Exposing Photographer's Darkest Filter Secret!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🌟QUICK QUESTION: What's your most used filter?

[@NightfallMedia]

I probably use my CPL the most, no matter if I'm shooting film or digital I always seem to throw it on at least once per outing even if its just to check differences. I have a black mist/pro mist but I haven't played around with it too much yet!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@NightfallMedia Yeah CPL for me as well

[@dfheiland]

CPL but have started to use black mist 1/4 lately and I like it a lot 👍

[@mikehines14]

B+W polarizer. It completely gets rid of the glare if it's too sunny out

[@SimonCJo]

I'm no pro photographer(!) The only filter I have is a variable ND filter that I've used for long exposures. I would definitely consider investing in something like this though, the effect is really nice. Appreciate your videos, they're always educational and inspiring. Cheers!

[@mahgirbsti]

We like the gear talk, we are nerds too! I use a 1/4 black pro mist for weddings, but will definitely take it back out for landscape!

[@billholt5573]

Your video reminds me of being at the eye doctor. “Is it better with 1 or 2, or about the same? 1 or 2?” 😊 Thanks for introducing new ideas to try. Getting the best image in the field is always better than editing.

[@Rocking_J_Studio]

For some reason, watching this video made me remember I need to make an appointment with my optometrist for an eye exam. I love those filters and shoot with a 1/8 & 1/4 on a regular basis. In the film days, we would shoot portraits with soft focus filters or with Mamiya, a soft focus lens, that had the same basic effect although with not as much contrast loss.

[@roberthunter1773]

Hey Mark the bird call at 2:53 is a Pileated Woodpecker...cool audio capture.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yeah I thought it was as well!

[@stevenrun34]

The quarter pro-mist: not just for night street photography anymore. I'm definitely going to try try one out, I really like how it diffuses the sunlight in the trees-- plus I like neon signs ;)

[@Trish12303]

In my opinion, as a photographer it’s ok to have “secrets” (if you will), about your work. Kind of like a great chef, they don’t reveal the secrets of their creations. On another note, thanks for sharing which brand you use, I was curious. Do you use the Nisi step up rings? Or another brand? Thanks for sharing!!

[@photooutreach5168]

Because of your first video I bought a set of these filters. My set is by a different company but same effect. I got a set that has 1/8 1/4. 1/2 and 1. Love them. Would not have know about them if not for you so thank you very much for showing them to us. Great video as always.

[@chrisbartlett8146]

Good timing. I purchased a 1/8 Black mist Nisi filter about a week ago as I mainly want to use it for Street photography as they help remove the severity of digital cameras on people. But as you mention I nearly always apply an orton effect to my landscape postprocessing so it was good to know what the black mist filter does cant be fully replicated with the orton effect. Keep up the good work.

[@boondoc001]

I started using these recently, I originally had two 1/4's and I added an 1/8 to my inventory. I fell in love with them once I had gotten my rolls of film developed that I shot during a Miami sunset. I've also shot it at night with long exposure and it's pretty damn cool but the 1/4 can be intense if there's a big concentration of light in the frame, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I plan to test the 1/8 at night....maybe even tonight after seeing this.

[@e.miller.photos]

It was so nice to see someone use these filters too! I’ve been using a mist filter almost as much as a polarizer nowadays. Really great comparison you did of the different strengths out there and their effects

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dexterbulalacao3751]

Thanks Mark. This is a timely video. I was eyeing this black mist filrter for awhile now. But i cannot find a video on youtube using this filters for landscape. Your video help me made up my mind in buying this filter.. Once again thank you so much. 👍❤️

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

You sold me on these filters. I have a use case for these, as I'm often shooting mid-day (not the typical golden hours) & many times find myself wanting to cut the harshness out of the light -- soften/diffuse it -- NOT cut the light itself (like with ND filters). These seem like it will do just that & is also versatile for the other photography genres I shoot 🤙🏽

[@UNSCPILOT]

Honestly, as a new photographer I assumed everyone already knew about CPL filters, such a handy little thing, even cuts the glare off water if you want to see into it, definitely a must-have for any camera with a filter mount

[@jhawk0415]

Great video! I saw a previous video where you mentioned using a black mist filter and decided to purchase a set myself. This video was good timing and I am now anxious to go try them out!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks John! Hope you enjoy them as mush as I do!

[@bmeclipse]

Great video. I was just looking into these for street and general photography. Thanks for the tips!

