Auditioning for Shark Tank was an AWESOME experience! If you’re an entrepreneur who loves the show, I highly recommend auditioning. It’s a chance to practice your pitch, clarify your strategic position, ask for money in exchange for equity, and connect with other passionate entrepreneurs. It’ll help you feel more confident about your product—whether or not you’re selected.

Me, Mindy, and Olga

Let me start by saying that auditioning for Shark Tank was, hands down, one of the most incredible experiences of my entrepreneurial journey. It’s literally a milestone / life-changing event. 

I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to my friend Olga Bradley, who literally wouldn’t let me back out. She kept pushing me to apply, saying “You’ve got this!” and even flew in from Florida to be there with me for support. Honestly, I don’t know if I would’ve had the guts to take the plunge without her.

 

Now, before I get into all the juicy details, here’s the quick rundown for anyone wondering: This wasn’t a recording or appearance on the show, it was an open call audition. You show up and have a 1 minute presentation (I chose MAVEN Filters of course) to the Shark Tank casting team. 

If you get selected, you’d get a call before the end of the Janurary. If not, you don’t get a call. Simple as that! Suffice it to say, the odds of getting on the show are slim, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying.

The Day of the Audition

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The audition took place at The Venetian in Las Vegas on Jan 10. When we arrived in the am for bracelet pickup, we were given numbered wristbands to keep things organized. My scheduled pitch time was 4pm, so I spent most of the day rehearsing and trying to stay calm. 

Olga and I talked to other entrepreneurs in the waiting area, and it was so inspiring to meet so many people with the same fire and drive to bring their dreams to life. I said to Olga, “These are my people! It feels like everyone here is just like me.” We all had that shared sense of ambition—created something, hustling to make it grow, and having the courage to stand up and pitch. It was a reminder that entrepreneurship is all about resilience and pushing through self-doubt.

And here’s the most impressive thing about the Shark Tank team: They gave each person quality time—no one was rushed and I felt like everyone was completely heard. It felt amazing to get that kind of focused attention, especially considering the odds are so high. They really take the time to listen to every entrepreneur and understand their vision.

What I Learned from the Casting Team

The casting team, led by Mindy (who’s been with the show for all 16 seasons!), shared so many behind-the-scenes insights that I had no idea about. 

Here are a few of the key things I learned:

1. Your business must be U.S.-based. (This was mentioned multiple times.)
2. The show films in June and September, but episodes may not air until 2026. Crazy, right?
3. Even if you get invited to film, there’s about a 50% chance your segment will air. They film 140-150 businesses, but only 70-88 actually make it to the show.
4. They cover your expenses if you’re selected to film—flight, hotel, and per diem for food.
5. The Sharks have no idea who you are until you walk through the doors for the pitch.
6. You can change your offer up until the moment you walk on stage. The deals are a “handshake agreement,” and there’s a “due diligence” stage after filming to check the numbers—sometimes deals fall through after that.
7. No spoilers! You can share your audition experience, but once you’re selected, you can’t talk about anything related to Shark Tank.
8. If you get selected and your segment airs, you’ll be notified two weeks before the air date.
9. The casting team offers feedback about the auditions to the executive producers, who decide who gets a call.
10. If you’re not selected, you can re-audition, but it’s best if your business has evolved significantly in between.

The Pitch: My Moment to Shine

Finally, it was time to pitch! I won’t lie—I was more nervous than I thought I’d be. But thanks to all the prep with Olga, the pitch flowed naturally. We set up two cameras at eye level to showcase how MAVEN Filters work, highlighting the difference between regular filters and ours. 

After pitching, the casting team asked questions and took detailed notes. I was with Mindy for about 7-8 minutes, and we had a great conversation about the business, my Kickstarter, and our new patent. We even chatted a bit about Hawaiian tattoos (Mindy has one from Maui!), which added a personal touch.

The Aftermath: Confidence Boosted!

 

Once the pitch was over, I spent a few hours processing everything and I was mentally exhausted, but also incredibly proud. I felt like I had taken a major step forward. Regardless of what happens with the show, I walked away with a renewed sense of confidence in MAVEN Filters and a stronger belief in my ability to keep growing. It reminded me that taking risks and putting yourself out there is a powerful way to learn, grow, and build something even bigger.

My Final Takeaway: If You’re an Entrepreneur, You Should Do This!

 

If you’re an entrepreneur and you think a Shark Tank investment could help you grow, I HIGHLY recommend auditioning. It’s not only about getting on the show—it’s about challenging yourself, refining your pitch, and seeing where your business really stands. Plus, you’ll meet so many inspiring entrepreneurs who are on the same path as you.

