graduated natural density filter question

[shaylou]

I have a slide in filter that I believe is #3 but it doesn't seem to be dark enought to expose the foreground in sunset shoots. I used it in the sunset and was getting blown out highlights so I had to stop the lens down to prevent this from happening. I plan to buy one or two more for my upcoming vacation but I really don't know how powerful of one I need. Has anyone used these shooting pretty much into the sun and was it effective. I would like to get the foreground exposed along with the sunset. Thanks for your help.

 

[HoppyUK]

Even with quite a dark grad, you will still blow the sun. It can be extremely bright, even in a sunset, many stops brighter than the sky.

I would forget trying to get any tone in the sun itself. If you do, the rest of the scene will go pretty much black. Get the overall sky tone to match the foregound, and leave it at that.

Or you might try a reverse grad (with a darker band just above the transition) or have a go at a bit of HDR.