When it comes to those scenes where there is a significant difference between those areas of light and dark, we sometimes have a problem when it comes to registering information simultaneously in the light or dark parts of the image, often due to the technical limitations of camera sensors (or photosensitive materials).

This short production shows which filter to use depending on the location.

The Irix Edge Soft Gradual Filter is a filter in which the gradient is extended – that is, there is a long transition between full transparency and maximum density (about one third of the filter height). Thanks to this feature, we can obtain a natural tonality of the image when shooting scenes with irregular horizons such as forests and mountainous areas, as well as urban scenes. Its main use is to dim the area of the frame with the sky (naturally the brightest part of the image) which obscures the densest part of the filter, while the gradient covers the irregular horizon line.

The Irix Edge Hard Gradual Filter is a filter where the transition between full transparency and shaded area is narrower. This type of filter works well for scenes where the horizon is flat and regular such as the sea or some wide-open plain. In this situation, the upper part of the image – the sky – is definitely brighter than the rest of the frame and this part should be covered with a filter.

The Irix Edge Reverse Gradual Filter is a relatively new type of filter that combines the features of a hard and soft filter. It finds its application when it comes to sunset and sunrise photography. Probably every one of us has at least once tried to capture a beautiful view of the sun emerging from the horizon, and then encountering one problem; either the frame was visible, the sun and the horizon has turned into a white spot, or we have managed to capture the sun with a beautiful façade of pastel colour background of black emptiness.This filter in its design allows us to eliminate such problems; it is half transparent, turning to full density (Hard Gradual), and then gradually reducing the density (Soft Gradual). Such a construction ensures that it covers the narrow spectrum of the frame within the horizon line, and so giving us the possibility of ensuring the correct exposure of the photograph.

The Irix Edge Full-ND 100x100 is a full ND filter; its entire surface is responsible for the reduction of light. Its use allows us to extend the exposure time in order to blur out movement such as cloud, water or people. This is done through a long exposure; any movement of people is short enough in the frame so they will not be registered on the camera sensor.

Every Irix Edge filter comes in their own durable foam case offering sufficient protection from scratches, dust, water or accidental damage.