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How to Simulate a Neutral Density Filter

A neutral density filter is an attachment for a camera lens. Photographers use it to shoot scenes with uneven exposures such as bright skies with darker foregrounds. This results in even exposure when the photo is developed. For those who don't own a neutral density filter, it is possible to simulate the effect using photography editing software. Develop evenly exposed photos using this proven editing technique.

Things You'll Need

Photo editing software

Instructions

- 1
  Open a photo editing program that has a graduated filter tool. Some examples of applicable programs are Adobe Photoshop or iPhoto. There are many other programs that contain this tool. If you are unsure whether your program will work, open it and do a search for the tool. A description of the tool is found in Step 3.
- 2
  Import the photo with which you want simulate the neutral density filter to the program.
- 3
  Click on the graduated filter tool in the editing or developing tools panel. A graduated filter tool usually appears as a rectangle with a dark top half and light bottom half.
- 4
  Click on the photograph and make a box around the affected area by dragging the cursor. Start on the side of the photograph that is brighter than the rest and drag it straight across to the other side.
- 5
  Release the cursor to apply the effect. Adjust the exposure of the layers in the tool bar. Increase the exposure to make the sky (or bright) area lighter and decrease it to make it darker. You also have a choice to choose a tint for the filter. Pick a color in the graduated filter toolbar to change the tint. Experiment with different tints and exposures until the photo appears how you like it.

Photography