Lens flare is a common mistake that occurs in photography; at the same time, it can also be used as a technique to give a dramatic effect to the photograph. Lens flare occurs when light hits the lens and consequently, the camera’s sensor. Lens flare typically appears as a polygonal ray of light on the photograph.
CAMERA FACTORS THAT INCREASE LENS FLARE
Your camera may contain factors that increase the susceptibility of your photographs to lens flare. These include lenses and lens filters, to name a few.
Lenses can greatly determine the amount of lens flare in your photographs. Generally, zoom lenses avoid lens flare better than fixed focal lenses. Wide angle lenses are also less likely to result in lens flares. More modern lenses that have more advanced anti-reflective coating systems are also better at protecting against lens flares.
To be able to minimize lens flare, lens filters should also contain anti-reflective coats. Certain kinds of filters, including polarizing and ultraviolet filters, can actually increase lens flare. This is because these kinds of filters provide additional areas where light can reflect on.
COMPOSITION
There are several ways to avoid lens flare in your photographs. The best, and most economical, way to minimize lens flare is through composition.
The most effective way to eliminate lens flare is to take pictures with the source of light at your back. However, this does not always create the best pictures, and can create shadows on your photographs.
Another way to eliminate lens flare using composition is to make sure that the light sources that can cause lens flare are completely obstructed by other objects. Try using your hand or a hat as a shade. Remember to do this carefully, so as not to create unwanted elements, such as shadows, in your photographs. A tripod may also be useful when trying to diminish lens flare in this manner.
LENS HOOD
Another way to avoid lens flare in your photographs is by selecting a good lens hood. Some lenses have lens hoods that are built into them; others, however, require you to buy the hood as an extra. A lens hood helps reduce and eliminate lens flare. To do this, the lens hood should have a fully non-reflective surface, making sure that no areas have rubbed off.
There are basically two types of lens hoods: the petal lens hoods and the round lens hoods. Petal lens hoods are typically better at reducing lens flares than the alternative. Petal lens hoods also consider the camera’s aspect ratio; thus, the angle of view in one direction is more than the opposite.
Plenty of lens hoods cannot block all the light reaching the camera. Thus, if the lens hood is not adequate, you can modify it to make it more extensive. You can place a piece of paper at the side that is closest to the source of light. You can also use adjustable bellows, which can be adjusted exactly to address your specific needs. However, this option is a lot more expensive than the alternative.
PHOTO EDITING
In cases where the lens flare cannot be avoided and an image taken became washed out, there are also several tools that a photographer can use. These include the levels tool and the contrast enhancement tool. These tools allow you to minimize the amount of lens flare in the photographs, although the quality of the picture may also be diminished.
Lens flare is not always a bad thing. Lens flare can actually be utilized as an artistic element in a photograph. It all depends on the photographer and how he or she intends to use it. Source: http://www.vstudios.us/
Vaskevich Studios specializes in Photography, Video Production, CD, DVD and Blu-Ray Duplication and Business Printing. For more information, please visit http://www.vstudios.us/