This time I’m not talking about Photoshop or any photo editing software. I’m referring to useful glass filters that screw on to the front of your lens.

Unlike film, digital photography allows us to add color effects and enhancements in post processing. Therefore, you don’t need too many filters.

Protect the lens - with a UV filter. Some people will debate this to death, but a high quality UV filter on the front of the lens will not change your image quality one bit. AND, you’ll keep that pricey lens clean and protected.

I’ve seen many instances, one of them my own personal experience, where a lens was dropped and the UV filter took the hit.

Enhance the image - with a Polarizer. Polarizing filters reduce glare and refection off water, glass and foliage. They can darken the blue in the sky and make the clouds ‘pop’ out.

Your fall foliage pictures will have more saturated colors. You can ’see’ through water to what’s below. Polarizers are VERY useful, but don’t leave it on your lens all the time. And if you use a UV, pull it off and put the Polarizer on. Don’t stack them.

For Landscape shooters - invest in a Gradual ND filter. Cokin, Singh-Ray, Lee and others make high quality Grads. These square filters slide into a holder attached to the front of your lens and are only half colored.

They allow you to darken the sky and bring the exposure value closer to the foreground. No more washed out skies.

Since so much can be done in post processing, these 3 filters will suit the needs of 90% of the digital photographers out there.