Neutral density (ND) filters are labeled by means of their optical density or their filter factor (FF).

Photo
scientist prefer optical density. Often filter makers label using optical density with the decimal point omitted.
The filter factor is a multiplying factor used to calculate the revised exposure time after the filter is mounted. We
multiply the shutter speed by the filter factor to calculate a revised exposure time. As an example, the exposure
for a scene requires a shutter speed of 1/100 sec. We mount a filter with a filter factor (FF) of 4. The math is:
1/100 x 4.
To solve 1/100 x 4/1 = 4/100 = 1/25 or 1/25 sec.
Because multiplying fractions is difficult, another method used is to count on your fingers in powers of 2.
Thus 2 - 4 - 8 - 16 - 32 etc.
Say we mount a filter with an FF of 16, we count four fingers 2 - 4 - 8 -16. Now we know we need to
compensate 4 f/stops.
Table of optical density to f/stops to filter factors (FF)
0.30 = 1/fstop =FF2
0.60 = 2 f/stops = FF 4
0.90 = 3 f/stops = FF 8
1.20 = 4 f/stops = FF 16
1.50 = 5 f/stops = FF 32
1.80 = 6 f/stops = FF 64
2.10 = 7 f/stops =FF 128
2.40 =8 f/stops = FF 256
2.70 = 9 f/stops = FF 512
3.00 = 10 f/stops = FF 1024

How To Take Blurred Waterfall Shots With

An ND Filter
How To Take Blurred Waterfall Shots With An ND Filter - We explain the steps needed to take great burred
waterfall shots with an ND filter, along with how to improve your results.

We explain the steps needed to take great burred waterfall shots with an ND filter, along with
how to improve your results along the way.

Equipment needed:

 Digital camera and lens

 ND filter

 Circular polarising filter (Optional)

 Tripod
Step by step guide:

1. Setup your tripod and camera in the location where you think you will get the best
photograph. Move your camera to make sure composition is right, and take a few photos to
see what the scene looks like. If you're in a public area, play close attention to the
surroundings to ensure there is no rubbish in the scene that might ruin the shot, or require
lengthy editing later.

2. Use a small aperture (such as f/11-16) to ensure the shutter speed is slow, although if you
set the aperture too small, such as f/22, then image quality will suffer due to diffraction.
Waterfall Without Filter | 1/13 sec | f/20.0 | 12.0 mm | ISO 200

3. Set a low ISO setting. You can use the lowest ISO setting on your camera, however if it is a
"Low" or "Extended" ISO setting then you might want to use the lowest standard ISO setting,
as the extended ISO range tends to have lower dynamic range. Using a small aperture of f/20
and ISO200 has resulted in a shutter speed of 1/13 sec.

4. Switch the camera's self timer on or use a remote release cable or remote release over Wi-
Fi.
5. Once you've got a slow shutter speed, you can add an ND filter such as the HOYA
PROND500 or PROND1000 to slow the shutter speed down further. If the camera struggles
to focus then you'll need to set the focus manually, and this may be made easier by focusing
manually before adding the ND filter.

HOYA PROND1000 | 25 sec | f/20.0 | 12.0 mm | ISO 200

6. Take the shot. Using the HOYA PROND1000 10 stop filter has resulted in a shutter speed
of 25 seconds.
7. If you have glare and reflections on the water from the sun, consider using a Circular
Polarising filter such as the HOYA PRO1 Digital Circular Polarising filter, as this can reduce
reflections and increase colour saturation in the photo. Using the Circular Polarising filter in
combination with the ND filter has resulted in a much slower shutter speed of 60 seconds, and
we've reduced the aperture to f/10 for a sharper image.

HOYA PROND1000 and CIR-PL | 60 sec | f/10.0 | 12.0 mm | ISO 200

8. Once you're happy with the composition and blur of the water, you can take a number of
shots, as the light changing during long exposures can affect the result, and you may get better
lighting conditions in another shot. You can also try different angles and positions.
9. Once home, edit and crop the photo if required, to boost the colours and correct the
exposure and colour if needed. You could also try converting the image to a black and white
image to see if you prefer the results.

HOYA PROND1000 And CIR-PL Edited | 60 sec | f/10.0 | 12.0 mm | ISO 200

You can find more guides on how to use filters in FilterZone.