Admittedly, I’d never used a VND as a photographer before. I’m not really one for lens filters or extra accessories; I’m a bit of a photo purist. Just the camera, a lens, and me. That’s how I roll.

But as I’ve grown more confident with manual exposure and camera settings, I’ve started feeling the pull to experiment with accessories more than ever. Since I’ve been shooting regularly with my Fujifilm GFX these past few months, I’ve noticed something: the images are sharp. Like, really sharp — almost too sharp. In certain situations, that hyper-real clarity can feel a bit cold or clinical. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when it fits the mood. But for portraits or those one-off shoots where you want the image to feel softer, more like a memory, I found myself craving something to take the edge off.

I’m no stranger to Moment’s CineBloom filters (I was part of the original campaign back in September 2020), so when the team told me they were working on a CineBloom VND, a hybrid diffusion and variable ND filter, I was definitely intrigued. Still, since I’d never used a VND, I wasn’t sure this was going to be a fit for my style of photography. My task was to take the filters out in the wild and report back with feedback. Honestly, I didn’t expect much. But I ended up loving it way more than I thought I would.

Not only does the CineBloom diffusion knock down that harsh digital crispness that mirrorless cameras tend to bring, but the VND function gave me way more control over my exposure to the harsh Arizona sun. Out here, we get bright, cloudless skies almost daily, so having that extra stop or two of help is key.

The CineBloom VND has two strengths — 10% and 20% — just like the original CineBloom diffusion filters. The 10% gives your image a soft, analog vibe but is subtle enough to leave on your lens at all times. The 20%, on the other hand, is much more noticeable, especially when you're working with direct light sources.

Honestly, it’s worth having both. There are times when the 20% feels too strong, and others when the 10% doesn’t quite give me the mood I’m after.

When I first slapped the 10% on my lens, I wasn’t sure it was even doing anything. I was shooting some test portraits of my sister-in-law in the backyard, and I kept second-guessing whether the filter was on at all. But as golden hour hit, I noticed a slight softness creeping in, nothing extreme. It wasn’t until I took the filter off that I really noticed the difference. Her skin and hair instantly looked harsher, less dreamy.

In post, the effect became even more obvious. Editing in Lightroom felt smoother, and the clarity was already softened with glass, so I didn’t have to do any digital manipulation. Her minor blemishes were gone, and those wiry little flyaways in her wavy hair were toned down. I loved its effortless results.

But sometimes, you want more bloom, more drama. The 10% is perfect for everyday shooting, but it’s more of a utility tool than a stylistic one. The 20% is where my manic pixie dream girl vision came to life.

I took the photos of my friend Andie at the river below. Pairing the 20% with water and sunset light is foolproof magic, giving you that smeary, buttery glow rich with warmth and character. I'm really proud of how they turned out:

VND stands for Variable Neutral Density. Simply put, it’s a filter that reduces the light hitting your camera sensor. The “variable” part means you can adjust how much light gets blocked by rotating the filter through different stops. Think of it like sunglasses for your lens. It’s handy in bright conditions, letting you shoot with wider apertures or slower shutter speeds for creative effects like motion blur or long exposures. What I personally liked most was being able to control exposure manually even in the middle of the day.

I always thought of VNDs as more of a filmmaker’s tool. They help maintain that cinematic look in changing light by allowing slower shutter speeds, and every pro filmmaker I know uses them. While photographers usually reach for them for long exposures or motion shots, I’ve realized they’re much more universal than that.

Living in Arizona, where sunshine is constant, I’m honestly surprised I’ve gone my whole photography career without using an ND filter. I’m often shooting at midday, whether I’m documenting my family or hiking under a wide-open sky. Even at sunset, the light can be too harsh if you arrive early and wait for that perfect beat.

Since getting the CineBloom VND, I’ve kept it on my lens more often than not. It helps me lock in exposure precisely, and the added visual texture gives photos a bit more mood and character. It also effortlessly lifts those shadows and minimizes highlight blowouts.

It's one of those accessories that quietly becomes essential. A no-duh moment for some, I didn’t think I needed it — until I did.

These days, I tend to lean into warmer tones and slightly lifted shadows. So, if your style favors cooler highlights, deeper contrast, or that grittier look, this filter might not align perfectly with your vision.

I also noticed a slight green tint in the image when using the CineBloom VND, especially when comparing shots with and without the filter. It’s subtle and probably not something you’d notice unless you’re doing a direct side-by-side. Still, it’s worth mentioning if tonal accuracy is a big deal for you. Personally, I prefer a warm, natural look, and this filter really complements that. It actually reminds me a bit of Kodak Portra 160 or Portra 400 film.

The difference between the 10% and 20% versions is definitely noticeable. The 10% is soft and understated, while the 20% brings a bolder, more stylized vibe. Both are useful; it just depends on the mood you're going for and the story you want to tell.

I reach for this filter when I need a reminder that great images don’t have to rely on post-production charm or a roll of Portra to feel timeless. This filter is a real-glass solution made by people who shoot for the love of it: engineers, photographers, and makers who believe in tangible tools over software gimmicks or one-click edits.

With the CineBloom VND, I get that rare mix of softness and control, all without compromising the soul of the subject. The tones stay rich, the details stay crisp, but the image has more character. It walks that fine line between dreamy and deliberate. And in a world where everything looks too sharp, perfect, and polished, this filter gives your photos room to breathe.