Colour filter

Colour filter

A colour filter has been developed to enhance or absorb part of the colour spectrum. In the age of analogue photography, colour filters were needed to counteract the influence of deviations in colours. These deviations were mainly due to the difference in day and artificial light, with the specific filters weakening the influence. Filters are often made of plastic or coloured glass and offer strength in addition to various functions.

In the digital age, there are colour filters on the market for countless applications. The models that can correct colours and display them clearly are widely used. In addition, the contrast between different colours and objects can be increased. Common filters are those of Lee, B+W and 84dot5mm.

The functions of different colour filters

For black and white photography, using colour filters is an effective addition to get more out of the details of your photos. Red filters increase the contrast in the images and create more difference in the black and white segments. A yellow filter mainly provides a supporting role for a red filter. The difference in contrast is mainly in a red filter. Green filters ensure differences in nature areas and blue filters light up the sky.

Creating atmospheric images

Another application for colour filters is the development of atmospheric images through the use of the so-called hot and cold gradient filters. Warm filters, for example, create an orange glow in the image. The cold filters give more space to the lighter colour, especially shades of blue. You can use these filters in different conditions. The effect of winter can be amplified in beautiful cloudy skies with ice in the foreground. On a beach with a radiant sun, you can actually amplify the summer feeling.

Use with a flash

A common problem when using a flash in combination with the already present light, is that the colours do not match. The flash light always has the same colour temperature, but the rest of the light changes continuously. Colour filters can solve this problem. You can adjust the flash light to the ambient light. This ensures everything ties in better.

Sharpness, light and colour

The result differs due to a number of factors. Firstly, there is a difference between the colour filters of different material. In addition, optical quality plays a decisive role. Loss of depth may occur, but the functionality of the filter will give the desired effect. It is also the intention that colours change thanks to a colour filter. For decreasing brightness, you can experiment with a longer shutter speed or higher ISO value.