notnoBuddha

Yes - I understand the basic need of using a HV and or polarizing pictures for most if not all photos. What I am not clear on is when I feel sure I will convert the picture to black and white does it make any difference if one has a lens mounted color correction filter lens monted filter or applies the filter in the editing process with a program like Photoshop. If the photo is going to remain in color does anyone even use color correction lens mounted filters anymore. I've always assumed that this was one of the big advantages of shooting in raw - so the corrections could be made then. I'm thinking I've over complicated this I and should just leave the filters in the drawer. Thanks in advance.

Hiskid.58 Loc: Erie, PA

In my opinion, you don't need the on lens filters. If you shoot monochrome in camera, most cameras have the filters built into the camera's software when you shoot. If you shoot in color and convert in a software program, you should be able to apply a filter effect then. I always shoot in color and convert in Photoshop. I usually use the channel mixer adjustment layer rather than the b&w adjustment. I think you have more control.

notnoBuddha

Thanks for the comment. I'm thinking your are dead on.

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

I have been making monochrome prints for 55 years and there is nothinh more thrilling than immersing a sheet of white paper in the developer and watching as your creation developes before your eye. I mainly shoot on 4x5 film. The question of filtration is many faceted. A polarizing screen improves the color saturation and cuts unwanted reflections off of many surfaces, Try shooting an ashphalt road against the light with and without the polarizer. The difference is amazing, an even more pronounced effect is noticed when photographing scenes with grass and vegetation, the greens become more and more vibrant. Regarding color correction filters, only use them for making major corrections when shooting for example, in tungsten or mixed lighting where not using them can cause major color casts. If you own Photoshop or its siblings of course the problem is allieviated. If you shoot in black and white (on film) skys absolutly jump off the film if you use a red or orange filter. A blue filter (almost never seen) will push a misty scene into an absolutly mystical photograph. The polarizer helps too. Most monchrome films are very nicely balanced for all colors but if you shoot in black and white mode on a digital camera you in most cases stuck with black and white. To see what I feel are the best possible examples of the black and white master photographer go visit the web site of Clyde Butcher (www.clydebutcher.com) and dream that one day you might get to be as good as he is. Best of luck. I as an afterthought use Microsoft Live picture viewer, it will instantly convert aa color file into a super black and white at the click of a mouse.
Ian Hargraves (igh1066@hotmail.com)

notnoBuddha

Great information - I will try everything you suggested. Thank you for your time, effort and the sharing of insights.

Chere Loc: Arizona

Since we are talking about filters....I shoot in color/ digital and then a publisher is going to convert to black & white. Would it be to my advantage for great greys & blacks to use a filter?

notnoBuddha

My understanding is there would be no great advantage regardless if in color, or converting to black & white. I always keep a uv filter on all of my lenses and will use a circular polarizer if I want to better define the sky. All other corrections that could be done with lens mounted filters can be done very nicely with darn near any editing program. The one exception that I can think of is if I was shooting in black & white { have never done} in which case as the previous post mentioned orange, red, and maybe blue may be worth considering. If others disagree - please share. I have added a recent picture that I am still working on that was in color and I converted to blk & wht {mostly} by adjusting the saturation with Photoshop. Any comments are always welcomed.

hugEDhog Loc: Bear, Delaware

I use the camera’s (Canon EOS R) raw conversion process. My only filter is a UV on s 35 mm lens.

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joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Double WOWEE for both 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

hugEDhog Loc: Bear, Delaware

Thanks Joe

User ID

No. Never mess with the printing and publishing operations. You are RGB and they are CMYK. Avoid conflicts.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Where's that zombie pic you usually share? Topic is eleven years old; the person to whom you replied hasn't been around since then either, having managed five comments before departing.