ND Filters - In Depth Guide For Beginners

In this tutorial, I’m going to give you a guide to ND filters in photography. What ND filters do, what ND filters to buy, what effects they create and so on. I’ve also created an ND filters guide that you can download and keep. This will help you with working out exposure times and what ones to buy. You can download this via the link below. If you’re thinking of buying or using ND filters to create long exposure effects, then this tutorial is for you.
Free ND filters Guide - www.theschoolofphotography.co...
Learn how to use ND filters in the field here - goo.gl/izdbj4
Please check out our updated version of this video here • ND Filters Explained -... where we explain everything in this video and take into account recent changes in equipment and techniques.
Support us:
Get 10% OFF our Online Courses here - bit.ly/3Jt12kZ
Our Recommended Photography Equipment - bit.ly/photog-gear
Check out our Complete Guide to Photography Book here - bit.ly/2KZDw2U
Check out our eBook here - bit.ly/photog-ebook
Grab a Freebie:
Get our Free eBook for learners of photography here - bit.ly/2DwNS4c
Get 15 Free Lightroom Presets - goo.gl/xvTPT7
Get the Best Music for your KZbin videos and other projects. Try for free here - share.epidemicsound.com/wBdh6
Free trial of Photoshop and Lightroom here - prf.hn/l/9mEZ58x
Create a photography website with Squarespace. Try it for free here squarespace.syuh.net/TSOP
Get weekly tutorials delivered straight to your inbox, sign up at www.theschoolofphotography.com
And join our learning community on social media:
Facebook ► / theschoolofphotography1
Instagram ► / theschoolofphotography1
Follow my personal photography work here:
Facebook ► / marcnewton
Instagram ► / marcnewton
Vero ► vero.co/marcnewton
Thanks for watching and remember - Learn more at The School of Photography.
NB: Above are some affiliate links and TSOP will receive a small percentage of some purchases made.

[@PhilChan22]

Nicely explained! Thank you for using very simple english to explain things in your videos.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Phil Chan thanks Phil, appreciate the feedback :)

[@philmarsh5593]

Brilliant. I've been grubbing around reading different articles and watching other vids, piecing together what I was trying to find out - and here it is all in 1 place! Brilliant! Subscribed! Many thanks.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Phil, glad to have you on board 👍

[@willparsons32]

As I watch countless amount of "how-to" videos, I've been a bit of a critic (unofficially) and as I happened to come across your video regarding ND filters, I am extremely impressed how you take the time and explain everything in great detail. Especially regarding those circular ND filters that rotate on the lens - I've always had my doubts about those and you have made it perfectly clear - Simply, stay away from them as they are - like you said; difficult to work with and not worth the money they are priced at. Keep up the great videos!!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Waxy Parsnips thanks Waxy, appreciate the feedback 😊

[@paoloblas8983]

I've had been watching many videos about filter tutorials, and this one explains everything I need to know about these filters, thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Paolo Blas thanks for the feedback. Would really appreciate your support by liking and sharing the videos with your friends. Thanks :)

[@ardentdfender4116]

Only just gotten into Photography having bought my very first camera a. On to ago. Since then been learning, learning, learning what seems like a whole new language. For all the photography you tubers I’ve watched and those doing landscapes photography and using filters etc. this video is the first one to explain to me just what the hell is a ND Filter in all its capacity of everything I needed to know as a complete noob. As well what to start out with being new to using them. This has vastly catapulted my learning and photography in bright daylight. I just subbed and rocked that notification button to boot.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments and glad to have you on board 👍

[@arlenehambrick3940]

I was wanting to begin exploring long exposure. This was an excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Arlene, glad it helped you out 👍

[@obayedh]

Wonderfully explained. Much thanks for the tutorial :)

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Obayed, we really apriciate your comments and would love it if your shared our videos too. - Marc

[@rahulsoren]

Thanks, for this wonderful tutorial. The way you described all the basics regarding N-D filters helped me improve my photography skills.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to help 👍

