Lens Flare: A Tutorial

Have you seen those photos with that yummy evening light, and then as you look further, sun flare that just adds to the photo and makes you go "ahhh"? Sun flare, lens flare, whatever you choose to call it, it is a popular effect in the photography world. But how do you do it, and do it right? I am NO expert, but I must admit, one of my photography pet peeves is photoshopping in lens flare in all the WRONG places! Here are a few tips to help you get the effect:

1. Shoot in the late afternoon.
2. Use a low ISO speed.
3. Use a pretty open lens for big ring type flare.
4. Different lenses =different flare.
5. Most importantly...look for the flare in your frame.

Here is a picture I took a few moments ago just to use as an example, so don't mind the subject...the picnic table.


You can see in this picture, that the sun is really a little too high in the sky and alot of times, positioning can really wash out the color in the picture. This was taken with my 50mm lens, which dosn't produce dramatic ring type flare, but you can tell there is definitely flare, albeit not great flare.

Next is the photoshopped flare. I realize everyone is entitled to their artistic opinion, but flare where there would really never be flare is just ridiculous. Case in point....


You can see here, that there is a building behind this little girl carrying apples, and the photoshopped flare is right on the building and slightly above her arm...you can see the larger rings going through the basket, and in my opinion it adds nothing to the photo.

And lastly, an example of lens flare that in my opinion does in fact add to the feel of the photo.


You can see in the upper right hand corner, the sun!!! Imagine that! And as you look within the picture, you can see the flare, and the rainbow color effects the flare has in the photo. This was taken in the late afternoon, I was angled just so that I could get flare, but not facing directly at the sun as not to wash the photo out. This was taken with my 24-70mm lens. Alot of times, flare happens by accident, and can be a welcome suprise in your photos:)