Are filters still relevant in landscape photography, or have they become outdated? Deciding whether to invest time and money into filters or rely solely on digital editing significantly affects your photographic workflow and results.
Coming to you from Michael Scott, this insightful video examines the ongoing debate about whether physical filters are essential or if post-processing software can entirely replace them. Scott acknowledges that modern editing tools like Lightroom and Photoshop offer powerful alternatives to traditional filters, particularly graduated neutral density filters (ND grads). He explains that digital gradients are highly effective, yet highlights a crucial limitation—they cannot recover blown-out highlights once detail is lost in-camera. This is a critical distinction because capturing as much detail as possible at the moment of exposure gives you far greater flexibility later.
Scott also discusses the practical advantages and limitations of different filter types. He highlights that ND grads remain valuable because they allow immediate highlight control, which digital editing struggles to replicate precisely, especially when dealing with moving elements like leaves or water. For long-exposure photography, Scott concedes you can simulate effects digitally by stacking multiple images, but this method introduces unnatural artifacts and complexity. Most importantly, he underscores the irreplaceable function of the circular polarizer, emphasizing that no post-processing technique can adequately mimic its ability to reduce glare and enhance colors, especially in wet or reflective scenes.
Additionally, Scott addresses the lesser-discussed topic of color filters in film photography, particularly noting how physical filters help achieve optimal negatives. Using color filters in-camera significantly reduces reliance on extensive post-processing. For photographers committed to film, this approach means capturing richer detail upfront, leading to better-quality scans and prints.
Exploring further, Scott shares specifics about his personal filter choices, highlighting the Lee SW150 filter system. Despite its bulk, he favors this system for its versatility across multiple lenses, especially ultra-wide-angle ones like the Nikon 14-24mm. He candidly admits the inconvenience of managing large filters but justifies the trade-off by emphasizing consistency and adaptability across his photography setup. While he occasionally employs ND filters for long exposures, Scott primarily relies on a three-stop ND for practicality and flexibility, noting that the circular polarizer remains his most-used filter. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Scott.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