[@swapnanilkar445]

You have a gift of explaining things in the most simplistic manner. It was nice learning from you. Keep up the good work.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, appreciate that 👍

[@esaiasgiorgis8115]

By far the best video tutorial on ND filters. Thank you very much.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to help 👍

[@konsamprincesingh7763]

Best tutorial ever. I am a photo enthusiast doing photography since the film roll era. The learning never ends, thanks for the video.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BradfordJacksonFilms]

Well done mate. Great tutorial! You know how to explain everything so clearly. Thank you!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad to help 👍

[@karllouisvalena8299]

Thanks! The best explanation on ND filters I've watched on KZbin!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad it helped 😊

[@chrismillington6839]

Great informative video , best one I've seen so far , I've subbed thanks so much!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Chris Millington thanks Chris, appreciate your support. :)

[@Ragha03]

This video deserves more attention!!! Very well explained.. thanks mate

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Ragha Vendra you're welcome Ragha, glad you liked it :)

[@peterbond3344]

Great explanation that has helped me decide on what ND filters to buy, and how to use them.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Peter Bond thanks Peter glad it helped :)

[@peggyrogers2466]

Really helpful. Plain and simple language with practical examples. Well done.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Peggy Rogers thanks Peggy, appreciate that :)

[@1Know1tHurts]

Thank you so much! I've had my first landscape shoot a couple of days ago and this is when I understood the ND filter is a must.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you found it useful 👍

[@saulthomas6532]

InstaBlaster...

[@LeShaun1036]

I absolutely love the way that you teach. You are what Seth Godin would call "An Artist" You can not be replaced by a machine. Your heart is in every word. Just wanted to say that in case you ever wondered. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You #Hero :)

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, thanks for the comments :)

[@bernarddaniel6106]

The tutorial was very easy to understand as I've watched many videos and was more confused after watching them. Thank you

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments Bernard, glad it helped

[@clivewelch1025]

My god I'm only just starting out with my photography so on a massive learning curve but I actually understood everything you explained. Thank you so much for explaining in plane English with no techno babble. I have just subscribed so I'm looking forward to learning without feeling overwhelmed.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to help 😊👍

[@herminigildojakosalem8664]

This is a very good, very well-made video of a very well-explained topic. Quite comprehensive, I'd say. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to create this informative video, truly a great help to me, a total newbie.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad it helped 👍

[@mateomatthews9473]

This is just what I needed. Thanks for that complete explanation. I'm a new sub!!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Welcome aboard Mateo 👍

[@anujasharma9677]

Marc, very well explained. Good video and taught at a good pace

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Anuja, glad you liked it 👍

[@sudiptochakraborty1306]

Great video....didn't think you'd be covering in such detail the whole topic once i saw the funnel -fluid explanation...also many many thanks for taking the time for making all these tables...

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Sudipto Chakraborty you're welcome, glad you liked it 😊

[@sonyacordingley9440]

Wonderful! Thank you for explaining so clearly.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad it helped you out 👍

[@davidhough2912]

Excellent video, the presenter explains things clearly and at a steady pace. He has a easy manner, in contrast to some of the hyped -up " brash types on these channels!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks David, really appreciate the comments and glad it helped you out 👍

[@PedrokasPT]

Really TOP explanation ! 5 stars ! I really thank you for this video !

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Pedro, glad it helped you out 👍😊

[@HAProductions5050]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Heto Ah Hi No problem, thanks for the feedback :)

[@leahpoppy6011]

Thank you so much for this great video! So, so helpful and easy to understand. I am an instant fan and off to check out the rest of your content. Thanks again!

