2011.04.14 Long Exposure Sunset
I use three filters for landscape photography, and the most creative one is my 9 stop solid neutral density filter. The filter reduces light as the name suggests by 9-stop (ND 400 X) to transform day to night or make extremely long exposures. This filter is a must for a landscape photographer if you long exposures and blurring motion. I used it on my recent trip to Maui, where i often shot in mid day light. This ND filter transformed a harsh midday light into surreal scenes. The Maui pics will be posted soon. The filter transmits very little light through the view finder rendering auto focus and metering useless. Shoot in manual mode to achieve the proper exposure, and use live view to properly focus the image. This image was taken during sunset at Shelter Cove located in Pacifica, Ca at f/13, 150 seconds, ISO 100, 9-stop nd filter and B&W 81A Polarizer. The long exposure allows the water to become smooth and the sunset light to paint the sky.
Dan O'Keeffe Photography 
Very nice ! I keep wanting to get myself an ND filter but never quite got around to it! Looks like I will have to!
Definitely get one. It’s an amazing tool to transform a boring light to make an interesting image. Cheers. Dan