Diffusion filter advice?

[Scott Pultz]

Hello,

I am going to do some filming on the beach in Hawaii which can often result in some harsh highlights (sorry do not have a Dragon yet!). I'm thinking that a diffusion filter would help put a soft glow around these highlights thus making them less offensive.

I'm not sure which filters to start with. Although I know it will happen, I'm not looking to cut sharpness or reduce global contrast. The goal is smoothing the highlights. I was thinking of trying the Tiffen Pearlescent line, but if there is good advice out there I would love to hear it!

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Nick Morrison]

You could try an ultracon, digicon, or lowcon.

Or maybe a BPM. I know The Descendents (shot in Hawaii on film) used BPM 1/4.

 

[Joshua Reis]

I would recommend experimenting with the Tiffen Black Diffusion FX (BDFX) and or their Black Pro Mist (BPM) lines. 1/4 and 1/2 may be a good density to explore.

 

[Hal Long]

The low cons and ultracons are nice. While BPMs impart a cinematic look go lightly. It's easy to over do it with any diffusion series. Usually, I'll find what looks nice and go one grade less. You cannot undo over softening but you can enhance and add more diffusion in post.