Filters are widely used by black & white photographers for creative effect – most commonly to increase contrast between sky and cloud. However, care should be taken, because as much as a black & white filter darkens one colour, it lightens another – specifically, any colour that is similar to its own. A red filter, for example, makes a red pillar box appear almost white, and a blue sky as almost black. However, a red filter also absorbs green, which would block up the foreground of a verdant landscape.

The black & white filters in the LEE Filters range can be used in conjunction with others, such as the polariser and neutral density standards and graduates.