White Sands NM - Filter Suggestions
Sep 4, 2023 07:56:30 #
CliffMcKenzie
Loc: Lake Athens Texas
Planning a trip to White Sands in NM in early October. Any suggestions regarding use of a filter? If a filter is recommended how many stops? Thank you, Cliff
Sep 4, 2023 08:04:29 #
CliffMcKenzie wrote:
Planning a trip to White Sands in NM in early October. Any suggestions regarding use of a filter? If a filter is recommended how many stops? Thank you, Cliff
In all the times I have been to White sands I never used a special filter.
Shots came out just fine for me.
But they were never on the agenda, but just on the way from A to B.
Sep 4, 2023 08:55:22 #
CliffMcKenzie wrote:
Planning a trip to White Sands in NM in early October. Any suggestions regarding use of a filter? If a filter is recommended how many stops? Thank you, Cliff
If a clear horizon is in your distance views you might wanf a linear graduated grey filter. How many stops is subjective but 1.5 is sort of "all purpose" for many users.
Sep 4, 2023 09:15:14 #
Perhaps a Circular Polarizer. Thats about all I use if needed. I guess it depends on whether there will be a white flash! ;)
Sep 4, 2023 09:22:54 #
Sort of on the way is Monahans State Park west of Abilene with lots of sand dunes.
Best time probably early or late for shadows. This makes getting there from your location problematic and would probably mean an overnite stay…
Best time probably early or late for shadows. This makes getting there from your location problematic and would probably mean an overnite stay…
Sep 4, 2023 09:27:18 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
If you want to do any images with intentional camera movement to blur the dune shapes, etc, then a 10 stop neutral density filter would be a valuable tool. A circular Polarizer may be useful as well for other shots.
Sep 4, 2023 09:40:17 #
Same here. Also, have visited many times and never used a filter while being very happy with results.
Sep 4, 2023 10:48:48 #
No filters, but increase exposure a bit or use "beach and snow" setting in scene modes. My pictures were fine.
Sep 4, 2023 11:51:03 #
Gordon_CO
Loc: Colorful Colorado
I've never used a filter either. Just over expose a bit. Just like snow. It's hard to believe how bright white it is there.
Sep 4, 2023 12:09:13 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
CliffMcKenzie wrote:
Planning a trip to White Sands in NM in early October. Any suggestions regarding use of a filter? If a filter is recommended how many stops? Thank you, Cliff
N95, and use at all stops until you get out of the sand and dust.
Sep 4, 2023 16:31:25 #
CliffMcKenzie wrote:
Planning a trip to White Sands in NM in early October. Any suggestions regarding use of a filter? If a filter is recommended how many stops? Thank you, Cliff
Remember the sensor want to average the light to 18% gray.Mathis could decrease the intensity of the sand. When I have photographed snow,I shoot aperture priority and brack the aperture open 0.7 stops for three shots. Look at the results and use that.
Sep 4, 2023 18:56:52 #
JFCoupe wrote:
If you want to do any images with intentional camera movement to blur the dune shapes, etc, then a 10 stop neutral density filter would be a valuable tool. A circular Polarizer may be useful as well for other shots.
Motion blurred sand dunes is soooooo 1983. Nobody does THAT anymore.
Sep 4, 2023 18:59:06 #
cahale wrote:
N95, and use at all stops until you get out of the sand and dust.
Amen. But will it help blur the sand dunes ?!?
Sep 4, 2023 19:02:21 #
Meganephron wrote:
Remember the sensor want to average the light to 18% gray.Mathis could decrease the intensity of the sand. When I have photographed snow,I shoot aperture priority and brack the aperture open 0.7 stops for three shots. Look at the results and use that.
No problem at all with 18%. Embrace it.
Sep 4, 2023 20:13:33 #
I've been to White Sands many times and always used a Circular Polarizer. It brings out the contrast in the sand and deepens the blue in the sky. If they're any clouds it sharpens their contrast within the blue of the sky. You can always dial in or out the amount of polarizer effect you want depending on the look you are going for. Just remember you can always remove the filter. It's always better to have the filter available than to need it and not have it. If you've never used a Circular Polarizer, I would suggest working with it a few days before you go just to get the feel of what it's benefits and/or limitations are.
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