Do You Actually Need ND Filters? Spot The Shots We Didn't Use One On.

Do you need an ND filter? Lots say yes. Some are silent. Who is right? Who is wrong? Can you tell the difference?
Secret link to the $30 per month rate rather than $40 right here:
www.taylorjack...
Members Site:
www.taylorjack...
(Get access to my presets, LUTs, and all advanced wedding photography courses)
My presets: www.taylorjack...
My LUTS: www.taylorjack...
Me: / taylorjackson
Where I Get My Music: share.mscbd.fm/...

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Secret link to the $30 per month rate rather than $40 right here:
www.taylorjacksoncourses.com/taylors-july-birthday-special

[@odinata]

Good luck! 30 cents is 20 more cents than you are worth

[@benjhaisch]

All depends on the output, just another creative tool. Things like action that you want to feel more intense are fine with overcranking the shutter, but it’s always bizarre to me to see so many wedding videos with choppy footage over some elegant music.

[@RockyColaFizz]

I have tested this so often. And in 95% of things we film, no one can tell or cares either way. People have become so used to watching video from iPhones that are always shutter cranked that they simply don’t notice either way.

[@zvkvhs3818]

I used to rely heavily on equipment like ND filters for my shoots, but over time, I noticed a significant drop in my creativity. Being too technical often forced me to miss shots or rely on gear that felt cumbersome, making me feel overworked. By the time everything was set up, the moment that inspired me was often gone. This was especially frustrating when working with natural light, where every second counts as conditions can change dramatically and instantly. It became overwhelming and discouraging. Over the past year, I've ditched most of my technical gear and started shooting more freely, just using internal camera features and white balance adjustments. It's been a lot more fun and liberating. I now realize how much I missed out on because I was too focused on having the "right" gear, which took the joy out of the process for both me and my subjects.
Have you experienced similar challenges? Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@paulgero]

Very interesting. I thought for sure the Iceland footage was ND. Looked great.

[@SeanNeale]

I think cranking the shutter in 24/25/30 is super noticeable and I think humans generally will instinctually notice somethings off, even if they don’t know what. But slow motion is struggle to tell/care.

[@ParsclickTV]

ND shifts my WB and color

[@bryllupsvideografIsak]

I got all 4 correctly, but was hard to tell from the slow motion, and I knew about the ND video from watching your BTS 😅. If they all were 24 fps I'm sure it would be much easier.

[@markshirley01]

The Z6 footage looked nice - couldn't really tell watching on my phone which had ND 👍

[@makybeats]

I like that slight image rotation at 06:03 so mysterious, Taylor

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

This is what happens when you use a light stand as a tripod

[@eike.zender]

Very interesting results ☺️ As far as I noticed, you use S-Cinetone? i think this also helps a bit, as the base ISO is way lower than with Slog. But how do you check your exposure? Do you use zebras?

[@andysmith8031]

It’s hard to tell to be honest. The slow mo throws me.
1 No ND
2 ND
3 ND
4 ND
But seriously, who knows 😄

[@queerfoto]

I was almost entirely wrong! But, I'm not giving up my ND.

[@livestreamireland7745]

When shooing 'super slo motion' on a very bright day, an ND filter is needed as the footage will be very noticeably jerky without it. Other than that, no need to use one.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

But if you’re super slow wouldn’t your shutter speed need to be really high anyways?

[@itsaaronmiller]

I mean isn’t the point of slow motion to be smooth footage. I would think that would be the exception that it would not matter or be noticeable. I’m team crank shutter if need to but your argument seems backwards here

[@johnwesleybrewer]

You’re so helpful for where I’m at in my career

[@csc-photo]

I got the quiz right, but it could have been half luck tbh. Honestly unless it’s ultra choppy I don’t think most clients will ever care or notice. Social media vids nowadays lower the bar so anything 1080 or higher will wow people.
But I do overthink / stress a little about the 180 rule and it probably results in me shooting less video in general (I hate using filters).

[@ccudjoe89]

i think no ND for all of them

[@ludwigvonn9889]

If you cant tell the difference, it really doesnt matter if you use them or not i guess. Why do they even exist lol...just use luts.

[@RyanShepard]

What about a video on Black Pro Mist filters? Curious on how much those are used on wedding photography. I like using a subtle 1/8 bpm on my 85 f1.4 to add some extra to the oof sunlight.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I like subtle mist. I don’t know if they’re common, but we use them a bit

[@RyanShepard]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto like them and think they look good subtle. I see way too much being used in situations where they distract. Haven't found a YT video for wedding photography showing when and when not to use them (hint hint).

[@elizabethcastro9339]

OMG.... you are so funny. Thank you for the videos... you do fantastic work... but you already knew that.

[@soleview]

Nice details..

[@odinata]

"Test audience of two."
For real.

[@icecap134]

I have brought shame on my family, I got none of them right. Please forgive me Mr. Jackson

[@DanteJDM]

1) No ND
2) No ND
3) ND
4) ND

[@DanteJDM]

Dang, got the last one wrong. Lol. Great video, Taylor!

[@makybeats]

03:34 🤣

[@SwamiSamarth15]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👌 Smart. With Love from Bharat🇮🇳🙏😊

[@tokyorose1123]

Yes
No
No
Yes
*Edit* I was wrong.