[@mariosnicolaou8770]

Very interesting video Mark, thank you. I have been using the Nisi Black Mist filters 1/8 and 1/4 strength for some time, mostly for nigh time urban-street photography. I've not used them during the daytime, but will try them after watching your video. Thank you :)

[@tompetersphotography]

Great vlog Mark, love these mist filters👍🏻

[@draughonc]

learned about the mist filters when doing video. Using them in photography is good too.

[@RancidTony]

Hi Mark. Great video and helps answer something I've been thinking about since seeing you first mention these filters. One question. Is there a difference between "black mist" and "black diffusion" ? I'm looking at buying a black mist filter but seeing black diffusion coming up as well. Looking forward to giving one a go in some autumn woodlands here in the UK

[@joshuathreadgill4148]

I use them too, depending on the light direction directly reflects which strength I use. Good mist filters diffuse light amazingly! I use Tiffen brand.

[@nealschneider6554]

Thanks for sharing this information, Mark. Of the pictures you showed, I prefer the ones with the 1/8 strength filter best.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Me as well!

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Just do what we photographers did decades ago... trim a section of panty hose and pull it over the lens. It's more creative to do this than a glass filter and you can try different fabric types and color tones. It's quite fun to try.

[@kbqvist]

Could be interesting to see a video where you attempt to recreate the effect in software, as far as possible, and point out the aspects that aren't replicated so well...🤔

[@phumlanikumalo711]

yes please

[@deanjamescarroll]

Yeah this is a great idea. I suspect Mark could get get close with more effort than most of us would be willing to do. Could be a great preset or photoshop action pack.

[@danielcampos8021]

I second that.

[@novicemoviemaker]

You can achieve the same effect with more control (and fewer $$$) by using your favourite editing program to duplicate the layer, apply a large gaussian blur, set the blend mode to "screen" and apply "blend if" to limit the effect to the highlights. You can keep duplicating the new layer, or repeat the process with different settings to create a stronger effect. If I've saved you some money with this trick, I want a percentage.... :)

[@kbqvist]

@@novicemoviemaker Thanks, that is the method that I have occasionally been using. Would still be interested in hearing what other ideas are out there, and how Mark Denney and others finds them lacking :-)

[@michaelhale416]

Very interesting. Like G L Pearson below, we had many tricks during the film days. My most common was petroleum jelly on a clear filter. Something to consider. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video Michael!

[@CHILLINWITH_LUKE_KEV]

Thank you for doing this video... I will be trying them out.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Thanks Mark... not really my cup of tea, but I can see how attractive these might be for those who strive for that ethereal look.

[@Markyroson]

Same here. I personally prefer the unfiltered ones, but can see how others might like them.

[@brandonmjohnsonphotography]

Fantastic video showing the different strengths of the filters. I need to check those out. I'm loving the NiSi system. So glad I went with them. Also, I don't think you were trying to hide anything on your other video. You have actually mentioned these filters in several videos that you have done recently. So I am not sure where that came from. If they were paying attention and actually watching your KZbin channel they would know you were using the Black Mist filters from NiSi. Keep doing what you're doing Mark! There is always going to be people that try to bring you down. Keep going strong! Thank you for creating these awesome videos for us to enjoy.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Brandon! Really appreciate it friend!

[@alanatwood7995]

Oh great. If I had seen this a few months ago......now I will have to beg for my life and convince Mrs A Id like to get these. Great job MD!!

[@kobiorama]

I actually just got my filter yesterday. I wonder how you would process a real image with this filter where you have a diffused light but still want at least partially to introduce contrast to the image. and the most used filter is the polarizer followed closely by ND.

[@SubiTrekker]

These types of filters were almost a necessity for us wedding and portrait photographers back in the film days. Retouching poor complexions was very hard to do and very expensive for both the photographer and the client. Many of us diy'd clear filters using clear nail polish, pantyhose and window screens, plus many other techniques, to get that misty effect. With digital one click and a face is perfect. I don't really see a need for them in my landscape photography.

[@dartthewarrior]

I love my black mist filters. They just have a nice dark breathe to it!

[@JDon8110]

Nice video thanks. Got me thinking. Might be interesting to put a couple of the RAW images (with and without filter) up here to download, so people could see if they could replicate the effect with editing.

[@barrycooper5989]

Thanks Mark . Good video. You were not being cryptic. You kindly answered my queries about these filters when you had mentioned them in an earlier video. Polariser is my most used filter.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Barry!

