The graduated neutral density filters work great IF (and that is a big "IF") there is no subject matter extending up into the sky area that will be darkened by the use of these filters in the upper part of the photo. I use these filters all of the time to darken the overcast sky and have had great success with them, but it all depends on your composition and where your subject matter extends into the sky area that has been darkened by these filters. With, say, a diesel nose extending into the sky, I will form an inverted "V" by placing two filters at angles to each other in order to darken the sky at either side of the diesel, but not darken the diesel itself.
It is easier to blend the tones from these filters with the actual light by shooting at wider apertures and with normal to longer lenses in order to reduce apparent depth of field and keep the filters more out of focus. If you shoot a wide angle lens stopped down with the graduated n.d. filter, the graduated area becomes more harsh with the greater d.o.f., and a more drastic line will appear in your photos. John B. Corns _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
