Using Graduated Neutral Density Filters

With a little knowhow, a graduated neutral density filter can really transform a run-of-themill landscape image

One of the biggest problems that landscape photographers face is that the sky is often much brighter than the ground beneath it. This presents an exposure issue, because whatever settings you select, the sky will either be too bright or the ground too dark. Thankfully there is a quick and easy solution – a graduated neutral density filter, often referred to as an ND Grad. Although circular ND Grads are available, most are square or rectangular and are designed to slip into a filter holder that attaches to the end of a lens via an adapter ring. One half of the filter is clear, while the other half is a neutral grey. It’s this grey section that does the magic by reducing the amount of light that reaches part of the sensor/film.