New Artprint: Sunrise from Moturiki Island

You can buy this print at Artprints by Creative Digital.

Sunrise from Moturiki Island
Sunrise from Moturiki Island

Using lens filters eg. polarising, neutral density, graduating etc, is quite a new addition to my arsenal of photographic styles. Up till now, the only filter I had in use was a UV filter, and that was simply to protect my lens from getting scratched.

Lately, I have noticed a number of photographers using an ND (or neutral density) filter when shooting oceanscapes. ND filters are extremely popular for rivers and waterfalls, but used to a lessor extent for coastal shots. So I thought I would give it a go.

I purchased a 10 stop ND filter (ND1000) from a private seller on Trademe. I did not want to spend a lot given this was my first attempt, so was happy with the $50 price tag. The brand is K & F Concept, which several bloggers have identified as a good low budget solution.

As I was staying at Mount Maunganui at the time, I had excellent access to a stunning coastline. Unfortunately, the swells were tiny, generating no significant surf for the entire time I was there. I did not let this get in the way of some experimenting however, and spent several enjoyable mornings shooting the sunrise.

This particular shot – available on our Artprints by Creative Digital website – was my favourite of the lot. I love the milky reflection of the sun and the almost mist like effect the filter has created around the foreground rocks. I used the following settings: 24mm / ISO 100 / F22 at 30 seconds. The only downside I have identified so far with this filter is extreme vignetting at wide angles eg. 24mm. I am not sure if this is visible on all types of ND filters, but I was able to fix easily with a quick crop and dodge in Photoshop (feel free to comment below if you have any ideas).

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