One-Minute Reads about Film Photography

Essential filters for your black-and-white film photography.

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I remember reading somewhere long ago, that the difference between a good photographer, and a great photographer, is filters. This was before digital cameras came about, where many of the effects that were obtained through filters can now be done with the digital camera or in post processing.

For black-and-white film shooters, I recommend three essential filters: Red (Dark Red 25 is my preference); Light Yellow, and Circular Polarizer.

The light yellow is a good all-around filter to increase contrast, and the dark red filter will dramatically darken blue sky. But why a polarizer? It can darken the sky as well. Yes, but…usually not as much. The CP can be utilized to get contrast between sky and clouds, and is useful to reduce glare, particularly reflected from glass or water.

Another Secret Sauce recipe: Stack a red and polarizer together and you can turn the sky black!

• gregory gammon / www.vinylfye.com