[@barrycooper5989]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto No problem. Wanted to make it clear that any critical comments were in my view unfair.

[@leniehulse1621]

Good stuff!! Wish you had added the 1/2 to show what effect it would have had on your skin.

[@I_Am_Bone]

I love my black mist filter. I just never thought to use it for landscape. Cheers!

[@richardpesce5325]

Thanks for the demonstration Mark.

[@KrisLuckPhoto]

1/8th seems to do the best of both worlds between natural and dreamy

[@dannyhead5287]

Thanks for the demo. I've been interested in these since the first video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Danny!

[@briansandersstudio]

Hey Mark! I use the Orton effect in almost all of my photos as well. I’m curious, did you find yourself applying a small degree of Orton in photoshop even with the mist filters, or did these filters alone provide you with enough softening/dreamy effect to your liking? Thanks man!

[@iqueque]

In the 1970’s I had a portrait studio and used a Zeiss Softar filter on many subjects, especially women and children. I think it had a similar effect, blooming the highlights. Going to dig it out and give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration

[@michaelshoup2703]

Yep, same here.. Softar II 👍🏻

[@mhill2510]

Thanks. Loving the ¼ strength filter. Thanks.

[@robertmont864]

Interesting, but can you do that in post processing?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I'm sure someone can, but I tried and couldn't get it to look quite the same.

[@AndyHPhotography]

Awesome as ever Mark. I started using these a few months ago for landscape and am just making my own video on these. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get around to them for certain landscape scenarios. Keep up the great work and I always enjoy your videos.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Andy!

[@mariolombardi4766]

Mark, what filter bag to you attach to your tripod at the start of the video? Thanks.

[@williamhanrahan9211]

Great video, Mark. What filter bag did you have in the video? I'm looking for a new one and yours looks really good. Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya! It’s from Fstop Gear

[@williamhanrahan9211]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto I found it. Thanks Mark!

[@alexgraefe.photoYT]

I'm also very in love with my 1/8 blackmist filter and what it does to the sun and how the light seems to spread over grasses and trees.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yeah I think that’s probably the perfect strength

[@alexgraefe.photoYT]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto I agree. I've tried a 1/4 before, but the results we're often way over the top.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Nice video! I've been using diffusion filters for photography and video for a while now and they can do wonders in some situations.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Great use of these filters, Mark. I use one for shooting video of my ugly head, but I really should use them in landscape photography. Hope you’re well, mate. 👍🦘🇦🇺

[@mverick160]

Interesting. I've used filters in landscape but never a mist. Mist can diffuse the image and I want it at its best for enlargements.

[@robertgrenader858]

For these to work, there has to be some highlights to take advantage of the mist effect. Plus, leave the ½ strength at home.

[@Azhoneybeeastro]

How would you rate the tiffen filter black pro mist? Is it the same as the one’s you’re using?

[@uhoh7541]

I don't do portraits, but lots of landscape and some street. I'm curious about these, but they're not cheap. Thinking about buying on amazon as they'll let me return if i don't like. What would be some good scenarios to test these out and decide if i want to keep.

[@andrecalil]

Nice video. It's interesting to follow along on the histogram, how it shifts to the right.

[@IzetKapetanovic]

As always, I've enjoyed your video. I have couple questions regarding the Black Mist Filters. Can they be used together with neutral density filters and do they slow down camera's autofocus? Thank you.

[@michaelt7320]

Bought a 1/8 version after the video in which you first mentioned them. You made a great comparison between the different strengths. I expect to be making good use of mine as the woodland colours change in autumn/fall and again in spring.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do Michael!

[@ForTheViolence]

Conventional wisdom and trends have told us that the best way to shoot a landscape is to have critical sharpness, a small aperture, and high saturation. But for me, black and white + some softness creates the best feeling landscape images. The only time I take off my pro most filter is when I’m shooting directly into light. And I rarely use color.

[@localnavy433]

oh man I have been wanting to get this in my images. I love the effect that they give and I am going to have to get me some of them. Thank you for the video brother

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it and thanks for checking it out Chris!

[@vzshadow1]

I most frequently use a circular polarizing filter in my landscape photography, but frequently use no filter at all. I will sometimes stack a ND filter for waterfalls but usually find that a circular polarizing filter will do the job. I like ND filters for very long exposures of the sea or other "standing" water.

