How to Use a Lens Flare

Lens flare can create interesting photographic effects.

Lens flare occurs when light from the sun enters your cameras lens at an angle. In photography lens flare has typically been seen as an undesirable effect. However, more recently photographers have been using lens flare to create interesting photographs. To use lens flare you will need to carefully compose your image, considering factors such as angle and focus. By following a few simple steps, you can be on your way to creating your own lens flare photographs.

Instructions

1. Take your picture with your camera facing the sun. Lens flare is caused by rays of light entering your cameras lens. To help create a lens flare, try shooting on a clear sunny day.

2. Experiment with using lens flare to create silhouettes. As you will be taking your picture directly facing the sun, the subject of your picture will be backlit by the sunlight. As the light source is behind the subject, you can use this to create a silhouette effect to accompany your lens flare.

3. Use manual settings on your camera. If you are using automatic settings on your camera, then it will try to compensate for the overexposure by creating a distinct silhouette on the subject and by reducing the lens flare. By shooting on a manual setting you can maintain the lens flare and overexposed background while adjusting the exposure on the subject and in the foreground.

4. Shoot your photograph at an angle. It is important to take your photograph at the correct angle to create a lens flare. In the morning and evening when the sun is lower, you will be able to easily shoot into the sun. However, during midday hours you will need to get low to the ground to shoot into the sun.

5. Switch from auto focus to manual focus. This will allow you to direct the focus in your image. When using auto focus your camera will focus on the best lit object in your frame, so you will need to switch to manual focus when using lens flare.

References

• Cambridge In Colour: Lens Flare
• Digital Photography School: 5 Tips for Achieving Artistic Lens Flare