In photography, a contrast filter is a tool used to help you see existing detail that is already there. These filters don't fundamentally alter the scene by adding or removing elements; instead, they only “highlight” what is already present.
How Contrast Filters Work
Contrast filters function by making it easier to see detail in your picture. They achieve this by manipulating the tonal range, often by affecting different colors or areas of varying brightness or darkness, making the distinction between them more pronounced.
The effect of using a contrast filter is likened to removing the lens cap before taking a picture. This simple analogy emphasizes that the filter isn't creating something new but rather enabling the viewer to perceive what was already there but perhaps obscured or less visible without the filter.
Essentially, contrast filters enhance the perception of detail and structure within an image by making differences in tone or color more apparent.