[@fintux]

For years, I did photography only on cell phones. One problem with image quality in cell phones is that it is way too easy to smudge the lens, and the effect is a little bit similar to the black mist. That has ruined the contrast in a few shots, and especially in direct sunlight, you might notice it only later. I guess for that reason I'm honestly not a huge fan of the black mist filter effect. Maybe it will just take some time for me to learn to appreciate the intentional usage of a slightly similar effect...

[@treinenliefde]

These do look quite interesting! Might just get a set of those for cityscape photography. Might be an interesting effect that could work nice with old city centres.

[@mikebartow9415]

I use the Nisi system but have not delved into the black mist filter. Thank you for the demonstration. I see there is a white mist filter out there also. Have you used that one yet?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

No I haven't tried that one yet

[@JimEmbury]

Gear videos are good and a great learning part of photography. I was very interested in your ballhead as it looked to have a faster arca swiss plate compatible mechanism.

[@KindOfLittleSalty]

I love my blackmist but issue is when it is super sunny, makes the image a bit....too faded.

[@sustainablelife1st]

Oh man, a pileated woodpecker! So elusive to photograph. Too bad you didn't have a long lense with you.

[@blujeans9462]

Never heard of this filter - but can "clearly (pun)" see a lot of places where this would be ideal! Thx!!

[@SteveAmaon]

I just used the 1/4 while shooting wine country grape clusters. It seemed to help with contrast and I think they are my favorite shots of this type. I've already sold some of my images to the winery owner. Thanks for the informative video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Steve - glad you enjoyed it!

[@seangaffney581]

I have multiple filters, started with polar pro and some rear filters for my sigma. But I found a 16 nano schott layered nd6 and 1000. No color cast at all. $44 dollars yup that's right. Kawakapro.nothing fancy just a filter and case. But the clarity is like buying a 300 filter.

[@tjsinva]

Interesting experiment, probably not for everyone. Carry on! 👍🥂

[@kerrygrim7934]

That was a Pileated Woodpecker that interruped your video at about 3:00 into your video. They are very loud!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

That’s for sure!!

[@mikefurtek8991]

Do you ever shoot with Nikon?

[@daltonvanhorn5167]

i have the sony boombox from the 80's that matches your walkman

[@russellyoung2852]

What is the difference between the "bloom" created by this type of filter and good old fashioned flare from a single coated or uncoated lens?

[@hrorm]

Man, you helped me immensly with youre lightroom video. I am now a level 2 photographer, hope the level 99 ones wont beat me up ahaha ! Thank you !

[@richardc1409]

Used the affiliate link. Seems like a nice thing to try out. Thanks for the video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Richard! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anthonysmith9864]

Who makes the black pro mist or black mist filters. Im looking to buy the original not a knock off. It keeps saying tiffen on Google... anyone know? Thank you 😉

[@daveinportland]

Who makes the filer case/pouch?

[@nancyclarke6624]

Thank you! I have been admiring the atmosphere of your woodlands photography, and will check out these filters. I have a polarizing filter which is what I commonly use….not sure if this is the right “go to” filter or not?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

A polarizer if probably the filter I use most often.

[@nancyclarke6624]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Thanks for the response! Good to know I’m on the right track😊

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

These filters are awesome! The fact that they have become popular should be the nightmare of the hundreds of engineers who spent years getting lenses to perform flawlessly. Also, thousands of lens reviews focused on sharpness and flare. 😂Most likely I will get a set too.

[@pk6221]

the very truth; let's stop this clinical madness; the consumer rules the world : )

[@kevinroberts1888]

Thanks for the video. I've been thinking of grabbing a black mist filter to take along to try out on my Autumn photo trips but wasn't sure where to start. 1/4th looks like a good starting point and maybe 1/8th too if my budget will cover it.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Kevin!

[@hrorm]

I have no idea what im doing but earlier today I was photographing water lillys in a lake, inside a botanical garden. Was a little sunny, and reflections on the water. So I thought I take a little break, put on sunglasses, looked into the water, and then I could see red "trees" just underneath the top of the water. Tried to photograph them but not visble on my camera. Tried dehazing the shizzle out of the photo and I could barely see them. So I wonder if there is shades for my camera lol :) Like the filters you use here ! Sorry for long comment and stuff. /Orm

[@nancybateman7378]

I use the circular polarizer almost exclusively. By the way, I liked what that filter did to your video when you attached it to the video camera. Subtle changes but 'smoothed out' the ambiance with the colors.