Whether you get selected or not, you’ll leave feeling more confident, more connected, and more motivated to keep going.

And to Olga—thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and for helping me through every step of this process. I’m so grateful for you!

Are you an entrepreneur who’s auditioned for Shark Tank or thinking about applying? I’d love to hear your stories or answer any questions you have about the experience. Let’s connect and keep pushing each other forward! #SharkTank #EntrepreneurLife #MAVENfilters #StartupJourney #PitchPerfect #NeverStopGrowing

Filters are an essential tool for photographers, helping to control light, reduce reflections, and enhance image quality. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various filter systems, from bulky square filters to traditional screw-ons. Recently, I had the opportunity to test Maven’s Magnetic Circular Filters—a system designed to simplify workflow while maintaining professional-grade results.

This Maven Filters Review by Pia Steen, reflects her honest experience with Maven filters, highlighting their unique features, performance, and practical advantages. Whether you’re considering upgrading your current filter setup or exploring magnetic systems for the first time, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you decide. Let’s dive in!

Pia’s Website

Pia’s Instagram

Testing Maven Magnetic Circular Filters

Transparency: I am sponsored by the filter manufacturer Maven. However, Maven has not asked or pressured me to write anything about their filters. This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion. Nevertheless, it should be considered as advertising.

Square Filters vs. Magnetic Circular Filters

There are countless filter manufacturers, but the differences in quality can be significant. Common issues include color casts, blurriness, and flares.

For years, I used a square filter system. The key advantages of square filters are their flexibility, particularly when using graduated neutral density (GND) filters. With this system, you can shift the filter up or down to match the horizon, even if it’s not centered. Additionally, square systems allow stacking multiple filters without causing vignetting.

However, there are downsides. Square filter systems are bulkier than circular filters, taking up more space in your backpack. They also take a bit more time to attach to the lens, which can be inconvenient in fast-paced shooting situations.

Therefore, I took a closer look at magnetic circular filters from various manufacturers. These filters are smaller, take up less space, and can be quickly attached to the front of the lens using magnetic adapter rings. This process is much faster than using a square filter system—very convenient!

However, I noticed a significant issue when stacking two filters together (e.g., a polarizing filter and an ND filter). Even with an 82mm filter diameter on a 77mm lens, I experienced noticeable vignetting in the image. Adding another filter on top only worsened the problem. This is a major downside for me.

I use a polarizing filter for nearly all my shots, but when I attach an additional magnetic filter in front of it, vignetting becomes apparent at focal lengths below 24mm. If I wanted to stack two ND filters along with a polarizer, the resulting vignetting would be severe, making this setup nearly unusable in my opinion.

Additionally, with GND (graduated neutral density) filters, the horizon is fixed in the middle and cannot be shifted. However, thanks to the high dynamic range of modern cameras, I personally find that I rarely need GND filters anymore and can manage just fine without them.

Dark CPL? What’s That?

I mentioned my issues with filters to a friend, and he asked why I don’t use filters where the polarizer is integrated into the neutral density (ND) filter—a so-called Dark CPL.

I had heard about Dark CPLs many years ago but was never convinced by the system. Reports of image flaws, color shifts, and loss of sharpness made me hesitant. However, technology evolves, so I decided to give them another shot. I had a set of Dark CPLs sent to me to see if they could address my concerns.

The filters are from the brand Maven—admittedly, a name I had never heard before. The company is relatively new, having emerged from a Kickstarter campaign in the USA.

What immediately caught my attention was the distinct colors of the filter edges. The filters are no thicker than other magnetic circular filters and feel very high-quality.

The Dark CPL Set includes the following:

•3ND Dark CPL

•6ND Dark CPL

•10ND Dark CPL

•Linear Polarizer

•Magnetic Adapter Ring

•Front Cap 2.0

•Quick Case 2.0

 

Once the adapter ring is screwed onto the lens, it can remain permanently attached. What I prefer about this screw-in version compared to a fully magnetic system, where the adapter rings are also magnetically installed, is that the adapter ring doesn’t come loose when removing the filter. Since it’s screwed in place, it stays securely attached.

Additionally, the compatible lens cap protects the lens from scratches even with the adapter ring in place, allowing you to keep the ring on the lens permanently without any issues.

 

The different colors of the magnetic rings make it much easier to grab the correct filter from your bag without having to decipher the fine print indicating the filter density. The base color is always blue, signaling that the filter includes an integrated polarizer.

