Filters are a big part of photography, and if you own an interchangeable lens camera, chances are you would have worked with a filter at least once before.
From the most basic UV filters - which, besides being used to cut down on haziness, are used nowadays mainly as a protection for your lens from scratches, dust and other elements - to Neutral Density (ND) filters which help you to take control over exposure time, it's undeniable how the special effects or abilities of various filters can dramatically change the way your photos turn out.
In this digital age, while the common perception is that post-production editing can replace the use of a filter, but the truth is, trying to achieve the same results on your computer can be quite a task and may take a much longer time, and even then, some effects simply cannot be replicated with a software. And then there's the pure fun of the challenge in getting the right shot at the right time with the right tools!
So we say, put on your filters, get creative and this time, get rewarded too, because The Second International Filter Photo Contest 2011-2012 is here!
Sponsored by Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd, this contest wants you to embrace the joys and creative possibilities that using a filter can give and is open to anyone, everyone, regardless of your age, gendere or nationality. With renowned photographer Shin Yoshino as a judge, the winning entry will be awarded with products from the Kenko Tokina Group worth ¥500,000 (over S$8,000)!
The closing date for submission is 31 May 2012, so there's plenty of time to get creative. Contest details, along with FAQs, can be found on the official contest page.
Good luck!!