[@longbow7550]

Nancy, several years ago I had a circular polarizer and was really impressed with what it would do. Since then I have upgraded my glass and camera and have bought 2 different "good" polarizers. The results are not nearly as dramatic as that first cheap filter I had. In fact I have to really look carefully to see any difference as I rotate it. The last one I bought was a top-of-the-line Nikor filter. I understand the needing to be 90 degrees to the light source and all that stuff. I am using it with my 24-70 f/2.8 Nikor lens and a D850. I seldom even bother taking it along anymore. Any thoughts? Thanks John

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Nancy - yes I noticed the same thing as well!

[@nancybateman7378]

@@longbow7550 That's interesting you can't tell much difference. Definitely not what I've heard otherwise. I'll take another look when I photograph again. Thanks for your input.

[@gshak33]

I might be wrong but don’t these filters just achieve the same result as the Orton effect?

[@ThatBeAaron]

astro photography with long exposures might be interesting with this filter. imagine using it for star trailing.

[@ThatBeAaron]

Is this real?

[@Baitmn]

do you have a discount code for the filters? Thanks

[@Baitmn]

Have you tried the nisi Black Mist filter on your mavic 3?

[@theBoogerman666]

Where did you get that great filter case, with the blue liner? I need one in my life. Thanks Mark, great video

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Its from Fstop - it is great!

[@theBoogerman666]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto do you happen to know which product, bc i don't see anything with the sleeves in it... Thanks again!

[@scomart]

Love the effects, but would rather do this in post where I have complete control.

[@FTTPRO]

Okay but where do I get the little red beads on your camera?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Peak Design👍

[@FTTPRO]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Oh my! this shop is beautiful! Thanks for sharring.

[@jerseyyakfishing6833]

Where is that hat from Mark

[@fabriziobues5786]

hi Mark, thank you as usual for your video. I have a question for you. do you think that it would be possible to have same effect with post-processing ? maybe de-hazing or reducing contrast ?

[@edwardharimoto3030]

I use my set of nisi rectangular filters, as much as I love them and how easy to swap in and out, it’s just bulky to deal with sometimes.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yeah I can be a bit much at times.

[@edwardharimoto3030]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto currently trying out freewells magnetic filter system, for on the go, quick swappable filters, and really enjoy it so far

[@bernardolorenaponte9896]

I noticed that your histogram moves quite a bit to the right when you showed the comparison on the computer (1/4, 1/2 and no filter). Do you consider one should compensate so that you don't blow any highlights and create a "better" raw file? Thank you for your videos! All the best! And my (late) regards for your 4th anniversary!

[@yesto9676]

Well this filter can't make the scene actually brighter, it doesn't add light so this shouldn't be a problem.

[@LandscapeFotografi]

Woowww nice filters Bro...👍👍👍👍👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks🤣🤣

[@LandscapeFotografi]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@sara505sings]

Similar to Nik Glamour Glow, of which I have been a big fan for several years.

[@ovidijuspocius6336]

Wow thanx. Im even didint known that this filter exisest.

[@stuffandthat7]

I wonder if these would work in a city at night, and if they'd make neon lights look like something out of Blade Runner

[@swimbikerunmud]

When lots and lots and lots of things are "Super", then NOTHING is Super. Thank you for the information though.

[@jeffwimer3969]

Mark, a topic for future discussion: has software gotten to the point where we can forgo most filters? Do we need polarization, warming filters, etc. or can they be recreated in software?

[@Carboose]

Bringing my own experience to the table. Software has come a long way in reproducing the effects these filters bring to the table, however. The 'real' deal these filters bring at the moment that you're shooting your subject (be it portrait, street, landscape or your nanna's apple pie) is something that is, in most cases, not something that can be 100% recreated through the software. The best examples I can give is the Fujifilm system with its recipes in combination with the film simulations all mashed together while using a ND/Polarized/any other filter. This cannot be brought back in any way through software without spending an enormous amount of time fiddling with the sliders and settings in different software programs. And even then it's never going to give the same result that you've got baked into the original photo. So to answer your question, yes, you do 'need' filters. Side note is that when budget is tight you can get a lot done with software to a certain extend.

[@LoriRowland]

I certainly like my black mist filters! 😄

[@anthonyboyd7719]

I've used Moment's Cinebloom filters which are similar if not the same. Like the effect but only tried the 10% filter since the effect is baked in and can only afford one filter for now. Curious if you have noticed or tested the effect when used with a polarizer... does it affect the blooming at all?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I actually havent done it yet, but have been thinking about it as well.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Great Video something to think about. Yjanks