Here’s how the inventor, Michael, explains the color scheme:

•Yellow (10 ND): When the sun is still shining brightly, you need a strong filter to darken the image. Yellow represents the sun.

•Purple (6 ND): As the sun sets and the sky turns purple, you need a slightly weaker filter. Hence, the 6 ND has a purple edge.

•Red (3 ND): Red is reminiscent of the record button on cameras, as the 3 ND is often the most used filter in videography.

•Blue (Linear Polarizer): Blue symbolizes the sky and water, which this filter enhances or de-reflects.

This thoughtful color-coding system is a practical and intuitive way to identify filters at a glance.

 

I found this reasoning very appealing and logical. Indeed, after some time using the filters, you quickly learn to identify each one at a glance. It’s often the small details that make working so much easier.

For added clarity, the filter size and type are also engraved in white text on the back of each filter. The neutral density filters conveniently indicate the number of stops rather than the more traditional and complex nomenclature like “ND8,” “ND64,” or “ND1000.”

Another great feature: Each filter has unique grooves, making them easier to grip. The magnets are impressively strong and keep the filters securely in place, even when carrying the camera around.

The magnetic lens caps also come in different colors, adding a splash of brightness to your camera bag. If you choose, you can even identify your lenses by the color of the caps.

 

Quality of Maven Magnetic Filters

While stylish colors are a nice touch, what truly matters is the quality of the filters. How do they perform, especially with the integrated CPL?

Older systems from other brands often used two layers of glass that you rotated against each other to adjust the polarizer. This setup was bulky and prone to issues such as artifacts, loss of sharpness, and color shifts. That’s not the case with Maven’s filters.

The frames are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, paired with thin optical glass from AGC. This combination makes them both lightweight and durable. With the Dark CPL filters, there is a single piece of glass that rotates like a traditional polarizer. The difference is that the CPL is inherently darker, functioning as an ND filter as well. This two-in-one design means only one layer of glass is placed on the lens, reducing the risk of vignetting and simplifying handling.

Performance Highlights

•No Color Casts: I didn’t observe any color shifts or unwanted artifacts.

•Sharpness: Images remained crystal clear, with no noticeable loss of detail.

•Build Quality: The glass appears scratch-resistant and feels premium in construction.

•Flare Resistance: Direct sunlight produced flares similar to shooting without a filter, outperforming other brands that struggle more with direct backlight and generate additional flares.

The combination of robust materials and thoughtful engineering results in high-quality filters that are not only practical but also deliver excellent optical performance.

Filters from other manufacturers produce significantly more flares.

With Maven filters, you only see the flares that the lens itself would produce in backlight, even without a filter.

 

Water splashes can be wiped off easily without leaving streaks—another practical advantage.

But why does the set also include a linear polarizer? Naturally, it’s for shooting without an ND filter. If you only want to use a polarizer, you can do so. However, the system offers an additional clever trick: if you clip the linear polarizer in front of a Dark CPL, you essentially create a variable ND filter. This allows you to further darken the exposure by 1.3 to 5 additional stops. For example, a 10-stop ND filter can effectively become a 15-stop ND filter.

Ingenious!

 

 

 

Linear vs. Circular Polarizers – The Differences

While circular (CPL) and linear polarizers (LPL) produce similar effects, linear polarizers offer slightly better color performance when used with mirrorless cameras. Circular polarizers, on the other hand, are compatible with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. However, using linear polarizers with DSLRs can interfere with autofocus and metering systems.

You might wonder why Maven doesn’t use Dark LPLs instead. The answer lies in the combination of neutral density and circular polarization films in the Dark CPLs, which provide better color performance than standard CPL filters. The main advantage of Dark CPLs is their compatibility with both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless functionality without sacrificing color quality. This flexibility makes CPLs the preferred choice over LPLs in Maven’s system.

Other Accessories from Maven

In addition to a wide range of filters and lens caps, Maven also offers magnetic lens hoods. These attach to either the adapter ring or the filter itself, allowing you to use the hood simultaneously with a filter. A truly brilliant feature! The lens hoods are available in various sizes and diameters to suit different setups.