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 😊

[@beverleyforbes9029]

Awesome I've learned more watching this video than in my photography class thank you x

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, appreciate the comments and glad it helped 👍

[@EXTRA300s]

My heartbeat dropped to 60 listening to your nice and clear explanation. This video is outstanding in the way you explaining ND filters, thanks :)

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Josla, glad it helped 👍

[@theresah5937]

Hello, I am not in a habit of commenting on videos I watch/watched, but I thought I would pop by and share my feedback with you. In one word "excellent" should sum up my reaction. I love how you take your time and explain the subject matter slowly and clearly. I definitely will subscribe to your channel. Thank you so much for your knowledge, greetings from San Francisco

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thank you, really appreciate the feedback 👍😊

[@tomforbes3284]

Finally seeing this video. I needed it because I did buy a variable ND filter years ago. At first I really liked it, but now I want to get into longer exposures. What happened is exactly what you said about getting black lines or sections when I turned the filter to its maximum. I going to go out a buy a system using your recommendations. Thank you so much for this.

[@theschoolofphotography]

No problem Tom, glad it helped 👍

[@vict1255]

Good speed and nicely explained. Subscribed.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Vic T thanks Vic, hope you like our other Vida as well 👍

[@mokhan4748]

Thank you for the video. Just getting into the long exposure shooting. The video did help a lot.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Mo Khan thanks, glad it helped 👍

[@jacobwestfall3247]

This video is awesome. Dumbed it down so well, for sure sucscribed

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad to have you on board 👍

[@NileshGavali07]

Thanks for such a good video with detailed explanation in simple language, So beginner can also understand in first go. Much appreciated...

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Nilesh Gavali thanks, appreciate the comments 😊

[@enriquegardemartin743]

Thank you , well explain, looking forward to watch your other videos

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome Enrique, glad it helped.

[@blaiseduff]

Exceptional explanation of ND filters and their uses.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks

[@entropytango5348]

One of the best tutorials I have seen, Keep up the great work :)

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thank you Peter really appreciate the comments 👍

[@aliirhouma9840]

Explained it so well! Thanks!!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Ali, really glad it helped :)

[@julessanchez9216]

Thank you, very informative video on ND filters. Thanks for the charts they will be very helpful !

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to help 😊

[@Macsnapshot]

At last nicely explained . Thank you . Subscribed

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to have you on board 👍

[@paulinedrew5934]

Really helpful thank you

[@theschoolofphotography]

No problem Pauline, glad it helped. :)

[@lodipalaboy1840]

Thanks Marc for wonderful and clear explanation and light my mind the very long question in my mind. It helps a lot

[@theschoolofphotography]

Glad to hear it Rogelio! Thanks for watching. :)

[@ruialves_sense8]

Very well explained, thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 👍

[@alinaelena8246]

thanks for this video. I've learned a lot. you are so clear on everything, really appreciate your work. have a nice day.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+alina elena thanks 😊

[@chrishartney]

The table comparing the ND Stops with Optical Density and ND factor, is very useful. I wish all manufactures used ND Factor to measure their filters, since that is the number that you need to multiply your exposure time by.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Yes me too.

[@paulferris3659]

It's easy to get that number though. If you have a 3 stop ND then 2 raised to the power of 3; 2^3 = 8 and a 5 stop ND will be 2^5 = 32, 10 stop is 2^10 = 1024 and so on.

[@exposureexposure1696]

Very clearly explained, it might be worth mentioning that it's also advisable to block the eye piece whilst on long exposures to prevent any light leaking into your image.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, I must say though, in all my years doing this I've never found blocking the eye piece makes a difference. Put it to the test and see 👍

[@f2f.photography]

Outstanding in every respect. Thank you sir.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Monte, glad to help 👍

[@cahilart8966]

thanks for your time and this well explaint video. now i know what to do with respect to filters

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments and glad it helped 👍

[@MrMickjbriggs]

Superb tutorial. Thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome Mick 👍

[@kjellhmyhre2374]

This tutorial is actually a great one - thank you, folks!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewscott9386]

A superb explanation, one of the best I hve heard, easy to listen to and makes learning much easier. The only problem I have is I could not find you free download pages!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Andrew Scott hi Andrew thanks for the comments. The link for the free download is in the description of the video. Click that and scroll down to the bottom of that page and you'll the free download button. Hope that helps :)

[@user-zc4gp7hq7u]

Clear and details for ND filter beginners. Thx.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 👍

[@davemccorquodale5148]

Great Video...Very informative and easy to watch and digest!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Dave McCorquodale thanks :)

[@tracyryan379]

Best simple explanation of ND filters out there, thank you👍

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks

[@ChritsianBucic]

Very informative, thank you!

