ND Grads

[versioncity1]

A few questions about ND grads....

1.
The difference between a hard edge and soft edge I am presuming is the transition between the "ND" part and the clear part of the filter. (correct?) Any rules of thumb regarding situation and use of each type of filter?

2. What does a typical "set" of ND grads compromise of? How many? and what are the differences between each.

3. When using, do you white balance the camera before or after putting them on. If so why? My understanding is that they shouldn't affect white balance.

4. Any other general tips for using are appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[oneinfiniteloop]

1. You are correct. Regarding use, that all depends on the situation and creative choice. Obvious uses would be to even out a skyline with a darker foreground, i.e. a person standing against a brick wall with a bright sky directly above him. It's also good in snow/beach situations as well. Works well for sunsets too.

2. This again, depends on what you're shooting etc.. I guess a good set would include a .3, .6, & .9, with different hard/soft's thrown in based on your needs. Some would include a 1.2, but that may be a bit much in most cases.

3. Not 100% on this, but I don't think it matters when you WB, hence the name neutral...you'll have to get someone else to clarify.

4. Don't touch the filter,only the edges, and if you get a mattebox, it helps to have a rotating filter holder.

 

[versioncity1]

cheers, Infinite....
I have to shoot a 3 minute piece next week which is basically a series of about 50 set ups, each one a wide shot of a building/ architecture in time lapse, placing a person in the foreground (realtime). I've ordered a set of soft grads & a polariser.