 

 

 

 

Advantages of Maven Filters

I’ve discovered that Maven filters offer several advantages over other brands I’ve used:

•Easy installation

•No vignetting

•User-friendly color coding for quick filter selection

•Less glass in front of the lens thanks to combined filters with integrated polarizers

•Highly scratch-resistant due to premium glass quality

•Excellent sharpness

•Minimal color shifts compared to competing products

Initially skeptical, I am now completely convinced and have found my new go-to filter system with these magnetic circular filters. The combination of CPL and ND filters is perfect for long exposures, and the linear polarizer works wonderfully on its own or as a variable ND filter when combined with a Dark CPL. The logical color coding of the filter edges makes it incredibly easy to grab the right filter from my bag and start shooting immediately.

 

Awards and Recognition

Maven Filters have also received the PetaPixel Accessory of the Year and the Phoblographer 2023 Editor’s Choice Award—a testament to their quality and innovation.

If you’re interested in these filters, you can support me by using this affiliate link: www.mavenfilters.com

Here are some images I’ve captured using Maven filters.

 

To make the mist appear smooth and flowing, I need a long exposure time. That’s why I use the ND 6 Dark CPL along with the linear polarizer.

 

 

Thanks to the ND 6 Dark CPL, I can achieve a long enough exposure, even in sunlight, to make the mist appear smooth and flowing.

 

 

The ND 6 beautifully allows the mist to flow over the ridge. (The image isn’t 100% sharp due to the strong wind and resulting camera shake—this is not caused by the filter.)

In this video, photographer Richard Herzog shares essential tips for shooting infrared photography with the Maven IR720 filter.

He also includes a useful list of resources to help you find lenses that work well for infrared photography and avoid troublesome “hot spots.”

Lens Resources:

• Maven Magnetic Infrared 720nm Filter

• NIKON INFRARED LENS PERFORMANCE CHART

• Landscape Lens List for Infrared-Converted Nikon DSLRs

• Flickr Discussion

• Fujifilm X Lenses for Infrared Photography

• The Best Lenses for Infrared Photography

• Lens Hot Spot Testing Database

• Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fuji Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Link to full article: HERE

Photographer Matthias Conrad recently embarked on a journey through the breathtaking Swiss Alps, equipped with Maven Filters’ Linear and Dark Circular Polarizer (CPL) filters. The Alpine landscapes, renowned for their ever-changing light and pristine natural beauty, provided the perfect environment to push these filters to their limits.

The Art of Photographing the Swiss Alps

 

Photographing the dramatic and diverse scenery of the Swiss Alps demands precision and the right equipment. Whether capturing the lush green forests, vibrant blue skies, or the reflective surfaces of alpine lakes, managing light and reflections is key to preserving the natural essence of these landscapes. During his trip, Conrad found that Maven Filters significantly improved his control over light, contrast, and saturation in this challenging environment.

First Impressions of Maven Filters’ Linear and Dark CPL

Conrad’s experience highlighted the effectiveness of Maven Filters’ Linear and Dark CPL filters, particularly under the harsh and varying lighting conditions found in the Alps. Designed to reduce glare and unwanted reflections while enhancing color contrast, these filters allowed him to reveal more details without compromising the landscape’s natural beauty.

•Linear CPL Filter: This filter proved invaluable in reducing reflections from snow and water, enabling Conrad to capture the stunning clarity of the alpine vistas. It helped maintain sharpness while emphasizing the contrast between shadows and highlights in the mountains.

•Dark CPL Filter: For the more intense midday light, Conrad turned to the Dark CPL filter. Its ability to cut down on harsh glare and prevent overexposure helped him maintain control over the image’s dynamic range, ensuring that the rich textures of the landscape remained intact even in bright sunlight.

Key Takeaways from the Journey

Conrad found the Maven Filters to be not only highly effective but also durable enough to withstand the rugged alpine conditions. From towering mountain peaks to shimmering lakes, the filters performed admirably across a variety of scenarios, enhancing the vivid colors in his photos and simplifying post-processing by producing cleaner, more balanced raw images.

He also praised the filters’ quality construction, noting that their lightweight design and smooth rotation allowed for quick and precise adjustments—critical when dealing with the fast-changing light in the mountains.

Conclusion

Matthias Conrad’s journey through the Swiss Alps with Maven Filters underscores the practical advantages of using top-quality filters in landscape photography. Whether battling harsh midday sunlight or minimizing reflections from snow and water, the Linear and Dark CPL filters helped Conrad capture the raw beauty of the Alps with enhanced clarity and contrast. For landscape photographers looking to elevate their craft, Maven Filters are an indispensable addition to any outdoor photography kit.

 

In the following video, photographer Richard Herzog explains the differences between Maven filters’ CPL (Circular Polarizer), LPL (Linear Polarizer), and Dark CPL filters.

