Filters vs. Post-Production: Why Photographic Filters Still Matter

An image of Kirkjufellfoss in Iceland created using 6 Stop ND (to drag the shutter), Circular ND (to remove the reflection in the water) and 3-Stop Graduated ND (to balance the highlights in the sky against the much darker foreground). Post-production involved stitching the images together in this 4 image pano stitch.

Once you move beyond the basics of photography and begin to take your craft seriously, you’re likely to encounter a key decision: should you use physical filters to control light at the moment of capture, or simply rely on the power of digital post-production? In today’s world of powerful editing software, it’s a common question — and one worth unpacking.

Photography forums, YouTube channels, and online tutorials are awash with tips on how to blend exposures, adjust highlights, and pull back detail in software like Photoshop or Lightroom. There’s a divide among photographers — some insist that everything can be done in post, while others argue filters remain essential tools in the field. The truth is more nuanced.

You can watch the video about Filters vs Post-Production by clicking on the link above.

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