Diffusing filters are often used in portrait and wedding photography more than perhaps any other field.

They evoke a sense of softness and romance and are excellent for reducing sharpness in a portrait. This kind of full detail sharpness can actually detract from the image. Diffusing filters reduce the awareness of imperfections in the subject’s complexion and for this reason are very effectively used in glamour work.

Photo caption: The Cokin 820 diffuser is an excellent diffuser. (Model: Jessica Bassarek)

A diffusing filter should never render your image unsharp however. If it does, it is not a quality filter and should not be used. When buying a diffusing filter, check first that it retains the sharpness of the image and only ‘blows out’ the highlights. You can do this very easily by holding it up to your eye and looking through. An excellent filter to consider, and one that is easy to obtain, is the Cokin 820. It has a lovely level of diffusion that retains enough sharpness while diffusing pleasantly.

There would be many who would say that it is best to shoot sharp and diffuse later using software. On the other hand, if you know that your image will be diffused, buy the right diffuser and achieve your aims in camera - saving you time and extra work. This is the basic premise behind using filters. Before digital, photographers worked to achieve their images in camera to the degree possible. A change in capture technology should not, of itself, make that any different.

With a few exceptions, filters are as relevant now as they ever were. Achieving the image in camera should still be the endeavour of every photographer. That we have the computer to enahnce them is fine, but not always necessary.

Much really depends too on the photographer’s philosophy, and this applies to both kinds of capture – digital and traditional. All kinds of effects can be used in photography. Filters are among them. Effects can be applied in the capture, or in the darkroom, be that digital or traditional. When and how you wish to apply these effects, if any, is up to you.

Photography is an art. It is not just about capturing an image. It’s about creating one. How you do that is yours to decide. When and how you alter it is yours to decide.

Shelton Muller can be contacted via his website at www.photographybyshelton.com. Listen to his very popular photography podcast “Shutters Inc” at www.audio2.com

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Related:

A complete guide to photographic filters

Filters in the Digital Age part 1

Filters in the digital age: Warming filters

Polarising filters

Filters in the digital age: the Polariser

Entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 at 10:38 pm under Uncategorized.

Read more entries by Shelton Muller.