Throw away your ND grad filters

[jimmyosram]

That got your attention.

Over the last few weeks I have been experimenting with using just the ND grad filter tool in Lightroom which applies the filter to your RAW file via the software rather than bolting the real filters on to the front of the camera.

Now the purists will say that you have to get the shot right in the camera. Is this really still the case? Yes, perhaps for framing, composition and focus etc. but for getting a light balance in your shot with landscapes, I put it to you that ND grads are not needed any more if you have Lightroom.

You are also less lightly to drop Lightroom into a rock pool.

I welcome your thoughts on this.

[silversnapper1]

NEVER - even though I have the same tool in Camera RAW.

[jimmyosram]

Originally Posted by silversnapper1

NEVER - even though I have the same tool in Camera RAW.

Hehe, fair enough, but have you ever compared the end results?

[silversnapper1]

Must admit Paul that I haven't although since finding the tool, I have rescued some shots from my pre ND Grad days. I do, however, still find the tool immensely useful where I have underestimated the ND Grad so I will not dismiss it out of hand. It is still extremely useful and can help balance water out in a landscape too if you draw the grad up from the bottom.

[thefonz78]

Jim i use the tool in ACR all the time its a legitimate question. I tend to get a quickshot that hasn't a blown out sky that i can play around with in ACR. Then if i like it or have more time i will get the nd grad out. I'm not sure i can tell the difference.

[wavemachine]

I guess it depends how much the sky is blown out as to how much detail can be rescued. Also another thing to be said with using filters is the mere act of dropping the filter in and lining it up makes you re-check your composition.

Also I do want to get as much right in camera as I would rather be out in the fresh air than sat at my desk editing photos.

Well that's my thoughts I suspect you will have a good debate on your hands so thanks for that

You could cause even more debate by doing another thread titled "Throw away your hot shoe spirit level" and then go on about the straighten tool

[donoreo]

How do you use it? I cannot figure it out, even with reading the help file!

[thefonz78]

How do you use it? I cannot figure it out, even with reading the help file!

What in ACR or Lightroom?

[Cathus]

Jimmy,

what happens when the sky is blown out, ie pure white

[jimmyosram]

Originally Posted by Cathus

Jimmy,

what happens when the sky is blown out, ie pure white

Fair point. I expose my shots as an average across the scene and bracket them +/- 2 stops. So far I haven't had a problem pulling back the blown bits with the software ND grad and the recovery slider. Also if the sky is exposed well I can pull up the foreground with the grad too, although this is not as effective.

A couple of the shots I've posted were into the sun and managed fine.