Page 131 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

FILT ER S 129

POSTPRODUCTION EFFECTS

The effects of many—but not all—filters can be replicated
in postproduction. Using a filter compromises image
quality slightly, so not using one at the shooting stage
has its benefits. The simplest filters to mimic are colored
filters, which are used when shooting black and white. All
good postproduction software will also offer a range of
black-and-white options that make more subtle conversion
control possible than filters ever could. The effects of
infrared can also be replicated in postproduction by
changing the relative mix of red, green, and blue in a photo.
However, some filters, such as polarizing and star filters,
physically affect the light that passes through the lens.
As a result, their effects cannot easily be replicated by
postproduction software.

STAR FILTER INFRARED FILTER

Star filters (also known as starburst and cross screen filters) Infrared (IR) photography uses a part of the electromagnetic
are made of clear glass, and their surfaces are covered in a spectrum that is normally invisible to humans. The filter
fine grid of etched grooves. These refract the light from blocks visible light, letting only a specific range of IR through
individual sources to produce a multicolored star effect. (a variety of IR filters can work with different IR wavelengths).
The spacing of the grid affects how many points the star has: As most sensors are designed to be insensitive to IR, you must
usually four, six, or eight. A similar effect can be created by either permanently modify your camera or attach an IR filter
shooting with a lens set close to its minimum aperture. to your lens to take IR pictures. IR filters are very dense and
Star filters also add a slight soft focus to the image. require long exposure times or high ISO settings.
BEST FOR BEST FOR

◾ ◾ Night street scenes with multiple light sources ◾ ◾ Summer landscapes on sunny days
◾ ◾ Jewelry lit to produce small, hard highlights ◾ ◾ Sunlit green foliage
◾ ◾ Sunlight reflections on water ◾ ◾ Architectural subjects such as ruins and industrial scenes

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