Eastern Sierra Mtns at Sunrise

Nikon D1h, 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S, Matrix Metering, 2 sec, f/13.0, -0.3ev, Auto WB, Low Tone, Gitzo 410, Wimberly Sidekick.

Neutral density filters are critical for holding bright backgrounds within the dynamic range of dark foregrounds. The issue is film or digital cameras can not see the same tonal range as the human eye. To control things, Neutral Density filters are available to reduce the intensity of backgrounds while not affecting the foreground. The beauty with digital photography is in the comfort of you own home, you can simulate ND filters by adding a gradient. The affect is quite useful.