Why is it important to “get it right” in camera
Have you heard: “Get it right in camera first!” ?
To get it right in camera was very important back than, before the digital cameras arrived. Shooting on film required a good skill set, precision and knowledge of your equipment. Big part of black and white film photography are/were filters. Neutral Density, Gradual neutral density, coloured filters (for example red, orange, blue) to enhance the contrast or bring up specific key element.
Almost the same situation is nowadays as well with digital cameras. The digital sensors have a certain dynamic range and when shooting high dynamic scene you can mostly go by these two options: Bracketing (usually 3 images, one underexposed, one overexposed and one with correct exposure) or using filters (ND, Grad, coloured)
Bracketing
With bracketing option you will get it right in computer at home. That means more photographs stored on your memory card, more time spent on computer and less time spent taking photographs, less time with family or enjoying other activities/hobbies. It’s tempting to do everything digitally, to bring back all the details thanks to multiple exposures. A really good HDR photographs look amazing indeed. I admire those people spending that much time on post process and their skill set with editing software but for me it’s a lost time.
Filters
With filters you spend a tiny bit more time setting up the scene on location, but the results are worth it. Perfectly balanced photograph, the dynamic range of the scene is within the dynamic range of camera and final post production takes only fraction of time compared to HDR photographs made with bracketing (High Dynamic range). Long exposure filters like Lee Filter Big Stopper gives you an opportunity to get that nice and silky smooth water in one shot. Circular Polariser filter reduces the reflection of water or shiny object, add a bit of warmth in scene and could darken the sky if used properly. ND Grad filter darkens only a part of image, gradual filter could be hard of soft. Hard grad is for
Pros & Cons of Filters
Pros:
Easy to set up
Balanced exposure in camera
Less time in post process
Being creative on location
Some effects can’t be done in PC* (long exposure in one shot, removing reflection from water)
* a pro graphic designer can do or replicate in software almost anything :)
Cons:
Expensive (price for good filter is ±£100)
Bulky (few filters, holder, adaptor rings)
Additional equipment you have to carry
Possible image blur (wind likes big flat surfaces to press against)
The image quality is as good as the worst part of optical system of your lens (cheap filters degrade the final optical quality)
One filter system can fit multiple camera systems. From mirrorless through Full Frame DSLR up to Medium Format. The comparison is shown on images below (from left to right: mirrorless Sony a7RII, Nikon D800, Mamiya 645 AFD II)
Sony a7RII & Zeiss Loxia 21mm f2.8 & Lee Filter 100mm system (on the left)
This filter system is way too big for mirrorless camera Sony a7RII but I kept this filter system when I sold Nikon D800. Now I need to be more careful about the wind and camera shake caused by it (not to mention it look ridiculous) until I purchase a smaller system suitable for mirrorless camera.
What are your thoughts about HDR or using filters?
Thank you.