Let's Get Hazy: The Halation and Diffusion Filter Trend That's Blowing Up in Photography and Cinematography
Alright, let's talk about halation - the glowy haze that bright objects sometimes give off in photos and films. You might think it's a quirky bit of camera work, a lens problem… but it's actually a totally intentional effect that's become super popular in recent years. It’s gives a reminiscing feeling of film photography and old lenses before they became super-sharp (and a bit eye-hurty for me!)
Halation can create a really cool vibe - it's dreamy, atmospheric, and just a little bit eerie. It's perfect for cinematic vibes and giving the most beautiful atmosphere in your images, where you want to give your audience a sense of being in a different world.
And you know what the easiest way to get this effect is? With diffusion filters. These filters scatter the light before it hits the film or sensor, creating an even softer, hazier look. Plus, they can help smooth out skin tones and make your portraits look extra flattering.
The best part is that these filters come in all different strengths and styles. You can go for a subtle dreamy effect or crank it up to create an otherworldly vibe that'll make your audience feel like they're floating in a cloud.
Before spending out on a filter (they usually range from £50-£150) I’d advise trying a couple of free/cheap ways to create this effect first and see if you get on with it. First- breathe on your lens and wait a few seconds until you get the required dissipation. Another way is to your a piece of clear, thin plastic (a bag/cellophane) but this also creates a slight blur. Lastly get a cheap UV filter, spray a little hairspray in the air and then waft the filter through it.
I’ve been using mine for 2 years now and they never leave my camera,
so I wanted to recommend a couple of my favourites…
Moment, Cinebloom 20%
Moment, Cinebloom 10%
MOMENT CINEBLOOM-
These are my favourites, they come in 5%, 10% and 20%.
Personally I prefer the 20% but for some client work where less is more the 10% adds that edge that can sometimes be lacking. The quality is beautiful, shipping was fast and they also make them for phone and drone lenses as well.
K&F BLACK MIST-
This was bought as an extra for my second camera as Cinebloom were out of stock for the sized thread that I needed. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was as it was a little cheaper.
Aesthetically speaking it isn’t as pretty (black, a bit boring but fab for those not wanting to draw attention to the fact that their expensive glass has a filter on it) and took a little longer to arrive (10 days) but again, it hasn’t left the lens and it does a fab job.
OTHERS
I’ve never tried these ones but they are on my list of filters to review.
URTH
For those with a higher budget. Urth claims to use the ‘World’s Best Glass’ and comes in at £149. What I love about this company is it’s positive impact on the environment.
TIFFEN PRO MIST
Similarly priced to Black Mist and Cinebloom, the Tiffen Promist filter was the first filter that I learnt about and, I believe was originally marketed towards videographers. They have created a whole range of varying filters from warm, white, glimmer, pearlescent, satin, black pro-mist etc and seem to be the biggest name in diffusion filters.
So next time you're trying to create a cinematic, atmospheric look in your photos or films, don't be afraid to play around with halation and diffusion filters. With a little experimentation, you can create some seriously magical imagery that'll transport your viewers to another dimension.
