Welcome to Michael’s blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
ND filters portrait photography is quickly becoming a go-to technique for photographers who want to shoot wide open in bright daylight—without sacrificing image quality or relying on high-speed sync. One photographer who has mastered this approach is Steve Glass, and he’s showing how anyone can capture beautiful, shallow depth of field portraits using neutral density (ND) filters and standard strobes.
Why Use ND Filters for Portrait Photography?
Shooting wide open (like f/1.8) in full sunlight is normally a challenge. The light is often too strong, forcing photographers to stop down their aperture or crank up shutter speeds beyond their camera’s sync limit—especially when using strobes.
This is where ND filters come in.
An ND filter reduces the amount of light hitting your sensor, allowing you to shoot at wider apertures and lower shutter speeds even under bright conditions. For portrait photographers, that means achieving a smooth, blurred background (aka bokeh) and better subject isolation—right in the middle of the day.
The Maven Magnetic Advantage
Traditional ND filters screw onto the lens, which can be time-consuming and awkward during a shoot. Steve uses Maven magnetic ND filters, which snap onto an adapter ring in seconds. This saves time and eliminates the frustration of threading filters on and off—especially when switching between strengths like 3-stop, 6-stop, or 9-stop ND filters.
According to Steve, the magnetic system makes it possible to work quickly and efficiently in the field—perfect for capturing those fleeting expressions and golden moments.
Real-World Settings & Tips
In one of his portrait sessions, Steve captured a shallow depth of field image using the following setup:
Aperture: f/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
ISO: 100
Strobe Power: ~1000 watts
Filter: Maven 6-stop ND
He started by setting the correct exposure without the ND filter, underexposing the ambient light by about 1.3–2 stops. Then, after attaching the ND filter, he opened his aperture by 6 stops and adjusted ISO slightly to compensate.
The result? A clean, well-lit portrait with gorgeous background blur—even in the harsh midday sun.
Bonus: Group Portraits with Controlled Depth
Steve also shares how he uses the same ND filters for group shots. Instead of shooting wide open, he adjusted his aperture to f/4 for greater depth of field, ensuring all subjects were in focus. He increased ISO accordingly to maintain a balanced exposure.
These kinds of flexible, real-world techniques are why ND filters are an essential part of any portrait photographer’s toolkit.
No Color Shifts, No Vignetting
One of the biggest concerns with ND filters is image quality. Steve reports that Maven ND filters deliver excellent color fidelity, with no noticeable color shifts or vignetting. That’s a major win for photographers who don’t want to spend extra time color correcting in post.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about ND filters portrait photography, Maven’s magnetic system offers a fast, reliable, and color-accurate solution for working in bright outdoor conditions. Whether you’re shooting solo portraits or group sessions, these filters help you stay creative and in control—without the need for high-speed sync.
👉 Want to see Steve’s full walkthrough with image examples and settings?
Landscape photographer and YouTuber Andy Lock recently made a big change to his gear setup—he switched to the Maven magnetic filter system. After years of using traditional screw-on filters, Andy became increasingly frustrated with the time-consuming process of attaching filters and dealing with stuck threads in the field.
Looking for something that would make his workflow faster and less stressful, Andy discovered the Maven magnetic filters. In his latest video, he walks through why he made the switch and how these filters have impacted his outdoor photography.
A standout feature of the Maven system is its color-coded filter rings, which allow for quick identification and faster access. This is especially helpful when light is changing rapidly and every second counts. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out which filter is which, Andy can now swap filters confidently and efficiently.
The magnetic mounting system is another game-changer. With no more twisting or cross-threading to worry about, attaching filters is as easy as snapping them into place. This not only saves time but also makes the process more enjoyable—something that matters when you’re working in challenging weather or remote locations.
Andy shares how the Maven magnetic filter system has simplified his workflow, helping him focus more on creativity and less on gear management. For photographers looking to improve their shooting experience, it’s a system worth considering.
Glow filters might not be the first tool that comes to mind for nature photographers, but Alex Armitage is showing just how powerful they can be. In a recent video, he explores how using glow filters—specifically the Maven Show Glow Filters—has helped him shift from technical precision to a more artistic, storytelling approach.
While most outdoor photographers strive for clarity, sharpness, and perfect detail, Alex encourages a different mindset. He believes that embracing slight softness can create more emotional and visually compelling images. Glow filters, sometimes called black mist or bloom filters, reduce contrast and cause highlights to bloom—producing an effect that feels almost cinematic.
Alex has been testing the Maven 1/4 and 1/2 strength glow filters across a range of lighting conditions. Sometimes the impact is barely noticeable; other times it evokes the dreamy quality of an old film. The key, he says, is practice—understanding how light interacts with the filter and when to lean into its effect.
By working with glow filters in nature photography, Alex has rediscovered the joy of making images that feel less clinical and more personal. It’s less about perfection, and more about atmosphere and narrative.
Curious to see how glow filters could enhance your own photography? Watch Alex’s video and see how the Maven Show Glow Filters might help you bring a fresh, creative energy to your work.
At Maven Filters, we love seeing how creative professionals incorporate our products into their workflow. Seed Creative, video production company based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, shared an in-depth review of our filters. In their video, they explain how these filters enhance their filmmaking process, improve efficiency, and provide stunning visual quality.
If you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or videographer seeking to enhance your footage, this review provides valuable insights into how Maven Filters can help you achieve the perfect shot.
🎥 Who Is Seed Creative?
Seed Creative is a highly skilled production company that specializes in commercial, corporate, and creative video work. With years of experience, they are known for their ability to craft compelling stories while maintaining professional production quality.
Beyond their technical skills, their passion for storytelling makes them stand out. They don’t just shoot video; they create meaningful content that resonates with audiences. For a closer look at their work, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @seed_creative.
We truly appreciate Seed Creative for their detailed review and for demonstrating how Maven Filters elevate their filmmaking process. Their expertise highlights why the right filters make a huge difference in achieving professional-grade video quality.
Why choose Maven Filters for video production
✅ Precise Exposure Control
Maven Filters give filmmakers full control over exposure, even in bright sunlight. Instead of adjusting shutter speed or aperture in ways that compromise image quality, these filters allow videographers to achieve the perfect balance while preserving cinematic motion blur.
✅ Faster Workflow with Magnetic System
Efficiency is crucial in video production, especially when working on tight schedules. Unlike traditional screw-on filters, which take time to swap, Maven Filters use a magnetic attachment system. This innovation allows filmmakers to change filters instantly, saving valuable time on set.
✅ True-to-Life Color Accuracy
Many ND filters introduce an unwanted color cast, requiring extra time for color correction in post-production. In contrast, Maven ND Filters maintain natural colors, ensuring consistent and accurate results straight out of the camera. By reducing the need for excessive post-processing, filmmakers can streamline their editing workflow.
✅ Versatile for Any Filming Environment
Filming conditions can change rapidly, requiring gear that adapts quickly. Whether working indoors, outdoors, or in fast-changing lighting scenarios, Maven Filters provide unmatched flexibility. Their ability to maintain clarity and color accuracy in various settings makes them an essential tool for professionals.
Love coastal photography? Check out this feature on Sebastian Bevan over at The Camera Loft! 🌊📷
Sebastian, a skilled seascape photographer, shares helpful tips for capturing stunning shots by the water. He relies on the Maven Filters Splash Guardto protect his lens from water spray. His advice covers long exposure techniques, managing bright sunlight, and adapting to changing weather.
