A glance through virtually any magazine will display a flood of picture ads. For
the most part, the special effects you see in these ads were created either
through photo editing software or cameras fitted with special types of filters.
Many types of filters are available, each having a unique and specific function.
For example, there are different filters for black and white, others for color
photos, and some that are used for both. Additionally, there are also filters
that enhance contrast while others improve the picture sharpness.
Below are brief descriptions of various filters and the effects they produce on
images:
- Cross and Star Effect Filters -
Star effect flares are available in different points like star-eight and
star-six. These flares are used for increasing image brightness and enhancing
more difficult photos of theme parks, sun reflecting from glass surfaces, and
street lights.
Like star filters, a cross filter is best for situations in which the person in
the picture is wearing jewelry. It generates more dramatic effects to anything
bright worn by the person.
Spectral cross filters are normally used in portraits and outdoor shots. They
produce cross effects and soft-focus effects. These filters consist of two
transparent optical glasses which are arranged in a rotating frame. A gauze-like
black fiber is positioned between the two transparent glasses.
Made up of two glasses, Vario cross filters generate a special effect of four
light rays emerging from a single point source of light. You can easily rotate
each glass individually to change the angle of emerging rays of light.
- Close-up Filters -
This filter is better than a zoom lens. It is used for close-up photography and
available in different diopters ranging from +1 to +10. The higher the number
the, closer the capture.
Macro close-up filters with a +10 diopters rating with a two-element, two-group
construction lens are used for capturing tiny objects such as flowers and
insects.
With it, you can easily take a close up of only half the subject, retaining the
other half in its normal size. This is helpful when you want to focus on both
near and distant objects simultaneously.
- Multivision Filters -
Multivision filters find their niche when a single subject needs to be displayed
in an individual photo repeatedly. These filters are available in ranges of 3F,
3PF, 6F, 6PF, and 5F. Each number represents the number of times an object will
be duplicated in the picture. Moreover, different colors can be added to an
image using color multivision filters.
- Misty Spot Filters -
Misty spot filters are used for emphasizing the primary focal point of the
picture. For this purpose the background of the image is set to a blur with the
image in its normal state to accentuate the subject in the foreground.
There are four different types of misty spot filters: breezing filters, gradual
filters, windmill filters, and halo filters.
- Diffusion Filters -
Due to uneven or irregular surface, diffusion filters produce a soft focus
effect. These are normally used for portrait shots.
- Center Spot Filters -
The center spot filter gives the center a sharp and clear image. The background,
on the other hand, ends up with a romantic, foggy effect.
All of these filters allow you to enhance specific details of your images without the use of computer
photo editing software.
About the author:
Photography-and-cameras.com provides practical photography & camera
information and offers insights about photography training, camera
types, and more.
|
