Creative Filters: Graduated Neutral Density

Achieving creative effects using graduated neutral density (ND grad) filters. Solid ND filters are not eligible, as they were the subject of a previous challenge. Please read all of the additional rules carefully - during the first challenge I disqualified nearly half of the entries because they did not include details of the type of filter used to achieve the shot. Definition: An ND grad filter typically screws or slots onto the end of a primary lens. Half of the filter is clear, but the other half blocks up to four stops of light. ND grad filters can be used to bring an overly bright part of a scene into the dymanic range of a film or sensor. They are often used to darken a bright sky so that both the sky and subject can be properly exposed (credit: wikipedia).