Fun with filters

Another happy morning in the woods with my camera this morning 🙂

But not with a new lens, this time with a new filter.

It’s the Shortstache Everyday Filter, a combination of a circular polarizer and a 1/4 mist filter which has the effect of both eliminating reflections and diffusing and softening highlights. I took it out this morning on my Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8, which is my workhorse, all-purpose lens when I’m shooting headshots or events. It’s a wonderfully versatile modern lens which doesn’t get in the way, by which I mean it creates true, honest shots which are sharp, clear and easy to edit, but I wouldn’t really use it if I want to create anything arty. It doesn’t impose a character on the shots it takes like some of my vintage prime lenses do, which for a lot of what I use it for is a good thing, but this filter actually brings out some new, interesting facets I didn’t even know it had- I mean look at the picture below, who knew this lens could do swirly bokeh?

So I had a lot of fun- I think this will be a very nice filter to use when shooting stuff that is run’n’gun but not strictly photojournalistic (if that’s a word). I love the way it gives some character and softness to pictures without sacrificing sharpness and clarity.

I love shooting in the dappled sunlight in the woods, and this filter is particularly well suited to the natural pools of light that it creates.

And it takes nice pictures of the dogs too 🙂