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?
Read the full original article here
Visit Steve Glass’s website HERE
Follow Steve on Facebook
