First of, I'd like to say that I enjoy using Photoshop. I became quite good at using it and as such I have no problems photoshoping my pictures. However, the one thing I don't like about the whole process is how long it takes. I'd much rather be outside taking pictures or do something with my wife than spend a lot of time on Photoshop.
The idea is simple, what if one could do a large part of the photo manipulation BEFORE Photoshop thus saving me/you a tremendous amount of time. Bingo! I'd have to use filters.

Now, we all know the screw on filters that one can buy these days, such as a skylight filter or a polariser, but these come with a specific filter thread and only work on lenses with the same thead size. I own four different lenses with three different thread sizes and therefore would need to buy three different versions of the same filter. This does not appeal to me. Not only because of the cost but also because it adds weight to the already heavy camera bag. The solution came to me as I was picking up some 120 films I gave to develop. I was looking for a infrared filter at the time (still haven't bought one) and the store clerk showed me a filter system by Cokin that was simply amazing. It solved my problem and was very versatile in terms of the amount of filters it could take. All you had to do is connect a ring (< 5 euros) on the end of your lens where a traditional screw on filter would go and add on the filter holder (5-10 euros) insert your filter and you're off! It may seem like a lot of steps but I now only have to screw on a ring to use the exact same filters on all four of my lenses!

If you think it's not that big of a deal, just read this:

Filter Holder (A-type) + 5 filters + three ring adapters = 7 euros on ebay.
3 extra filters = 9 euros on ebay.
Total cost: 16 euros + shipping = 23 euros total.

Now compare this with a simple screw on filter: 10-70 euros.

I don't think I'd need to say more. From now on I'll note under my pictures if they have been taken using a Cokin filter and which one (if I remember this info).

Thanks for reading and happy shooting!