Project 52 - Week 32; Flare

It use to be that photographers would cast away images for lens flare as fast as they would for blur. Now days they aren't so fast to trash those photos, and some portfolios are full of these images because it's the photographer's artistic style to include the flare.

Lens flare occurs when light hits the front element of the lens, "bouncing" around inside the lens creating circles, rainbows and bursts within the image.  This is more common when using entry level lenses as the more expensive professional lenses have better optics to help prevent lens flare. So, for the photographer or artist, they  just need to decide whether they want to include flare in an image or prevent it, and then adjust to achieve their goal.

This first images was taken at the Renaissance Festival.  I did not plan the lens flare on this photo, but there was no way I was throwing it out with the fun that was added to the image because of it.

With this next image, I worked hard for the flare.  I bet I took 20 images before I got that flare the size, intensity, and in the exact spot that I wanted.

This one is more subtle with a smaller burst.

This final image has a very subtle flare in the background, but it adds a haze to the image that lets the viewer feel the warmth (but not the humidity thank goodness) of the summer evenings that we've been having.

Yep, it's been a hot one here in Sioux Falls, but the next couple of days are suppose to be nicer.  I hope you are able to get out with your family and pets and enjoy it.

If you'd like to follow the blog circle for this project, this week you can start with Elaine at I Got The Shot Photography, Northeastern PA.