We all know by from the name that contrast filters are used to manipulate the contrast in photographic images, but before using them we need to be clear what effect they have and in what situations they should be used.

Contrast filters are often used to reduce or increase the contrast in particular frames. Now you may want to use these filters in case your colours are washed out due to over exposure, when your colours are in high contrasts or if you wish to decrease a particular colour, or even if you want to give a special effect to your image. Unlike standard colour filters, like the Cokin P 006, which only accentuate one colours, the contrast filter manages to make all the colours more vibrant. While using contrast filters to give a special effect, you must make sure that the effect will never look natural, so only use them if you want to create an artificial look and convey a particular mood. To get a natural look it is always advisable to arrange the exposure settings and get the natural tonal look.

Another instance when contrasts filters are usually used is when the frame is exposed properly, the details are retained properly, but the colours are washed out. Now in such a situation you also need make sure to use the contrast judiciously. If you see the two pictures on your left, you can see that even though the picture certain colours are washed out from the picture without a filter, it looks more natural than the one taken with the filter.

Now take a look at the pictures on your right. The first picture has been taken without a filter and looks dull due to washed out colours, whereas the second picture, which has been taken with the filter, looks more interesting. Moreover, the details are clearer since the tonal values have been increased. Hence, you need a sound judgment to use these filters at the right time.