Lens flare...?

Question

Does anyone actually try to use it in their photography?? I have had it effect outdoor photo's, when shooting toward the sun.

If I wanted to acheive that effect indoors and on purpose, away from the sun, what would be the best way to gather the flare, without washing out the shot?? Longer lenses?? More or less zoom?? WIll shutter speed, or f-stop change things??

Will repeated shots toward a high energy light source (sun, very bright lights, etc...) effect the sensor significantly more than other shots??

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Answer 1

I have used it outdoors a fair amount. This is a setup shot for an article on a skateboard park and very planned.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Vance.Lear/LemsFlare/photo?authkey=H4xqtANW6EE#5136448014818811778

You can tell that fill flash was used to bring the subject and the bowl into about the same exposure range as the rest of the image (1 stop less than background) instead of letting it go toward black.

First, the easy question. No, the bright light will not hurt your sensor.

In the studio, it can be a very good effect, but it is hard to control. I think the first thing is that it is the subjects shadow that controls the flare effect. The more subject shadow there is, the more dramatic and contrasty the flare. The more of the light that shows, the less dramatic the flare and the less contrast to the image there is.

You also don't want a broad light source, so, with flash, you can go from bare buld to a small dish with good effect. There is a caveat to this, though. You can use a large softbox behind the subject to get a wrap around flare.

Start playing around with the flare lights being about 4 stops over the key light. Other than that, it's up to you.

Your f stop will affect the appearance of the the flare somewhat, but, in terms of length if lens, etc., the flare will depend on the flare characteristics of the lens. This isn't the same type of flare that effects wide angle lenses because of field width. Here you are putting the light source directly in the field of view as a compositional element.

Good luck and be prepared to take a lot of pictures since modelling lights won't show you Jack.

Vance

Answer 2

The only shots I have taken to capture flares were at night on a city street bright with lamp posts. Where I live there are lots of late 1800s Victorian houses and buildings with some pretty unique lights. I haven't gone out to shoot them yet, but now that you bring it up I will make it more of a point.

I will be watching to see what other kinds of answers you get on this question. Best wishes

Answer 3

One of Photoshop's filters is "Lens Flare" and I find it much easier to control, while saving my sensor and exposures.