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 👍

[@btr9428]

Great video, really took the fear out of using ND filters.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+BTR glad to hear it. Thanks :)

[@guitar198225]

This is explained extremely well. Thank you. I am heading up mount snowdon tomorrow and I am sure the sky is going to be extremely over exposed at the summit. I am hoping a graduated ND filter will help. Oh and just thought I might mention that I have circular graduated filters that screw on. Thought it was worth saying as you said you can't get them.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Neil, the trouble with the circular ones is that you can't move them up and down to suit your shot. You'll probably find out tomorrow. Good luck, hope you get some good shots 👍

[@jarhead6585]

Thank you for explaining it well sir. Awesome video!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+N. Santos thanks Santos appreciate the comments :)

[@philiptyndall9720]

Fantastic tutorial Thanks for sharing

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome :)

[@brianjenkins3240]

Excellent tutorial especially for beginners

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Athena Digital Media thanks 😊

[@simonshoots-scores9762]

Excellent, nicely explained

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Simon, glad you liked it :)

[@anyelisilva4831]

This is perfect! Thank you so much!!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Anyeli Silva glad it helped :)

[@yudilight7855]

Hi Marc...thank a lot fir your great video, I'd love much the way on how you present it, it's very clearly, easier to understand and really helful for me as beginer to explore the knowledge of photography. And enspecially I'm impresive with your water flowing filter explanation indeed. Great job.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Yudi Light thanks, glad you liked it 😊

[@mdg2576]

Hi, probably the best tutorial on ND filters I've seen so far and the table you created is excellent. I would like to ask how would I work out the original exposure time for any given scene as I imagine its not aways 1 sec. If you have any tutorials on this that would be great. Thanks

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi Mark, thanks for the comments, glad to help. Download the free guide which has an exposure calculator on it, link in the description of this video. Thanks

[@luckyman1953]

I found the Ranger ND filter system on Amazon for under $30 US shipping slightly extra. It came with 8 filters the holder and various sized filter adapter rings, inexpensive but for the beginner like me it is wonderfully priced and they work quite well.

[@emilehoogstoel4243]

Hi I was watching that video with All MY attention I am a newby in Photografie and have a lot to learn The way you explain it is very good understandable My Nationality is Belgium but I speak and understand a little bit of English Have a Nikon 3200 and want to experimental with it and was also interested in ND filters That's why I was looking on the net for a good tutorial Yours is one of the best I looked at Please go on and thanks for the video Greetings Emile

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Emile, don't forget to check out the updated version here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJzOZZabjLGIpMU

[@kbruff2010]

Thank you, for this video.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome Kevin 👍

[@felixconnolly1467]

very good,Tks.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comment Felix :)

[@patcosgrave1546]

outstanding tutorial

[@887Rabbit]

Great explanation. thanks very much exactly what I needed to know. I'm using a 35mm film Olympus OM1 with the square Conkin filters and adapter you mentioned which will be taking "trial and error " to a bit of an extreme but will be worth it when (if) it works. Cheers

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Rob glad you liked it and that film photography lives on!! 😊👍

[@Martin-sn7zm]

A great video. Now I understand f/stops and filters. A note for you and your viewers - the nd filter number is the power to raise 2 to, to get the new exposure time. for example, an nd filter of 10 on a shutter speed of sec will give you a new exposure time of 1/2 * 2^10 = 1024 secs or 17 mins. So take a calculator out and know the maths and you don't need to memorise the charts. Or just take the charts in your bag.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Martin Green thanks Martin and don't forget you get an exposure guide in the free download that comes with this video. Link in the description. Thanks

[@setheski]

Great tutorial! So well and thoroughly explained! Thanks! I've looked at so many other videos on ND filters and this video really explains it all, in depth. (two thumbs up!!) Can you reply with the link to this "follow up tutorial that you refer to!?! The "in the field" how to use ND filters! I searched on your channel and it didn't show up! This was posted back in 2016 so I'm assuming it was uploaded. I just couldn't find it. Thanks again. This was a big help!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments appreciate that. The new video will be coming soon. 😊

[@MrPatmack]

Great explanation...well done

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Patrick, appreciate the comments.

