How does Scott Kivowitz use neutral density filters for in-camera HDR effects?

Hi there! I’m Scott Kivowitz.

I use variable neutral density filters to create in-camera HDR‑style images by balancing bright skies and darker foregrounds in a single exposure. By dialing the ND darker, I can keep my shutter speed and aperture where I want them while holding detail in highlights that would normally blow out.

Often I’ll:

• Set my composition and exposure for the shadows
• Rotate the variable ND until the highlights (like sky or water) fall into range
• Fine‑tune exposure with shutter speed, keeping ISO as low as possible

This gives a more balanced, HDR‑like look without blending multiple frames in post.

Are you trying to do this for landscapes, long exposures, or something else?