Good filter for keeping skies from being over exposed?

13 years 4 days ago #51665 by Duorts
I've noticed that I'm getting a lot of over exposure from the bight (non-cloudy) skies in my city shots lately. I've been trying to get some shots of the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago but it always seems no matter how hard I try I get blown out skies.

I assume I need a filter. If so, what filter do I need?


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13 years 4 days ago #51667 by lillton
ND filter...I think?:unsure:


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13 years 4 days ago #51668 by Hoky Poke
Yes, typically you would use a split or graduated ND filter. The problem is that these filters have a straight line transition from light to dark...and if you are shooting a skyline type image, the filter might darken other parts of the image, besides the sky.


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13 years 4 days ago #51669 by Duorts
Thanks guys...time to go shopping.


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13 years 4 days ago #51861 by Baydream
A circular polarizing filter will darken the sky (by reducing glare) but not have as big an impact on the rest of the scene. To me, this is a "must-have" filter. I do also use graduated ND filters (both grey and blue).

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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13 years 4 days ago - 13 years 4 days ago #51900 by Screamin Scott
Go with the "Cokin" style square Grad ND's as they allow you to control where the effect starts . Circular Grad ND's are typically pretty much in one place & may not fit your composition.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
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13 years 4 days ago #51979 by Joves
Circular Polarizer for everyday use. You dial it in till you get the right amount of blue to it, you dont want to go too far as it will make the sky too blue and artifical looking. You can use the Graduated ND or straight ND but, it will always darken in the case of the ND. For the Graduated you need to meter from where the center of the ND is.


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