Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters are photographic tools used to balance exposure in scenes with high contrast. They are darker at one end and gradually transition to clear at the other, allowing photographers to reduce the brightness of the sky while keeping the foreground properly exposed. This helps in capturing more detail in both highlights and shadows. GND filters come in various strengths and sizes, making them versatile for different lighting conditions. They are commonly used in landscape photography, where the sky is often much brighter than the land. Using a GND filter can enhance the overall quality of an image by preventing overexposure.