As beginners and experts know, filters are an essential tool in photography for altering and enhancing the light that enters the camera and creating a desired effect. There are many types of filters available, each with its unique properties and uses.

In this article, we cover some of the most popular different types of filters in photography that photographers should consider when adding a little panache to their projects.

Photography filters available at LEE Direct

Polarising filters

Polarising filters are used to reduce glare and reflections on non-metallic surfaces, such as water and glass. They can also deepen the colour of the sky, making it a more vibrant blue. A polarising filter works by blocking certain wavelengths of light. These filters are available in circular and linear forms and typically screw onto the front of the lens.

Use a polariser when you’re looking to reduce the amount of reflected light in your scene. This is specifically useful when taking photographs involving water. The filter will help to cut down the light reflecting off the water’s surface, minimising glare and enabling more detail in the image’s highlights and shadows.

Neutral density filters

Neutral density filters are used to reduce the amount of light entering the camera without introducing any colour shift, allowing for a slower shutter speed or a wider aperture. This is particularly useful when shooting in bright light conditions or when creating a motion-blur effect. These filters come in various strengths and are available in both screw-on and square/rectangular forms.

An ND filter can be used in any form of photography. However, it particularly works well paired with outdoor or landscape imagery, where the ability to adapt to changing light is crucial. An ND filter allows the photographer to open the aperture or slow the shutter, and that’s what really makes an impact on the image.

Graduated neutral density filters

Graduated neutral density filters are similar to neutral density filters, but they have a graduated effect, meaning the density of the filter is stronger at one end and gradually decreases towards the other. These filters are a particular asset for landscape photography as they can be used to balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground.

Stoppers

LEE Stopper filters are used for significantly extending exposure times, to the point where anything that is moving becomes blurred or ghost-like. The Little Stopper reduces the light entering the lens by 6 stops, the Big Stopper cuts 10 stops of light, and the Super Stopper reduces the light by a full 15 stops.

Stoppers can be used to blur anything in motion, such as clouds, waterfalls, rivers, the sea — even people or traffic. They can be used when there is simply too much light, but when used creatively, LEE Stopper filters can change the way we look at moving objects and help capture a sense of time passing in your images.

The very best from LEE Direct

At LEE Direct, we have many filters available, each with its own unique properties and uses. Whether you're looking to reduce glare and reflections, slow down your shutter speed, or create a specific effect, there are many different types of filters in photography that can help you achieve your desired result.

LEE Filters are one of the leading manufacturers of lighting and camera filters, and our products are known for their extremely high quality and durability. It is worth noting that there are other types of photographic filters, such as star filters and diffusion filters, but the ones we have listed above are the most common and widely used in photography.

With a better understanding of the different types of filters and their uses, photographers can experiment with numerous techniques and create unique and stunning images. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how our products can enhance your images.