Neutral Density Filters

A neutral density filter (ND filter) is a filter of uniform density that attenuates light of all colors equally. An ND filter is used to allow a longer exposure (to create blur) or larger aperture (for selective focus) than otherwise required for correct exposure in the prevailing light conditions, without changing the tonal balance of the photograph.

A graduated neutral density filter is a neutral density filter with different attenuation at different points, typically clear in one-half shading into a higher density in the other. The ND filter can be used, for example, to photograph a scene with part in deep shadow and part brightly lit, where otherwise either the shadows would have no detail or the highlights would be burnt out.