Filter photography – tips & tricks for photo filters

Photo filters are among the most powerful tools in photography—especially when it comes to controlling light and realizing photographic visions as soon as the shutter is released. They are far more than just accessories: Filters are creative precision tools that enable you to take photos in situations where the camera alone reaches its physical limits.

Whether you want to eliminate reflections on water surfaces or glass surfaces , balance the contrast between the sky and the landscape at sunset , or transform the flow of a waterfall into a silky ribbon of movement – ​​without filters, all of this would only be possible with complex post-processing or not at all.

Photo filters are especially indispensable in landscape and outdoor photography when working with strong backlight, achieving rich green foliage and deep sky blue tones, or adding dynamism to a static subject with long exposures . ND filters (neutral density filters) make it possible to work with long exposure times even in daylight, CPL filters (polarizing filters) eliminate distracting light reflections, and GND filters (graduated gray filters) help you harmoniously resolve extreme brightness differences – directly in the camera.

In the digital age, it's often argued that many things can be edited afterward. However, what's already captured optimally during the photography process not only produces technically better results, but also more creatively conscious images . Filters enable precisely this – and make the crucial difference between a technically successful photo and a truly expressive image.

In short: If you want to control the light rather than just document it – then photo filters are your tool of choice .

Why use photo filters?

Photo filters allow you to achieve specific effects directly during the shot, without relying on digital post-processing. They help with:

  • 🌊 To realize long exposures in daylight
  • 🌈 Intensify colors and contrasts
  • 💧 Reduce reflections on water or glass
  • 🌅 Compensate for brightness differences in the image


The most important filter types at a glance

🌫️ ND filters – Designing with time and light

ND filters (neutral density filters) are optical filters that evenly reduce incoming light without altering color, contrast, or white balance. They act like sunglasses for your lens: They dampen light intensity, allowing for long exposure times or wide apertures , even in daylight.

This opens up many creative possibilities that would be technically difficult or impossible to implement without ND filters:

  • 🏞️ Long exposures during the day – Waterfalls, the sound of the ocean, or moving clouds transform into soft, flowing textures. Even busy places can appear deserted with long exposures.
  • 📸 Wide-aperture portraits in bright light – ND filters allow you to use f/1.4 or f/2.0 even in direct sunlight without overexposing the image. This keeps the background beautifully blurred.
  • 🎬 Filming with a consistent shutter speed – In videography, the ND filter ensures correct motion blur (e.g. 1/50 at 25fps) even in bright daylight.
  • 🧪 Experimental effects – long exposures with “ghost effects”, empty cities, floating clouds or the deliberate disappearance of movements in the image.

📐 Which ND strength for which purpose?

ND filters are available in different densities – measured in f-stops. The higher the number, the greater the darkening:

Filter type aperture stops Light transmission Typical application
ND8 3 levels 12.5% Slight motion blur, cloudy sky
ND64 6 levels 1.56% Soft water, longer exposures
ND1000 10 levels 0.1% Extreme long exposures in direct sunlight

Tip: High-quality ND filters such as those in the FILTERFOTOGRAF® system are multi-coated, color-neutral, and prevent annoying color shifts or vignetting.

🎯 Conclusion

ND filters give you creative control over time. They enable images that wouldn't be visible to the naked eye—and turn your camera into a tool for conscious composition with light and movement.

➡ More about ND filters at a glance

🌈 CPL filter – control reflections, intensify colors

A CPL filter (circular polarizing filter) is one of the most effective tools in photography when it comes to minimizing distracting light reflections and intensifying colors. It specifically filters out polarized light—light that has changed its direction due to reflection from surfaces such as water, glass, or foliage.

The result: reflections disappear, colors appear richer, contrasts increase and the entire image takes on a clearer, more defined appearance – all without any post-processing.

