Creating Unusual In-Camera Effects Using Creative Filters

If you're striving to create more interesting and unique shots in-camera, one solution might be to use some of the creative filters on the market today. Here's how one videographer found using some and the results that came of it.

I have been extremely wary of lenses and filters that propose to create some crazy in-camera looks. A year or two ago I went on somewhat of a lengthy rant on just how useless the products of some of these companies really are. The effects that I would consider desirable were easily mimicked by holding something in front of your lens and the effects that couldn't be, I wouldn't use anyway.

Nevertheless, there have been more companies cropping up and more filters that I can see having application in the work of photographers and videographers. One prime example of that — albeit one with a less dramatic impact on the results — is the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist filter which can give a beautiful aesthetic. (Sidenote: the example images of what this filter can do that are used on B&H are horrendous.) Another company that has crept out of the "gimmick" area and into the "interesting" one in my mind, is Prism Lens FX. Their filters are unusual enough to create some singular looks, but well-made and not easily replicated by holding a small piece of glass in front of your lens.

In this video, Armando Ferreira tries a few of the different filters and shares his results, which are to my eye, pleasing! What do you make of them? Do you own any creative filters?