Introducing the New 4ND Grad Filter – Limited Time Offer!

Hello MAVEN Legend!

We’re excited to announce the latest addition to our Wave 2 campaign – the highly anticipated 4ND Grad filter! Due to popular demand, we’re launching a limited run of this filter with a special offer of 50% off for a limited time. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out!

What’s New with the 4ND Grad Filter?

Our 4ND Grad filter features a unique design update from the 3ND Grad series. The two notches, indicating a ½ fill, are spaced further apart and are colored “PINK” for easy identification, similar to our regular 4 Stop ND filter. This design provides both a tactile and visual way to recognize the filter you’re using.

How to Secure Your 4ND Grad Filter:

• Limited Stock: We currently have 10 units each of the 82mm and 77mm ½ Grad filters in our warehouse. These initial units come in basic packaging (a box and a bar code) and will ship within 1 business day until sold out.
• Backorder Guarantee: If we sell out of our in-stock items, MAVEN guarantees to fulfill any orders placed between today and May 30th as backorders.
• Production Timeline: Our manufacturing team can produce a few dozen more filters within the next 2 weeks. Orders beyond that will have a 5-6 week wait time. Rest assured, you can request a refund if you change your mind, so there’s no risk in taking advantage of this offer.

Click To Order 4ND 1/2 Gradient Filter

How Backorders Work:

To ensure our customers get the products they want, we’re testing a new backorder process. Here’s how it works:

• Priority Shipping: Orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you order, the higher your priority.
• Combined Shipping: If your order includes multiple items, our warehouse will hold the order until everything is in stock to avoid duplicate shipping costs, especially for international customers.
• Split Orders: If you prefer split shipping, just reach out to us and we’ll make arrangements. Otherwise, we’ll ship your complete order once all items are available.

Thank you for your continued support!

Best wishes,

Michael

For our WAVE 2 Filters campaing on Kickstarter that recently finished, Landscape and Photographer Richard Herzog help test and provide example images that he took with the new Maven IR720 Filter.

Richard just release a fantastic video showcasing all of the new WAVE 2 filters that will be available on www.mavenfilters.com around the end of May 2024.

Richard’s website: https://www.richardherzog.com

Maven Filters has introduced a specialized magnetic filter that combines a Neutral Density (ND) and Circular Polarizer (CPL), creating a Dark CPL ND Filter unit. With its properties of a CPL, harsh reflections are reduced while color saturation can be enhanced as well as also remove glare as a normal polarizer can. The CPL is blue because it brings out the true blues in the sky, adding depth and drama to your landscape shots. The design of pre-existing ND Filter rings is combined with the original CPL ring, making them into a unique and identifiable language. This dual-action filter synchronously lets you tackle varying lighting conditions with ND properties, resulting in well-balanced shots. One major advantage of this is combining both an ND and CPL into a single filter, resulting in superior vignetting performance on very wide angle focal lengths, like 16mm or wider.

The CPL ND Filter unit reduces harsh light, bringing out clarity and depth to ensure every detail stands out with exceptional vibrancy. This is clearly seen as you simply attach the filter to your Magnetic Adapter Ring, and rotate it until you reach the desired amount of polarization. Maven Filters offer a range of Dark CPL’s from a Dark 3ND, 6ND, and 10ND. 

There are many uses that you can get with using a Dark CPL Filter. They allow you to use a wider aperture in bright condition and long exposures to blur motion. Many videographers have fixed ISO settings and limited shutter-speed options. A filter that gives you precise control over your imagery will have specialized filtration for stunning colors. Polarization overall enriches the colors in your landscape photographs. 

Our sleek design effectively eliminates the worry of vignetting, especially when stacking filters. Capture pristine shots without the persistent darkening of corners which commonly occurs with wide-angle lenses.

Check out this Filters Guide about Polarizing Filters, Neutral Density Filters. For more creative photography, read more on Maven Specialty Filters!

Special Note on Maven Filters

Maven Filters are made with AGC Japanese optical glass, 16 layers of MRC coatings, and hydrophobic nano resistance. Maven Polarizers use a color free film and our Neutral Density Filters are visually color neutral. The design has distinct grooves on the aluminum ring and are color-coded for easy identification and efficiency. MAVEN is the only filter company that takes a strict approach to convenience as a feature. This color coded language behind MAVEN filters is patent pending. The magnetic and color-neutral properties, ensure seamless integration and effortless usability for photographers of all levels. 

Let your photos speak volumes with brilliant clarity with our advanced filter technology.