheapo ND filter stack. Shot at aprox. 2:00pm with a bright cloudless sky. Two issues I noticed pretty quick. ND filters are suppose to darken a scene while retaining the original colors. My original shot came out with washed out colors and a heavy blue tint. The other issue was slightly blown out highlights. I like the Idea of being able to soften the moving water in a shot like this but just seemed to loose too much using the filters. Are the cheap ND filters at fault? Does this type of shot require an overcast sky? Is this whole thing just a gimmick? I'd appreciate any input on this.

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The color corrected version

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geclevel Loc: Springville, Utah

I will look at the brand of my filter but my shots don't have the blue hue that yours did. It will be interesting to hear from others using ND filters.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

Did you try the ND filter without the CP?

I suspect the color shift you got is a function of the combination of both the polarizer and a neutral density filter.

tsilva Loc: Arizona

Cheap filter

asjohnston3 Loc: Irving, TX

geclevel wrote:

I will look at the brand of my filter but my shots don't have the blue hue that yours did. It will be interesting to hear from others using ND filters.

Specific filter info would be helpful... Set-up info if possible.

asjohnston3 Loc: Irving, TX

Allen Hirsch wrote:

Did you try the ND filter without the CP?

I suspect the color shift you got is a function of the combination of both the polarizer and a neutral density filter.

Nope... wish now I had. I used the CP for the bright sunlight... reflections ect....

asjohnston3 Loc: Irving, TX

tsilva wrote:

Cheap filter

My main suspect as well.... looking at replacements on Amazon as we speak but what # values for what conditions?

mariraju Loc: Toronto

I think it is because of the combination of two filters. Never happened to me. Even just using ND filter, I have always got good color. I have always used it for longer exposure. It is always good to have at least ND 2, 4, 6, 8. Depending on the condition and how long you need the exposure to be, you can use one of those.
You can also try only with CPL and the setting f22, ISO 100 with lower shutter speed of about 1/4 or 1/2 or even 1 second. You should be able to get a good result.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

ajohnston3 wrote:

I read an article on using ND filters to create ex... (show quote)

Don't be too concerned about color shift. That's what post processing is for. Yes, filters can affect color.

Here's a good, lengthy article.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/10-Stop-Neutral-Density-Filter.aspx

Fly_Boy Loc: South East Michigan

Try setting custom white balance after attaching the ND filter. That should take care of your color problems.

UXOEOD

Yes, creating and using a custom white balance value is the answer.

Anything/everything between the light source and the film/sensor will affect the apparent temperature of the light, white balance is intended to adjust to this variance. Just for grins and giggles, try taking the identical landscape photo on a "normal" sun-lit day, three ways. Take this photo with the camera set to sun light, to auto white balance, and finally after creating a custom white balance value for the immediate condition to custom white balance. In a perfect world, with perfect equipment the would be identical, but there will be minor changes.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

ajohnston3 wrote:

I read an article on using ND filters to create ex... (show quote)

I shot this with my t3i in bright sun with double stacked ND filters at 1/2 second, f/20, ISO 100, tripod of course with a Canon 18-55 at 25mm. I see only one highlight that is too hot but I believe that in bright sun that's a price you're going to pay.

No PP on this shot, straight from the camera.

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warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

mariraju wrote:

I think it is because of the combination of two filters. Never happened to me. Even just using ND filter, I have always got good color. I have always used it for longer exposure. It is always good to have at least ND 2, 4, 6, 8. Depending on the condition and how long you need the exposure to be, you can use one of those.
You can also try only with CPL and the setting f22, ISO 100 with lower shutter speed of about 1/4 or 1/2 or even 1 second. You should be able to get a good result.

Just a UV filter used here.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

ajohnston3 wrote:

... I used a Hoya CP filter and a #8 el-cheapo ND filter stack...

Filters, regardless of quality create a modification in both color (shift) and light resolution.

The color shift is easily corrected using a custom white balance*. The light resolution is not correctable however but by purchasing coated glass filters that are usually more expensive (the price does not equal quality, do your own research).

Stacking filters is a bad idea simply because you can experience two distinct problems (in addition to loss of resolution and color shift). The first of is the creation of a 'milky veil', the second is that you will have more chances to have unwanted reflection within the filters.

Weather conditions will influence the light and color but will never create a color shift if the color balance is set properly. (WYSIWYG)

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* PP is a possible solution but not a good one as to correct a color shift you need to have ALL your PP equipment color calibrated.

geclevel Loc: Springville, Utah

ajohnston3 wrote:

Specific filter info would be helpful... Set-up info if possible.

My ND filters are Tiffen.