Exposure for filters

[boccers_2000]

Hi all,

I just want your opinions on how you go about using a ND Grad Filter.

In a situation where for example there is a large contrast between the sky and ground (abnd taking pictures normally you cant get a good sky and ground) do you meter for the ground, take a note of it, put the grad filter in, put in manual then put the exposure settings in when you metered for the ground then shoot?

Apologies for this but what im looking for is a step by step guide as to how you set the camera up (exposure, when the filter goes in etc) when using a nd grad filter.

Any help much appreciated

 

[ChrisGilbert]

The simplest way is to use evaluative metering and be guided by the histogram. If the dynamic range remains uncomfortably high then use a stronger filter.

 

[boccers_2000]

The simplest way is to use evaluative metering and be guided by the histogram. If the dynamic range remains uncomfortably high then use a stronger filter.

Thanks so you think just put the filter in and shoot or expose before the filter goes in, then put the filter in and add the setting pre filter manually then shoot and adjust to get a nice evenly spread histogram?

 

[ChrisGilbert]

The simplest approach is to meter, make the shot and make adjustments with the filter in and use a different strength filter if the dynamic range, as shown by the histogram, isn't what you want.

There are more complex ways of doing it.

 

[hairboy]

The way i work is to take a few snaps handheld. Work out the foreground and sky exposure. Then dial in the foreground exposure manually, so as to keep it constant, then put the appropriate ND grad in to balance the sky. Simple really.