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We continue to answer frequently asked questions about night photography. I would like to answer some questions you have asked me recently. At this time? Filters, ghosts and light painting.
Please note that I am answering these questions primarily from the perspective of a night photographer who shoots at or near full moon conditions. I do high ISO Milky Way photography, but that’s not my main night photography.
I previously answered some questions about night photography here.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
![Ghost, Topanga, California. Ghosting is an example of light drawing using an E-wire and a red headlamp for the eyes, all done during exposure.](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/8315_kenlee-topanga-ghost-Photofocus-1600px.jpg?resize=740%2C500&ssl=1)
The question of whether you’ve ever seen a ghost is one of the most frequently asked questions about night photography. I think people who take pictures of ruins are probably asked this question more often than people who only take deep sky or night views.
No, I’ve never seen a ghost. If you can avoid the ectoplasmic goo, you might be interested in taking pictures (just kidding). It will be interesting to see if my photos reflect that.
I’ve taken night photos in some very creepy and unsettling locations. I have felt uneasy in these situations. But can we actually see ghosts? no.
Why use a handheld light instead of a stand to illuminate your subject?
![REO F-22 work truck, California desert. I used a handheld light to shine light on the paint from different angles during the exposure.](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0287_kenlee_Campo_230928_2mf8iso200-MTM-REO-F-22-work-truck-Pentax-red-4x5-CROP-1600px-PHOTOFOCUS.jpg?resize=592%2C740&ssl=1)
Handheld lights are very flexible. You have complete control over where you want the light to shine. You can also control the color and duration. But perhaps the biggest reason is that the angle of the light painting is very flexible, allowing you to subtly move the light to achieve the look you want. You can also use your arms or light modifiers to quickly and easily block some of the light.
The handheld light is also nice and small. It fits in your pocket and takes up very little space.
Usage speed is significantly faster. You can light paint your subject in a fraction of the time it takes to set up a stand with an LED panel attached. You can also use one light at different angles without having to install a stand for each angle.
![Douglas DC-4 airplane in rural Kansas. I used a handheld light to shine light on the paint from different angles during the exposure.](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0523-kenlee-231026_40mtotal_2mf8iso200-Kansas-Eastern-Douglas-DC-4-airplane-straight-on-star-trails-1600px-PHOTOFOCUS-2.jpg?resize=740%2C502&ssl=1)
Do you use filters for night photography?
![An abandoned church in rural Kansas. I used a handheld light to shine light on the paint from different angles during the exposure.](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0662-kenlee-231028_sky-15sf25iso3200_earth-86sf8iso400-Kansas-Western-Emmeram-Church-facing-north-Milky-Way-widen-1600px-PHOTOFOCUS.jpg?resize=592%2C740&ssl=1)
I’ve been asked this question many times. In most cases, the questioner does not specify what filters to use.
In any case, the answer is: don’t use filters for night photos.
UV filter
UV filters were popular back when most people took photos with 35mm film. In bright sunlight, photos could appear slightly blue or washed out. With digital cameras this is no longer an issue.
However, some people prefer to use UV filters for protection. This is often a hotly debated topic. Do UV filters actually offer much protection? They can scratch the glass if broken. I think it provides some protection. Either way, I don’t like the additional chance of lens flare.
When using UV filters, you will be using the highest quality filter possible. After all, why buy beautiful, sharp lenses that cost hundreds of dollars and stuff a cheap UV filter in the front?
![Light painting on a Buick in Old Car City USA, Georgia](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/8677_kenlee_Georgia_221207_1855_2mf8iso400_Car-City-RGB-Critter-7_Buick-blue-headlights-interior-mysterious-1600px-PHOTOFOCUS.jpg?resize=740%2C494&ssl=1)
light pollution filter
Lens filter manufacturers such as Irix, Haida, Hoya, and NiSi produce light pollution filters. I don’t use these, but I have a mild interest in them. Under the right circumstances, it can produce amazing results.
However, I have never tried it.
There are several reasons for this. Many, if not most, light pollution filters are made for astrophotography, or deep sky photography as some people call it. It’s not very suitable for the ultra-wide angle lenses that I often use. This may cause distortions (deformations) in the shape of the star.
Another reason is that many light pollution filters are created to combat the orange light from sodium vapor lamps. With many places adopting LED lighting, this is less of an issue. This results in blocking some of the Milky Way’s light with little protection against light pollution. I also do a lot of light painting, but I don’t really want to change the color of my light paintings.
And finally, as you might have guessed, a light pollution filter reduces the amount of light that enters the lens.
There are several good reasons to use a light pollution filter. Those aren’t very interesting to me.
![Monument Rocks, Kansas. I used a handheld light to shine light on the paint from different angles during the exposure.](https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0683-kenlee-231029_30sf8iso800-Kansas-Western-Monument-Rocks-Chalk-Pyramids-1600px-PHOTOFOCUS.jpg?resize=592%2C740&ssl=1)
neutral density filter
Interestingly, people ask me if I use a neutral density filter most often.
Neutral density filters are like sunglasses for lenses. The amount of light entering the lens is reduced.
And just like you’re less likely to wear sunglasses at night, I think the reasons for not using them are similar. If you want to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, you can shorten the exposure time or reduce the aperture.
I sometimes use a neutral density filter during the day. However, I usually do this to get some kind of effect, such as to make clouds hiss or to make the movement of water in oceans or waterfalls more dreamy and smooth. But even for this purpose, you’re more likely to reach for a circular polarizing filter instead, as it has the advantage of not only reducing the amount of incident light but also controlling reflections.
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