When you’re stuck in a creative rut, sometimes the best solution is to shake up your process and try something totally different.
That’s exactly what photographer Steve Glass set out to do during his recent Cowboys in Colorado workshop. Instead of capturing the usual sharp, high-speed images of horses in motion, he reached for something unexpected: a Maven 10-Stop Neutral Density Filter and a slow shutter speed.
Sarah Hanssen, wrangler, Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, Red Feather Colorado. West Pasture. Gallop. Panning. Photo take by Steve Glass using the Maven 10ND Filter
The result? A beautifully blurred, dynamic image of a cowgirl on horseback that breaks all the usual rules — and makes the viewer stop and take a second look.
Why the 10-Stop ND?
Steve’s goal was to pan a moving subject in bright midday light — not an easy task without drastically overexposing the shot. By snapping on the Maven magnetic 10-stop ND, he was able to:
Cut the light enough to shoot at 1/13 sec
Maintain creative depth of field
Introduce intentional motion blur to add drama and energy to the image
With this setup, Steve went from a technically clean but expected photo, to one filled with movement, emotion, and atmosphere.
“What if I just tried something different?”
In his full article, Steve walks through:
His camera settings and thought process
A breakdown of the gear used (including his Maven 10ND filter and trusty Manfrotto tripod)
The lessons he learned — like why next time he’ll shoot the same shot wide open at f/2.8
This article is a great reminder that sometimes all it takes is one new piece of gear to unlock fresh creative possibilities.
In his latest blog article, landscape photographer Eugene Theron shares an in-depth hands-on review of Maven’s magnetic filter system. Over several months of field use, Eugene tested our LPL (Linear Polarizer)andDark CPL Set, including 3-, 6-, and 10-stop ND filters with built-in CPLs — all chosen to match his Nikon mirrorless setup.
Eugene highlights the exceptional optical performance, no visible vignetting, negligible color cast, and the clever color-coded design that speeds up fieldwork. He praises the system’s robust build, ease of use (even with gloves), and lightweight feel — ideal for long hikes and rugged environments.
Photo By Eugene Theron using the Maven Linear Polarizer
He also points out how the filters held up in demanding conditions with no compromise to image quality, adding that he’s seen no sharpness loss or distortion, even when stacking filters on wide-angle lenses.
Eugene closes by saying he’s so impressed that he’s now a Maven affiliate — using our filters not just in his own work, but also in his workshops.
If you’re searching for an honest, real-world Maven Magnetic Filters review, look no further than professional photographer Alessio Furlan’s latest video. In an era dominated by AI-powered editing and digital enhancements, Furlan raises an important question: Do photographers still need physical filters in 2025? His answer is a confident yes—and Maven’s innovative magnetic system is a big reason why.
What Makes Maven Magnetic Filters Different?
Throughout the review, Furlan explains why he continues to rely on physical filters in his landscape and travel photography. The Maven Magnetic Filters stand out thanks to their slim profile, magnetic mounting system, and intuitive color-coded design. Built for speed and simplicity, these filters eliminate the hassle of traditional threading and help photographers stay focused on the scene—not their gear.
Long-Term Testing: Real-World Maven Magnetic Filters Review Performance
In this Maven Magnetic Filters review, Furlan goes beyond first impressions. After months of real-world testing, he highlights key advantages like:
Minimal vignetting on wide-angle lenses
Rugged, high-end construction
Creative options like degradable ND and infrared filters
Created by photographer Michael Andrew (aka “Maven”), these filters are clearly built with working photographers in mind.
Alessio Furlan explaining how the Maven Magic Variable Gradient filter works.
The Experience of Using Physical Filters
Furlan also reflects on the philosophy behind analog tools. For him, using physical filters adds depth to the photographic process. It slows things down, enhances mindfulness, and fosters a stronger connection with the subject—something post-processing can’t fully replicate.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you value simplicity, speed, and intentional shooting, these filters might be the upgrade your kit needs.
First, let me say a huge THANK YOU for your continued support. I’m absolutely loving the content you’ve been creating! It’s been a little while since you’ve heard from us — we’ve been working hard on Wave 3 (more on that below).
New Quick Case Sizes!
We’re excited to announce Quick Case 2.0 in three new sizes:
95mm (Limited quantities in stock now)
112mm (Pre-orders open, arriving in about two weeks)
55mm (Pre-orders open, arriving in about two weeks)
The 55mm case was designed specifically for smartphone users. It’s unique, featuring 4 slots instead of 5 to keep it as compact as possible.
In addition, we have VERY limited quantities available for pre-order in the following:
Our Wave 3 Kickstarter announcement is imminent, featuring over a dozen brand-new filters and many new accessories. There are several products coming that are world’s firsts.
However, design challenges — and now the evolving tariff situation — have caused unexpected delays.
Previously, we could drop-ship KS products if the value was under $800, but that’s no longer an option. Currently, it’s difficult to estimate the additional import fees, so we’re in a holding pattern while negotiations are made.
That said, we expect some existing products to sell out soon, partly due to these new import challenges. We deeply appreciate your patience and support as we navigate these changes. That said, Price increases may be coming, so if there’s something on your MAVEN Filter wish list, now might be a good time to grab it!
Keep an eye out — we’ll be sharing a sneak peek of what’s coming soon. Plus, we’ll announce the Wave 3 Kickstarter launch date so you can grab those early bird specials!
If you want to take stunning portraits in full sunlight, mastering ND filters portrait photography is a game changer. In his latest blog post, Colorado-based photographer Steve Glass shares how he uses Maven magnetic ND filters to create shallow depth of field portraits—even in bright midday sun.
Steve’s approach solves a common challenge: how to shoot wide open at f/1.8 when the sun is high and harsh. By using a 6-stop Maven ND filter, he’s able to cut down ambient light while using a standard strobe. This allows him to avoid using high-speed sync and still get beautifully lit portraits with creamy bokeh.
The real beauty of the Maven system? It’s magnetic. No more wasting time screwing on threaded filters. Steve simply snaps on the ND filter, adjusts his aperture, and starts shooting. The time saved means he can focus more on the creative side of portrait photography.
In the blog, Steve compares images taken with and without ND filters and breaks down his camera settings, strobe power, and lens choice. He even shares how he made quick adjustments to take a group photo—all while keeping perfect exposure and sharp results.
