Photography: How To Use A Split Tone Neutral Density Filter

First off - What the hey is a split tone neutral density filter?

Simple. It is a filter that is darker on one half than the other. There are many versions available, but today we are only going to be talking about the split tone neutral density filter. Neutral density means that the color pallet stays the same - we are only adjusting brightness. Split tone means that half of the filter is darker than the other half.

Good times to use this? When half of what you want in the frame is of a much brighter exposure than the other half. The example below is of a beach scene. The sky was much brighter than the foreground, and I knew that I wanted an exposure that allowed a slower shutter speed so I could show some motion in the water. I chose to use the split tone neutral density filter to keep the sky darker, and the water a little brighter.

And there we have it!

Comments

So You Want To Be A Photographer?

Are you interested in becoming a photographer? Do you want to turn your passion for creating images into a source of income to support yourself and your family? Tim Walck Photography will soon be offering online courses in photography training, and portrait business training. Each course will span 4-8 weeks. Every student who participates in all classes will gain the tools necessary to succeed in the wedding and portrait photography business. ---- I started my photography business with only $2,000, which I had saved from working as a tele-marker, social services provider, and substitute teacher, all while being a full time graduate student at Mansfield University. That was enough to buy a camera, lens, and flash. I poured my heart and soul into photography, read everything I could get my hands on, and began to build my business. After 3 short years of juggling multiple jobs, and being a photographer on the side, I made the leap into phot...

The Struggle with Senior Portraits Posing for Guys

If you search Pinterest for senior photos, overwhelmingly, girls show up. Tons and tons of examples of beautiful senior girls in flowery fields, on the town, in a stream. There are a few exceptions (and some really great ones) for guys, but it made me stop and think about the struggle with taking senior photos of boys. Sure, many of them aren't really into it, but rather having photos done because mom said so. Many aren't used to having such undivided and direct attention showered their way. Also, the teenage years can be awkward for boys. Where do you put your hands? How do you look like you're not enjoying it too much? What if you're not into sports? The struggle is real... but fixable. Here are our some of our best senior portraits and tips for making them feel comfortable : #1. Talk to them and wait for just the right moment for the "natural smile". #2. Photograph them in places the...

Cheri's "Rock Hunting" Portrait Experience

Although the idea didn't originate here (see the attached youtube video), our quaint hometown has had something epic going on for most of the summer - a rock hunting/painting/adventure. Coudersport Rocks On Many, many families have participated by painting and hiding rocks; spent time in the outdoors; and more importantly , spent quality time together. It's been a fabulous and beautiful thing to witness. Local businesses have also joined in on the fun offering prize rocks to those that are the first to find them. Our family's business, Walck Portraits , built and decorated a camera rock. We wanted to build awareness of the online community, promote families spending time together, and get our names out there as we are celebrating the opening of our new studio. Cheri's "Rock Hunting" Rock Hunting Portrait Experience A local, extended family found our rock and allowed us to photograph their Portrait Experience. We had so much fun sharing...

Walck Portraits Blog

Search This Blog