If you feel unsure about selecting filters, ask your photo dealer for help. You can buy single filters to attach to your lens individually or a comprehensive system with a holder that allows you to use a number of filters at the same time. You can even make your own special-effects filters. If you own a lot of lenses, you may want to use an adapter ring instead of buying a filter for each lens. Some filters will create an impression of movement in photos of stationary subjects.
Diffusion filters work by diffusing the light to create a soft image.
They are especially flattering for people with obvious skin flaws, such as wrinkles or scars, but they also flatter all by making skin glow radiantly. The weakest is the No. 1 filter, which is used primarily for portraits. The No. 2 and 3 filters, also called mist and fog filters, are most often used to create a romantic mood in scenic photographs. It blocks light rays vibrating at a certain angle to help eliminate glare and reveal intense, saturated colors, which can heighten the drama of a photo. By rotating the outer ring, you can increase or lessen the polarizing effect.