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FAQ |
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Q: |
What are the differences between the Soft White, Soft Black and Soft Grey filters? | |
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A: |
Soft White filters influence mainly the light (highlight) areas of a shot, whilst Soft Black does the opposite and works on the dark (shadow) areas of a shot. Soft Grey works in the mid tones. | |
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Q: |
What are some typical uses for these filter systems? | |
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A: |
Soft White filters are used extensively
in all types of portraiture, where they can even be used to 'clean up' skin blemishes,
and in all type of product shots. Video instantly looses that
'electronic' look when enhanced by Soft White, and a very light filter can
even 'remove' the grain when printing a course negative. Soft Black is often used in product shots, back lit shots and any image where dark subjects are being shot. Soft Grey is very effective in black & white, working on the mid to light tones in your shot. In color it effects the whole tonal range fairly evenly. |
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Q: |
I see there are 7 or even 10 filters in a set, so why do I need so many filters. Aren't just one or two filters enough? | |
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A: |
You need a range of different
density filters because the strength of the final visual effect depends on
three factors which are different for every shot.
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Q: |
So how do I know which strength of filter to use for a particular scene? | |
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A: |
With a little experience you will very
quickly be able to judge the intensity of the final effect just by looking
at the scene and checking which f-stop you want to use. If you are shooting with wide lens apertures (f1 to f5.6) you will normally be using the low filter numbers. With smaller apertures (f8 to f64) you will normally be using the high filter numbers. |
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Q: |
Which set do I need - Standard, Close Ratio or De Luxe? | |
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A: |
The Standard set is designed for
photographers who shoot lots of different types of subjects. The range of
7 filters can be used with all f-stops from f1 up to f64. The Close Ratio set of 7 filters with it's heaviest filter at #2 is designed for photographers who always shoot using wide apertures, typically no smaller than f5.6. The De Luxe set of 10 filters offers ultimate control over the final visual effect and is used by photographers who want to EXACTLY control their final effects. The Short set is for photographers who don't need very accurate control or who want to add a few Soft Black filters to a Soft White set for instance. |
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