You\'ve taken a picture. Perfect angles, impeccable timing. Yet, it lacks that *something*. Consider adding some magic by introducing lens flare. Lens flare can turn even the dullest of frames into brilliant visual masterpieces. But, it's not just about slapping on a flare and calling it a day. There is an art to it. 
When you were a child, do you remember experimenting with the magnifying glass and catching sunlight? Lens flares work on the same principle. This is essentially light scattered in your lens. And boy, does it have the power to turn mundane into magnificent! Let's talk about why and how you can add this magic touch to your photos before you start Photoshop wizardry. Lens flares are affected by lighting conditions. Picture this: an early morning shoot with the sun just peeking over the horizon. Perfect, right? The warm sunlight will give your flare a golden glow. Be careful, too much light may overwhelm your frame. It's like adding chili to your stew - a little can heighten flavors, too much can set your tongue on fire. Now let's dive into the how-to. Negotiating with a sugar-engorged toddler is much easier. Let's start with tools. Whether you're a Photoshop guru or a Lightroom enthusiast, options are plentiful. In Photoshop: 1. Open your add lens flare image. Step one, really. 2. You can do this by selecting Filter > Render and then Lens Flare. Bet you didn't think it'd be this easy. 3. Choose your flare. Different flares suit different moods. Play around! 4. Position your flare. Drag it, drop it, make it pop. Lightroom is more difficult, but still not rocket science. 1. Import your photo. Duh. 2. Select the Develop mode. Here is where the magic happens. 3. Use the Radial Filter. Mimic a flare shape. 4. Adjust Highlights & Exposure. Give it that dreamy burnt look. What is the purpose of a lens flare in photography? Not for the faint-hearted but absolutely gem-worthy. Set your aperture to f2.8 (or lower) and use light as your friend, not your enemy. Remember the scene in an old gangster film where the protagonist peeks behind a corner? That's your photo - suspense, drama, and a sudden flash of brilliance. Enough technical babble. Lens flares have personalities. They tell stories and evoke emotions. The sun-kissed photo of a beach screams serenity. A cityscape with just starting to twinkle lights at dusk whispers secrets about the urban jungle. Use flares to create these narratives in your photos. A little sidebar story here - my first attempt at a lens flare was a TOTAL disaster. Imagine a family picnic in a park with lots of laughter and unabashed giggling... but then imagine a blinding light blotch right in the middle. Lesson learned: moderation and placement are crucial. My flares now are subtle whispers rather than loud declarations. Let's address the quirks. Overdoing flares can backfire. Stop adding sequins to everything. Even with lens flares, restraint is your bestie. This is an enhancement and not a distraction. Keep the magic alive by using them sparingly. It's not always about perfection. Sometimes, the best flares are those that come out of unexpected situations. Play around, make mistakes, laugh at the ridiculously odd outcomes. Photographic art is a combination of science and art. Keep in mind that the power is in your hands. You can make your photos memorable by adding a little zest. Make that sunshine dance. Your images will be mesmerized by adding sparkle. Lens flare isn't just a filter; it's the magic spark in your photographic imagination.
When you were a child, do you remember experimenting with the magnifying glass and catching sunlight? Lens flares work on the same principle. This is essentially light scattered in your lens. And boy, does it have the power to turn mundane into magnificent! Let's talk about why and how you can add this magic touch to your photos before you start Photoshop wizardry. Lens flares are affected by lighting conditions. Picture this: an early morning shoot with the sun just peeking over the horizon. Perfect, right? The warm sunlight will give your flare a golden glow. Be careful, too much light may overwhelm your frame. It's like adding chili to your stew - a little can heighten flavors, too much can set your tongue on fire. Now let's dive into the how-to. Negotiating with a sugar-engorged toddler is much easier. Let's start with tools. Whether you're a Photoshop guru or a Lightroom enthusiast, options are plentiful. In Photoshop: 1. Open your add lens flare image. Step one, really. 2. You can do this by selecting Filter > Render and then Lens Flare. Bet you didn't think it'd be this easy. 3. Choose your flare. Different flares suit different moods. Play around! 4. Position your flare. Drag it, drop it, make it pop. Lightroom is more difficult, but still not rocket science. 1. Import your photo. Duh. 2. Select the Develop mode. Here is where the magic happens. 3. Use the Radial Filter. Mimic a flare shape. 4. Adjust Highlights & Exposure. Give it that dreamy burnt look. What is the purpose of a lens flare in photography? Not for the faint-hearted but absolutely gem-worthy. Set your aperture to f2.8 (or lower) and use light as your friend, not your enemy. Remember the scene in an old gangster film where the protagonist peeks behind a corner? That's your photo - suspense, drama, and a sudden flash of brilliance. Enough technical babble. Lens flares have personalities. They tell stories and evoke emotions. The sun-kissed photo of a beach screams serenity. A cityscape with just starting to twinkle lights at dusk whispers secrets about the urban jungle. Use flares to create these narratives in your photos. A little sidebar story here - my first attempt at a lens flare was a TOTAL disaster. Imagine a family picnic in a park with lots of laughter and unabashed giggling... but then imagine a blinding light blotch right in the middle. Lesson learned: moderation and placement are crucial. My flares now are subtle whispers rather than loud declarations. Let's address the quirks. Overdoing flares can backfire. Stop adding sequins to everything. Even with lens flares, restraint is your bestie. This is an enhancement and not a distraction. Keep the magic alive by using them sparingly. It's not always about perfection. Sometimes, the best flares are those that come out of unexpected situations. Play around, make mistakes, laugh at the ridiculously odd outcomes. Photographic art is a combination of science and art. Keep in mind that the power is in your hands. You can make your photos memorable by adding a little zest. Make that sunshine dance. Your images will be mesmerized by adding sparkle. Lens flare isn't just a filter; it's the magic spark in your photographic imagination.