Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tech Talk Tuesday



FUN with FLARE 
(I haven't done a Tech Talk Tuesday for awhile, so thought it was time.) 
 
Usually bright mid day sun is our enemy.  For landscape photographers, it produces harsh, flat light.  For portrait photographers, it produces harsh, flat light.  If we are shooting on a bright, sunny day, we use a lens hood, polarizer, neutral density filter, whatever we can, to tone down the light.  Sometimes, however, it's good to think outside of the box.   Including the sun or lens flare from the sun, can become part of your composition.  In the above photos, I've used lens flare to emphasize, or give weight to the main subject of the photo.  It's fun to experiment and see how you can use the sun to change the mood and feel of a photo.  I've discovered, however, that using lens flare as a composition element is a very individual thing.  Some people love it, and others hate it, but it's worth a try......you might be surprised with the results!   

6 comments:

Chad said...

I like the streak of light with the rainbow of colors at the end ofthe first photo,and how the flair encompass'the main subject in the second.

Unknown said...

I'm always intrigued by these techniques that people either love or hate.

To be honest I'm not too sure how I feel about the lens flare. I do know that I enjoy the shots above so I can't feel "all bad" about lens flare.

Flare aside, I really like the way that tree is silhouetted against the bright blue sky.

Great work!

Scott Law said...

I like lens flare when used well. As a matter of fact I read this earlier but did not comment, then as I was going through photos for posting this evening I found one with lens flare that I am posting in your honor. Now, even though I do love the way the yellow circle of the flare highlights the kiss I do have one problem with that photo. To me the light looks like it's coming from a reflection of flash. I think it would be much better if it was clear that it was the sun coming through a crack in the old barn wall behind them or something like that. My two cents worth.

Rick said...

I think if used properly and judiciously it can add to a photo. Overdone, however, it detracts. I like the effect in the top photo for sure; undecided on the 2nd.

Dawning Inspiration said...

I think flare adds flare to the right images.... love the engagement one above!!

diane b said...

That is an interesting idea. I must try it.