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ND filter and B&W
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Sep 29, 2011 11:58:03   #
JoelS Loc: Deep South Alabama
 
I want to take more B&W and I was wondering how a ND filter would affect B&W. Does a ND filter take away from high contrast?

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Sep 29, 2011 12:14:28   #
chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon
 
ND filters block light and do not adjust the colors. I use them, but I have not tried B&W yet. So look forward to what others will share about their experience using ND filters for B&W photos.

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Sep 30, 2011 08:14:51   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
Are you using film, or shooting black and white incamera with digital?

ND filter acts the same way with blackand white as with color, it blocks light to enable longer expoures.

If you using digital I would seriously recommend convertering after taking in color as it will leave you with more options; one being able to use it in either mode.

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Sep 30, 2011 08:57:04   #
BBNC
 
As has been said, ND filters just lower the amount of light reaching the film or media. If using film, make several different exposures and record what your settings were for each shot, so you can properly evaluate the results, and have a baseline for future exposures. I carry a small notebook and pencil in my bag.

With digital and the huge number of potential exposures available on current recording media, there's probably no reason not to take the shot in both color and B&W. Just keep the same setup and change from one mode to the other in the camera.

If you're not shooting film, you have lots of room to make different exposures and monitor the effects in-camera as you shoot. That's one of the joys of digital vs. film, providing you have the time to use a tripod, which should be used whenever possible, anyway.

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Sep 30, 2011 09:05:30   #
BBNC
 
By the way, DO NOT buy the cheap, unknown brands of filters, such as you find on E-bay, especially the ND series. Cheap ND's cause noticeable color shift...they're supposed to be NEUTRAL!

Stick with Cokin, Hitech, Lee, etc. Go to "The Filter Connection's" website and read what they have to say about ND's.

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Sep 30, 2011 10:52:04   #
JoelS Loc: Deep South Alabama
 
I am shooting Digital, thanks for the wealth of information.

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Sep 30, 2011 13:27:41   #
ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona
 
We assume you know what to use ND filters for but the question of how it affects B&W is a little puzzling.

As a previous post suggested it is preferable to shoot in full color and then deal with conversion to B&W with software. You have many more option for how the colors react during the conversion.

If you shoot using camera B&W you surrender a lot of creative control.

Just thought I'd mention it.

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Sep 30, 2011 19:55:03   #
JoelS Loc: Deep South Alabama
 
Thanks for the reply, I was wondering if a ND filter changed the contrast. I have tried to covert color to B&W but the pics turned out bland. I understand it reduces the amount of light but would it change the contrast. I suppose you can fix that in PS, but I am a novice. Thanks again for everyone's input.

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Sep 30, 2011 21:29:35   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
How are you converting to b&W?

There are a variety of ways, some better than others. For example, using channel mixer is better than just desaturation.

On the other had there are some very good programs these days that are terrific. Topaz labs just introduce one called Black and White effects, and it is great and does much more than just black and white. THey are running a half price sale which ends in a day or so and it is well worth the regular price let alone $29.
THey provide a lot of on-line tutorials and free upgrades.

Nik has Silver Efex Pro which is also very good, much more expensive and is very similar in many ways in which we work in the darkroom and in the field with film. Having a film back ground is very helpful with this program imho.

I am not contected with any software company. Just a serious black and white photographer

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Sep 30, 2011 22:42:26   #
JoelS Loc: Deep South Alabama
 
I was using mode>grayscale in PS 7 Elements but I will look at Topaz. I don't think PS 7 allows me to use channels. Is Black and White effects an online program or do you buy it and download it to your computer? Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

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Oct 1, 2011 08:34:20   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
Ah, this is why your finding your images "bland", I am not familar with elements so I don't know if it has curves which could be used to increase contrast.

Topaz labs products are purchased on line and downloaded. They also have free trials which of course is always a good thing.

YOu can also sign up for a webinar about the product, get an idea of how it could be helpful and they always offer a special discount to those watching (about a three day time frame)

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Oct 2, 2011 17:36:28   #
beacher Loc: Butler, PA
 
JoelS wrote:
I want to take more B&W and I was wondering how a ND filter would affect B&W. Does a ND filter take away from high contrast?


Read the info on the following site, should clear up your questions fairly well...

http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterh111/journal/4421304-the-ultimate-easy-guide-to-neutral-density-filters

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Oct 2, 2011 18:12:06   #
steve40 Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA
 
Normally a ND filter will not affect B&W, or color. But beware of the cheap Tiffen filters they are a little warm in color, and will affect color and tint.

I use a B+W Pro medium yellow filter when taking B&W images, I know someone will say you can simulate it in PS. But as the saying goes, I like to get it right out of the camera the first time. You can also visualize the affect on contrast, beforehand on you LCD.

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Oct 2, 2011 21:37:51   #
JoelS Loc: Deep South Alabama
 
Does the red filter have more contrast than the yellow? I have a cpl but haven't tried it yet. Thanks for all the information.

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Oct 2, 2011 21:57:03   #
steve40 Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA
 
Yes the red has quite a bit more effect on contrast than the yellow, in fact unless you want the excessive contrast for some special effect too much.

A "Graduated Neutral Density" filter is good also, it can be used to decrease the exposure of the sky, preventing cloud blow out in landscapes, or reversed to have the same effect on Snow scenes.
B+W makes a round one that rotates like a polarizer, so you can have the graduated ND effect where you need it. My 58mm was $47.50, it is a .6 GND which translates into 2 stops at the darkest area, which is the top. There are two types one that had a sharp end taper, and the other like the B+H which tapers slowly out. I find the latter the most versatile, unless you live on the coast, and all your landscapes are very flat with straight lines.

The limitation that CPL's have is if you are not at a 90deg. angle with the sun, there is little to no effect. With a GND the sun angle makes no difference, the effect is just the same.

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