Lens Flare

[mattsnoise]

I've just a quick search on the forum and found there is no specific thread covering the topic - chances are there is something out there regarding the matter but nothing jumped out.

I've just got back from the local park and it's October and the sun was relatively low. Makes for some lovely warm, autumnal photos but I have a few with lens flare very evident on them.

I know there are various thoughts on the subject but does it add anything to the photo or am I being stupid...??!?


The image is found on flickr - I'm having big problems uploading to the forum - sorry!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewshilling/5108022424/


I would also be interested in methods for controlling, to be able to make the most of lens flare! - thanks

 

[trencheel303]

I actually quite like that!

Seriously though, when you're pointing a lens right at the sun even the best ones will flare somewhat. Zooms with a lot of elements are more prone to flare than those with less elements, and f/2.8 glass seems more flare prone than f/4 glass.

A UV filter could cause that as well.

Here's one I did with a kit lens that had a cheap nasty UV filter on the front.

 

[mattsnoise]

Thanks for sharing that - equally I'm using a kit lens with a UV filter on it, I have to say I've shown it to a friend whose into photography and he said that it looked to standard and almost as if it had been placed in photoshop to add to photo.

Regardless of whether it does like quite standard, I like the colours that appear in it and would love to know enough to be able to manipulate what colours and the size of the flare, because its almost impressive as something in the image, and to be able to take a photo purposefully knowing what you're getting from it rather than placing flare in photoshop would be great.

 

[Llama]

it might not be intended but i like it, its makes some interesting shapes and colors