Circular Polarizer

Circular Polarizing filters simply remove reflections off of surfaces. Reflections are everywhere; in the sky, on leaves, the surface of the street and water. These reflections make it harder to see the detail, color, and texture beneath. A polarizer can remove that reflection to reveal a bluer sky, the natural color of leaves, and the detail below the surface of the lake.

In this article you will learn how a circular polarizer works, when and when not to use it, and how it will become the most important filter you own.

Neutral Density

Neutral density (ND) filters have been gaining in popularity in recent years and are essential in shooting landscape photography.  ND filters reduce the light entering your camera lens without having any other effect on the image.  Reducing the amount of light in the camera allows you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds depending on the end result you want. ND filters give you the creativity to create dramatic effects in bright light conditions.  Density’s vary from 2 stop to 10 stop depending on the subject and the desired effect you want.

Light Pollution

Hoya's light pollution filter, AKA Red intensifier, is used to reduce the orange yellow glow created by common street lamps. Great for astro and urban landscape photographers that want to improve the color in their images.

In this article you will learn how the filter targets and blocks specific areas of the light spectrum for improved color and contrast.

Black & White

Using color filters in black and white photography lets you control how colors are converted to shades of grey, giving you greater creative control over the final result. Black and white photography can be tricky  because colors look very similar when converted to grayscale.  Without filters, they lack contrast and seem flat and lifeless.

Black and white filters also help you create mood in your photographs. You can ensure that objects are well separated and clearly defined creating drama in your photographs, separating your work from others.

Star Filters

Star Filters add drama to an otherwise average images. With the filter attached you can create star effects to bright light sources and specular highlights. Great for shooting Christmas lights, street lamps, specular highlights on car paint and chrome, and the sun reflected on a simple dew drop.

This article will explain how the filter works, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and give you creative ideas to experiment with when using the filter.