What is a lens flare and how to utilise them
Lens flares are a great way to add interest and excitement to an image. They can make an ordinary photo look extraordinary. But what are lens flares? And how do you create them? In this beginners guide, we will answer all of your questions about lens flares. We will discuss what lens flares are, the different types of lens flares, and how and when to use them. So if you’re ready to learn about one of the most fascinating and versatile elements in photography, keep reading!
What is lens flare?
A lens flare is a bright light that appears in an image as a result of lens diffraction. When light passes through a lens, it is spread out into several rays. These rays strike the lens element at different angles and create points of brightness in the image. Lens flares can add interest and excitement to an image, make it look more like a painting, or give it a more cinematic look.
Types of Lens Flares
There are three main types of lens flares: center spot lens flare, edge light lens flare, and coma lens flare.
Spot Lens Flare
A spot lens flare is created when a bright light shines directly into the lens. It produces a bright point of light in the center of the image.
Angular Light Lens Flare
An angular lens flare is created when the rays of light pass through the lens at less sharp angles than in a center spot lens flare. This type of lens flare creates multiple points of brightness along edges and curves in the image.
Diffused (ghosting) Lens Flare
A ghosting lens flare is created when the lens flares are not directly in front of the camera, but are instead behind or to the side of it. This type of lens flare creates a soft, diffused effect.
When to Use Lens Flares
There is no right or wrong time to use lens flares. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve with the lens flare. For example, lens flares can be used to add a sense of drama or excitement to an image (like when shooting sunsets). They can also be used to make the subject stand out from their surroundings by making them appear brighter and less defined than everything else in the frame.
Lens flares are great for creating bokeh effects, which is when the background of an image becomes a beautiful blur. They can also be used to make an image look more like a painting or give it a more cinematic look.
How to get the lens flare effect?
There are a few ways to get the lens flare effect in your photos. You can create them in camera or use a lens flare filter, alternatively you can create lens flares in Photoshop, or you can use a lens flare app.
To create a lens flare in camera you need to:
1. Choose a lens flare type
2. Position your camera so that the sun is in the frame
3. Zoom in or out to get the desired effect
4. Focus on the sun
5. Take the photo!
Lens Flare Filter
A lens flare filter is a piece of glass that attaches to the front of your lens and creates the lens flare
Lens flare overlay in edit
This is a popular way to create lens flares in Photoshop or Luminar AI. You can either use a pre-made lens flare overlay, or you can create your own.
How do you get rid of lens flares?
Lens flare may be avoided or minimised in a variety of ways.
- Don’t shoot into the light
- Block light
- Clean your lens and filters
Good quality lens and filters have lens coatings that are designed to reduce lens flare. In many cases, lens flare can be reduced by stopping the lens down; when a lens is stopped down, light rays entering the camera at extreme angles pass through fewer glass surfaces and refractions within the lens before reaching the film or sensor. In some cases this makes for a more circular lens flare.
Using a lens hood or lens shade reduces lens flare by shielding the lens from stray light. The lens hood can be a good choice for taking photos at night or in low light conditions, but it should be used with caution when shooting outdoors during the day. It is possible that you will get an unwanted glare in your final image if there are any reflections from sunlight
FAQ’s about lens flares
What’s the difference between lens flare and bokeh?
Lens flare is the lens phenomenon that creates bright spots of light in an image, while bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of blur in the out-of-focus parts of a photo.
Is lens flare bad?
Lens flare is not inherently bad, but it can often be used to achieve a desired effect.
How do you stop lens flares at night?
To avoid lens flare at night, make sure that your lens is clean and free from dust. You can also shield the lens with a lens hood to reduce lens flare or a filter.
