These filters lower the contrast in a photo, as the name implies. These filters reduce the dark shadows in photography by letting light from the surrounding highlights bleed through.
You can see the results of the low-contrast filters in the examples above. Both of these example images use exactly the same camera settings and you’re seeing the straight-out-of-camera results. Although I used the same settings for both images, they are different. The image taken with a low-contrast filter has a subtle glow effect.
Let’s now look at the practical applications of low contrast filters.
Low Contrast Filters: Past to Present
In the past, lens filters have always been more popular. This decline can be attributed to the increase in post-production methods. Working on an image after it’s been captured gives you many options and flexibility.
In the past, photographers used low-contrast filters to make skin appear ‘glowy’ and hide some imperfections. This was before the advent of’retouching.’ It was very useful to use anything that could soften or hide those small lumps and bumps.
Low contrast filters seem to be making a return. They’re also popular among amateurs and professionals. The reason is that today’s lenses and cameras are ‘too sharp.’ Lens filters are still used in the motion picture industry, broadcasting, and television. Low contrast filters are used in period pieces, where sharp images from modern cameras feel out of place. Consider historical dramas.
Low Contrast Filters at Work on the Screen
Crown
The cinematographer Adriano Goldman talks about the visual style of his hugely popular Netflix show The Crown.