ASSIGNMENT 54

Using Your Camera’s Advanced Filters

ASSIGNMENT

Most new digital cameras have some advanced filters that very few photographers ever use. Perhaps people find them too gimmicky? Take a look; I’m sure you’ll find one that strikes your fancy. Each filter will give you a completely different experience and result. If you have 10 different filters, you have 10 new opportunities to go out with your camera!

TECHNIQUE

Personally, I am not a big fan of the partial color modes. But some people love them. Back in the day, it used to be a way to add a pop of color to your black and white photographs. Now you can select either red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple, and that color will automatically stay in color while the rest of the image is rendered in monochrome.

Not your thing? How about the Miniature setting? This one is fun because it uses a selective blur to make your scene look like a small model. The effect is also known as a diorama, and it fools the eye by rendering only a selective portion of the frame in focus. This works particularly well in crowd situations, cityscapes in the distance, or images shot from a high vantage point. Try it!

Beach Day / Cabourg, France, 2018

The Miniature setting can be a lot of fun to use. It fools the eye by using selective blur to make the scene look like a small model.

Fujifilm X100F, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/1100 sec., ISO 200

The Toy setting will bring you back to the days when lenses were cheap and of poor optic quality. I know, it defeats the purpose of using a high-tech camera. But admit it, the vintage look is quite irresistible.

Like vibrant colors? The Pop Color setting may be perfect for you.

Other filters may include: High Key for really bright, low-contract images. Low Key will give you uniformly dark tones. And you may also have a Soft Focus filter available, which could replace some of the specialty lenses discussed in the previous assignment without the challenge of manual focusing. Be sure to experiment on subjects that are fitting for each filter effect, and have fun. In the end, you’re the only person you need to please with your photography. It’s your creativity, and it should be your fun!

TIP

These filters are only available in JPEG mode, which is a good thing! Contrary to popular belief, I believe shooting JPEGs actually makes you a better photographer. You will make more decisions in camera and become a better photographer as a result.