Lens flare, often seen as a flaw, can be transformed into a powerful creative tool when used with intention. These streaks or bursts of light – caused when bright light hits your lens directly – can add atmosphere, emotion, and a sense of spontaneity to your photos. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, learning to harness lens flares opens up new artistic possibilities.
1. What Causes Lens Flare?
Lens flare occurs when non-image-forming light scatters inside your lens, creating visible artifacts. This usually happens:
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When shooting directly into a light source, like the sun or headlights.
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With wide-angle lenses, which have a broader field of view.
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If your lens is uncoated or has multiple elements that increase internal reflection.
2. When to Embrace Flare
Rather than avoiding it, consider flare as an expressive element:
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Add warmth and glow in backlit portraits, especially during golden hour.
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Create a sense of dreaminess or nostalgia in lifestyle or travel photography.
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Introduce movement and spontaneity in dynamic scenes.
Lens flare can help convey mood and enhance storytelling when carefully composed.
3. Tips for Creating Artistic Flares
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Remove your lens hood to allow more light in.
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Partially block the light source with a subject (like a tree or face) to create subtle, controlled flare.
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Tilt or shift your angle slightly – small changes can dramatically alter the flare’s appearance.
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Use prime lenses or vintage lenses for more organic, unpredictable flare patterns.
4. Post-Processing Enhancements
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Use editing software to enhance or add artificial lens flares for a cinematic look.
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Adjust warmth and highlights to intensify the glow naturally created in-camera.
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Be mindful not to overdo it – subtlety often creates the most striking results.
With practice, lens flare can move from an accident to an intentional and beautiful part of your visual style. Embrace the imperfection – it might just be the creative touch your image needs.