Black Mist Filters: The Secret Sauce for Cinematic Photos and Video

If you’ve ever looked at a photo or scene and thought, "That looks like a movie still", chances are a Black Mist filter had something to do with it.
On a recent shoot chasing dusty light and cinematic frames, I figured it was the perfect time to talk through what Black Mist filters actually do, when they work their magic, and why it might be worth adding one to your kit.

What Is a Black Mist Filter?

A Black Mist filter is one of those subtle bits of gear that quietly changes the whole feel of your image. I was using the K&F Concept 1/4 Black Mist filter on this shoot, and it adds just the right amount of softness and atmosphere.
It’s not like throwing on a wild effect. It’s more of a vibe shift. Think:

• Softer highlights

• Slight contrast reduction

• A glow that turns digital sharpness into a dreamy, nostalgic feel

For photographers and filmmakers chasing mood, emotion, or that filmic softness, this thing’s a quiet achiever.

When Does It Shine?

There are a few golden situations where a Black Mist filter really earns its keep:

• Night scenes with headlights or street lamps

• Portraits where you want a softer skin tone without retouching

• Split-lighting setups for mood and shape

• Videos that need a more cinematic feel without heavy post-processing

In this shoot, I had a dusty bike, a pair of headlights, and some warm tungsten vibes—all perfect for the filter to bloom out those highlights and lift the atmosphere.

Pro Tip: It’s especially killer when you're working with practical lights—headlights, lamps, candles, you name it. Adds that nostalgic haze you usually only get after hours in Lightroom.

A Look at the Lighting Setup

For this one, I used a Godox ML60 Mark II constant light with side-lighting to shape the subject. Paired that with the car’s headlights in the background, and the Black Mist filter took those elements and just breathed them into the scene. If interested in the Godox constant light, here is where I got it from:

The Constant Light used for this shoot is the Godox ML60 Mark II - You can get it HERE (this one has the battery pack for remote shooting)

You still get detail in the important areas—eyes, shirt texture, bike details—but those hot spots get softened just enough to feel artful, not artificial.

See the Difference (With and Without the Filter)

Watch how the flares bloom, how skin tones lose their harsh digital edge, and how shadows roll off more gently. It’s subtle, but powerful—especially when you’re telling a story through your photos.

Should You Use It for Every Shoot?

Nah—this isn’t a slap-it-on-and-go kind of filter. It’s a tool for the right job.
Use it when the mood suits it. Overuse it and yeah… you’ll end up looking like a ‘90s perfume commercial. But in the right context? It’s an absolute weapon.

Wanna Give It a Crack?

Below is the link to the exact K&F Concept Black Mist Filter I used in this video:

Get the KenFaith Black Mist filter direct (and score a 10% discount with my codeword "TOM") FIND IT HERE - Be sure to get your correct filter size for the lens you are using

It’s affordable, lightweight, and works a treat in the right conditions. Whether you're a portrait shooter, filmmaker, travel shooter, or just love playing with light—this thing deserves a place in your camera bag.

And if you want to dig deeper into how to use tools like this in your work, check out my online water photography courses — I’ve helped thousands of legends up their photo game with simple, practical, real-world training.

About the Author

Tom Woods is a professional commercial and surf photographer based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
With over 25 years of experience and thousands of published images under his belt, he now also mentors photographers worldwide through online courses and coaching.
Photography services website: www.stimages.com.au