Can Photoshop 100% replace Gradual ND filters?
What a GND does is bring the brightest areas of the exposure down to near the level of the darkest part. Your only other option for dealing with a scene with too great of an exposure difference is to Spot Meter off of each element, and expose correctly for each of them. That is what HDR is for, and that is the only way that PS can do the same thing as a GND. I personally prefer to shoot multiple exposures of the light and dark areas, and then combine them. Then you do some level tweaking once they are combined. But to get it right when shot requires the filter, and even then you may need to do some HDR, or images stacking to get it totally right.
Shadowfixer1 wrote: No it can't. If the range is greater than the sensor can handle, you will either have no detail in the highlights or no detail in the shadows depending on how you bias the exposure. Generally most people blow the highlights. If the information is not there, no filter or technique in Photoshop will bring it back. ND grads bring the available light within the sensors range if you choose the correct strength of ND filter.
Shadowfixer1 wrote: No it can't. If the range is greater than the sensor can handle, you will either have no detail in the highlights or no detail in the shadows depending on how you bias the exposure. Generally most people blow the highlights. If the information is not there, no filter or technique in Photoshop will bring it back. ND grads bring the available light within the sensors range if you choose the correct strength of ND filter.
Latest Reviews
Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.
The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!
The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!
Forum Top Posters
-
1
alexcray 2 posts -
2
Colorado Mike 1 post -
3
nijolcreat... 1 post -
4
Esseff 1 post -
5
db3348 1 post
 |  |
 |  |
Latest Articles
Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!
Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.
Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.
Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!
Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!
The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.
Too often, affordable online printing companies don’t meet your expectations of what a print should look like. But there are some choices that combine affordability with superb quality!
Self-critique is an important component of your journey to improving as a photographer. Use these simple tips about critiquing your work as a means to make faster progress with your art.