All About Filters

Another area where digital SLR cameras have an advantage over compact digital cameras is your ability to use filters with them. Filters are disks that are placed over the end of your lens and are used to create a number of effects. Normally they are used to alter the lighting conditions for an image.

These effects can be used subtly to improve the overall quality of your images, or to create special effects for your images. Filters can either be attached directly to the lens or with a special lens holder attachment.

There are many types of filters you can get and use, and here is a list of some of them:

• UV Filter - This is a clear filter used to remove haziness caused by ultraviolet light. Normally they are attached all the time to protect the lens because they have no other effect on incoming light other than to remove this hazy ultraviolet light;
• Polarizing Filter - This is a filter that removes polarized light like glare from glass or a shiny surface. You can use one to make the sky a darker blue and come as either a linear or circular filter, depending upon how you want to use it;
• Graduated Filter - Graduated filters are used to balance the differences between the darkest and lightest areas in an image, like between shadows and highlights. These filters come in a variety of styles ranging from neutral to different colors. They are very useful for enhancing the sky;
• Diffusion Filter - Diffusion filters soften a subject by creating a hazy effect over the image. They are often used in portrait photography to create that dreamy, soft effect. Some of these filters have a clear spot in the center allowing the subject to be clearer and the surroundings in the background softer.

There may come a time when you want to reduce glare in your photographs, or create special effects, at which point you will need to use filters.

Whatever your goals consider filters as an add-on for your digital SRL camera.

Remember, keep taking lots and lots of photographs of your kids. You will be glad you did!