Grad ND filters

[DionM]

Anyone ever used one?

I get annoyed at blown out skies ... but to me a grad ND would only seem to work when you have an empty sky? If you have a building or plants sticking up into it, it'd look all wrong ... correct?

[stubbsy]

Dion

I have an ND4 filter if it's really bright (or for sunset shots to extend the sunset opportunites) then I do my Grad ND in post processing to the degree I want using Nik Color Efex filters (and yes I'm forever talking about them, and no I don't get any kick backs ). BTW Not only do you get to choose the direction of the effect, but also the transition line (where it goes from light to dark)

See HERE for details of the various grad filters they can apply in Photoshop, along with sample images

EDIT: You know this reminds I oughta do a review of these filters some day

[owen]

Alternatively, if you can't take two shots on a tripod and you shoot RAW, underexpose one in your raw editor and layer it over the top, add a mask and then apply a gradient. Gives a very similar effect to a graduated ND filter and you get to put it on any angle you like.

[Sheila Smart]

...or use the freebie Picasa2 as your image management and play with the various filters they have which includes graduated filters. I recall using this filter for this shot



Cheers
Sheila