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My workflow for using 6 or 10 stop ND filters

02/09/15 17:28 Filed in: Technique

My workflow for using 6 and 10 stop ND filters from Haida.

Camera settings:

Determine the best camera position and lens for the scene while hand holding the camera.
Mount camera on your tripod and position as determined above.
Frame the picture through the viewfinder or on the LCD screen (Liveview)
Connect the remote control
Set ISO sensitivity to the lowest setting i.e. 100 ASA (not on automatic !)
Mount Haida filter holder on lens
Determine and set the desired aperture (depending on desired depth of field)
Focus the camera (on hyperfocal distance if needed)
Mount Pola filter and adjust (if required by the picture scene)
Measure required exposure (incl polafilter)
If the contrast of the scene requires the use of an ND grad filter, mount it in the second slot of the holder (furthest from lens)
Rotate and/or slide the ND Grad filter to cover overexposed part of the picture (most of the time the sky)
Mount ND filter in the first slot (beween polafilter and ND Grad filter)
Calculate the corrected exposure time. This can be done using a simple table or an App on a smartphone. Corrected exposure times for using ND filters
Set exposure time on camera or remote control.
Recheck all settings (focusing distance, aperture, exposure time)
Cover the viewfinder (very important) !
Make the exposure in two steps: the first to move the mirror up and the second to open the shutter)

Use the function “highlights” in the camera to check the overexposed parts in the picture (most of the time only light sources or reflections may be overexposed)
Check the histogram for sufficient shadowdetail
Check the picture for desired sharpness (from front to back), technical imperfections, disturbing elements in the composition, etc…