[@itsrenatoc]

Excellent video! Probably this is the only one where I could find all in one. Definitely you deserve more views. What do you think of the new 70mm square filter system by NiSi? Thanks !

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments Renato. I try to stick to the education of a topic rather than making it short and sweet! I haven’t used Nisi filters but I do hear they are quite good. Let me know how you get on with them. Also, if you want to support us here then a share of this video on social media will really help. Thanks 😊

[@michaelroberts5160]

Thank you for this in depth talk about ND filters.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 😊

[@sammaxine6078]

Very well explained..nice

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Nelson, glad it helped you out 👍

[@dovidell]

sometimes waiting for the shutter to close during a long exposure taken using a 10 stop ND filter , is akin to waiting for your passport pictures to appear from one of those old photo booths they had in Woolworth's !!- you really appreciate how long a minute ( or two ) is !!!

[@anoshmehta8638]

Extremely well explained in the most simplest of ways. Have already downloaded your file and am ordering the filters as well. Thank you. Have subscribed. Also loved the video for the signature. So very simply put. Cheers!

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad to have you on board 👍

[@nigelskates6202]

Great video!! Any idea when the second one will be out. Using ND in the real world. Please keep up the great tutorials.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Nigel Skates soon, very soon 😊

[@EdwinHenryBlachford]

very helpful. Thankyou sir.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Edwin Henry Blachford you're welcome Edwin, glad you liked it. :)

[@EdwinHenryBlachford]

you're welcome sir for i'm an architect and skilled at making images in pen or charcoal. And yet photography is a different art. You will never be paid as much as me but I discerned that at 20 years of age. And yet the visual arts draw me. At retirement I return to this. Thankyou for your clear instruction

[@toros1951]

Very clear. Thank you

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments 👍

[@FrasersFilms]

Superb. Thank you!

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Fraser Millward Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@pretread]

Well explained .. thank you

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you liked it 😊

[@allanthompson9695]

Extremely Useful Video. I ike your way of explaining and the timing works really well. It allows the information to go in. Sub'd.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Allan Thompson thanks Allan, glad you're liking the teaching style. :)

[@Termidryna]

Thanks, very very helpful, much love 💟

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Tutaj Teraz thanks, glad you liked it. :)

[@siralexander5042]

Love this video! I subscribed and looked for the How to use ND filters in the field video but I don't see it

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Alex, glad you liked it. The other video will be here soon. Make sure you hit the bell button to be notified 👍

[@mpreshit]

Awesome video!!

[@captainklr6508]

Great brief!!

[@sebjulien3]

Amazing channel, you got 2 new subscriber here.

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Seb Julien thanks 👍

[@jpanduka]

Great explained!! :)

[@theschoolofphotography]

+Janaka Panduka thanks Jananka, appreciate the comment

[@jinenshah4478]

well explained... thanks sir..

[@theschoolofphotography]

+jinen shah glad it helped 😊

[@stevensantana8049]

Love your Video... QUESTION what wide angle lenses do you use?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi, thanks for the comments, I use a 16mm lens mainly. Hope that helps.

[@sabyasachibanerjee124]

Nicely explained

[@neilcole3406]

Great information,keep it coming!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, will do!

[@armandoguerreiro8861]

excellent tutorial ! thank you.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, thanks for the comments 👍

[@vicentezuri804]

You speak nice n your English is neat. Thks from Alicante, Spain

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thank you! 😃