What is lens flare? Lens Flare is caused by strong rays of light directly hitting your lens and causing a slight sun burst. On some occasions, it can even appear as a thin film over the entire picture that makes the image itself lighter. Using equipment like the lens hood can take care of this ‘problem’. Then again, sometimes that flare makes your picture look even better.
As a Jewish wedding photographer, I strive to push the limits whenever possible. I think my clients appreciate it and even expect it from me. It's one of the things that makes me a better photographer. Let’s take a look at the image below. I was photographing Isaac and Talia Dawidowicz's kosher wedding at the Roemer Synagogue in Teaneck, NJ when I saw the perfect opportunity to break a rule most photographers go to great lengths to avoid.
The light flare gives this image a ethereal feel and creates a mood that could not have been achieved otherwise.
Here are a few tips to help you achieve that lens flare look.
1) Shoot in direct sun light or another powerful source of light. This is the main way to create lens flare.
2) Place your subject in front of you, with their back to the sun. Your subject will be backlit as though you were capturing a silhouette
3) Shoot at an angle: Because you want an image with Lens Flare [and not simply over exposure], you need to remember one thing: Camera position to the sun. This will largely depend on what time of day you shoot. For example, at mid day this changes you will need to position yourself fairly low to the ground in order to shoot into the sun. Typically, 11am or 2pm is most conducive to mid day Lens Flare.
4) Watch your focus: Your camera typically will focus on the object best lit in your frame. Shooting into the sun will make it more challenging for your camera to focus on your subject. You may need to switch from auto focus to manual focus.
Remember this, like all special effects should be used sparingly. Enjoy!
Here are some other favorites taken from Isaac and Talia's wedding.
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