📸 A CPL filter is particularly useful for:

  • 🌳 Landscape shots with strong skies and rich green: By reducing stray light, the sky appears significantly bluer, while leaves and meadows shine in a deeper green - without appearing artificial.
  • 💦 Reduction of reflections on water or glass: Reflections on lakes, puddles or windows can be specifically removed so that the view penetrates deeper into the subject.
  • 🏙 Architectural and urban photography: Glass facades, car paints or shop windows appear clearer, reflect less – the subject stands out more clearly.
  • 🌿 Forest and nature shots: Wet leaves, stones and wood often have a disturbing shine – with a CPL filter you get natural colors without glare.

⚙️ Application & Technology

A CPL filter is adjusted to its desired effect by turning the thread. The effect is most pronounced at a shooting angle of approximately 90 degrees to the light source . This means that depending on the direction you are shooting, the effect of the filter also changes – requiring conscious work with the light.

Note: With ultra-wide-angle lenses, the different polarization in the field of view can cause visible darkening of the sky. This is a physical phenomenon—not a defect—and can be easily addressed through image composition or subtle adjustments.

✅ Conclusion

The CPL filter is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to manipulate light in a targeted manner. It's ideal for landscapes, architecture, street photography, and nature—and no camera bag should be without it. As part of our magnetic circular filter system, it's particularly quick to set up and, with protective caps, is perfect for mobile use.

➡ To the CPL filter in the shop

🌇 GND filter – balance for light and shadow

GND filters (Graduated Neutral Density Filters) are special graduated filters with a gradual transition from dark to clear. Unlike conventional ND filters, which darken the entire image field evenly, GND filters affect only a specific area of ​​the image—usually the sky. They thus allow for the compensation of extreme brightness differences directly during the shot, without any digital post-processing.

📸 Typical areas of application

  • 🌅 Sunrises and sunsets: The sky is deliberately darkened while the foreground remains clear - ideal for balanced exposure between sky and landscape.
  • 🏞️ Landscapes with high dynamic range: GND filters help to harmoniously combine bright skies and dark ground – especially in wide-angle shots in nature.
  • 🗻 Mountain scenes or panoramas: Even with irregular horizon lines, such as those with mountains or trees, a GND filter ensures controlled lights and shadows.

🔄 GND filter variations – Which gradient suits your subject?

GND filters are available in different versions, depending on the transition between the darkened and the clear area:

  • 🌫 Soft GND (soft gradient):
    Smooth transition from dark to clear. Perfect for scenes with irregular horizons—such as forests, mountains, or urban silhouettes.
    ➡ More about the Soft GND filter
  • ⛰ Hard GND (hard gradient):
    A distinct, abrupt transition. Ideal for straight horizon lines, such as those at the sea or in flat landscapes.
    ➡ More about the Hard GND filter
  • 🌄 Reverse GND (dark in the middle):
    Darkening is concentrated on the horizon, with brightening occurring upwards and downwards. Especially for sunsets directly on the horizon line.
    ➡ More about the reverse GND filter
  • 🔘 Center GND (centered dimming):
    The darkening is in the center of the image, and the filter becomes brighter toward the outside. Ideal for symmetrical subjects or centered light sources.
    ➡ More about the Center GND filter

🎯 Conclusion

GND filters bring balance to images – where dynamics excite the eye and the camera reaches its limits. With the right gradient, you can bring more depth, color, and expressiveness to your landscape photos – without compromising on exposure.

➡ To the GND filter set in the shop

Round filter vs. rectangular filter

Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages:

feature Round filter Rectangular filter
📏 Size Compact, can be screwed directly onto the lens Larger, requires filter holder
🔄 Flexibility Limited combination possibilities Multiple filters can be combined
⚙️ Application Quick to use, ideal for on the go Precise adjustment, ideal for landscape photography

Read more in our comparison: Round filter vs. rectangular filter system.

Tips for getting started

  • 📸 Start with a CPL filter – it offers immediately visible improvements
  • 🧪 Experiment with ND filters – play with different exposure times
  • 🧰 Invest in quality – high-quality filters deliver better results
  • 🎒 Protect your filters – use protective caps and bags

Conclusion

Photo filters are powerful tools that expand your photographic possibilities. With the right knowledge and a little practice, you can achieve impressive effects right from the shot.

Discover our selection of high-quality filters and accessories in our shop: