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00:00:00 – 00:29:48
The video focuses on using color filters in black and white photography, emphasizing their impact on image capture, contrast, and overall aesthetics. The host elaborates on the practical application of five main filter colors—green, orange, yellow, red, and blue—while demonstrating their effects through outdoor photos and real-time tests. Techniques for adapting filter sizes with step-down rings and achieving consistent results using manual settings in cameras and software like Lightroom are discussed. Highlighting famous examples like Ansel Adams, the video illustrates how filters alter elements such as sky contrast and skin tones. The audience is encouraged to experiment and participate in a contest showcasing the before-and-after impacts of physical filters versus digital editing, with submissions to a designated Facebook group. The video aims to foster engagement through practical tips, viewer contributions, and a contest with a prize to enhance the viewer's photography skills.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host introduces the topic of color filters and their impact on black and white photography. He explains that while digital editing in software like Lightroom can mimic the effect of color filters, using actual color filters changes the way light is captured by the camera’s sensor, producing different results. He acknowledges that most people may not notice the difference but emphasizes the enjoyment and experimentation for photography enthusiasts.
The host outlines the plan to discuss various types of color filters, how to adapt them to different lens sizes, and recommends a useful website for resources. He mentions having shot some outdoor photos to demonstrate the effects of the filters and plans to show these images as well as live demonstrations of the filters’ effects on skin tones.
He proceeds to list the five commonly used filters for black and white photography: green, orange, yellow, red, and blue, and notes that the filter pack he uses is affordable and includes additional filters. The brand mentioned for the filters is KNF Concept, and he provides details on selecting the correct filter size for different lenses.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the use of step-down filters for camera lenses, emphasizing the advantage of buying a larger filter size and using step-down rings to fit smaller lenses. The speaker demonstrates how to assemble and use these step-down filters to fit different lens sizes, showcasing their versatility. They highlight stacking these filters to fit various combinations, which allows photographers to use the same filter on multiple lenses. The speaker also addresses live audience questions, sharing alternative methods and tips from viewers about managing filters and lens caps. Finally, they briefly explain the function of color filters in altering the colors that pass through the lens.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the use of colored filters in black-and-white photography and their effects on different colors. An orange filter allows orange light to pass through, making orange objects appear brighter (closer to white) while darkening non-orange objects (closer to black). Red filters are recommended for sky photography as they darken blue skies and brighten white clouds, creating high contrast images. Yellow filters are more neutral, affecting the image the least and are often good for softening skin tones. The speaker also refers to a resource from Photography Mad, which includes a chart illustrating how different colored filters impact the grayscale values of various colors.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the impact of using different color filters on digital photography. They explain how various filters—blue, red, green, yellow, and orange—affect black and white images by altering the contrast and brightness of specific colors. The speaker emphasizes shooting in JPEG mode to see immediate effects, and highlights the advantages of using mirrorless cameras that can display the effects in real-time through the viewfinder. They also cover the differences between shooting in JPEG and RAW formats, noting that RAW files will initially appear in color with a cast from the filter, requiring post-processing for the black and white conversion. The speaker then demonstrates these effects by showing a series of photos taken with different filters in Lightroom.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses using Lightroom to convert images to black and white and how different filters can affect the outcome. Initially, an automatic black and white conversion was attempted, but it was inconsistent due to varying color casts in the images. To standardize, an auto enhancement was applied to the original color image and then copied to other images. Various color filters (blue, yellow, green, orange, and red) were tested, showing noticeable differences in cloud detail and dramatic effects, especially with the red filter. Additionally, the importance of setting the camera to manual white balance while using filters to avoid color shifts was highlighted. Exposure adjustments are necessary to compensate for light blocked by the filters.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses adjusting the white balance in images, especially when shooting in RAW format. They highlight the importance of having consistent white balance for making effective comparisons between photos. The presenter also adjusts shadows and highlights to enhance the images, noting that doing so can make a significant difference even in less ideal conditions, such as during winter when colors are muted. They mention an interesting trick involving gels for white balance adjustment suggested by a viewer, planning to cover it in a future show. The segment ends with a discussion on the merits of optical adjustments versus digital post-processing, emphasizing that while digital methods are convenient, optical adjustments can yield better results.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the presenter is experimenting with different color filters on photographs and discussing the effects. They start by showing photos taken with a red filter, which makes the sky look dramatic and enhances shadows in the foreground. The presenter then goes through a series of photos with normal, blue, yellow, green, orange, and red filters, noting how each affects the sky’s appearance. They make adjustments to the photos, such as increasing shadows and adding clarity, to improve the look.
The presenter references Ansel Adams’ famous black-and-white photo with a red filter, suggesting it as an excellent example. They then shift focus to testing these filters on their face using a camera. The presenter describes and demonstrates putting an adapter ring and different color filters on the camera, specifically starting with an orange filter, and then switching to a yellow filter, asking for viewer feedback on whether the filters make a noticeable difference and if they are worthwhile.
00:21:00
In this segment, the speaker experiments with different color filters (blue, green, and red) on a camera while shooting black and white video to see the varying effects on the final image. The camera compensates for brightness automatically, causing flicker as filters are changed. The speaker cannot see the differences clearly on their end and invites viewers to share their opinions in the comments. Some viewers comment on how the filters affect image contrast, with mixed reactions especially towards the red filter. The speaker also mentions using a blue checkered shirt to highlight differences and showcases an ‘eye lighter’ product they previously reviewed. Finally, the speaker announces an upcoming photography contest where participants will use color filters to create black-and-white photos, encouraging creative experimentation and submission for the contest.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the details of a photo contest. Participants need to submit a two-panel image showing a black-and-white photo without a color filter and the same photo with a color filter. They are to use physical glass filters, not digital editing, and trust is placed on the honor system. The photos should be uploaded to a specific Facebook group for voting. The contest will last a couple of weeks, and the winner will receive a camera bag from Street-o-matic. Further instructions and a review of the camera bag will follow. The speaker discusses shooting techniques, emphasizing the use of raw and JPEG formats for better manipulation and references.
00:27:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker suggests experimenting with color filters by taking two identical photos—one with a red filter and one without—and comparing the enhancements in editing software like Photoshop. Viewers are encouraged to share their results in the comments. Additionally, the speaker requests audience support in various ways, including Patreon, PayPal, and affiliate links, emphasizing a value-for-value model. They also announce a contest where participants can upload side-by-side black and white photo comparisons, with a prize for the winner. The speaker thanks viewers and mentions the next show.