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Photography Question 

Karma Wilson 		 

When is lens flare okay?


This is probably a stupid question, but still one I've wondered about. I took some pictures of a stunning view but there are small dots of lens flare where the sun (straight above me) was shining down. Even though my camera does have a lens hood, it was just too much sun. I kind of like them and have seen them in pictures that are noted as good on this site. They give a sense of the sun IMO. But I'm afraid to post the picture because I'm so unknowing about photography I don't know if it would be a no-no. Ha ha.

So, just looking for opinion. Is lens flare never acceptable, or sometimes acceptable, or who knows?

Thanks!

Karma


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September 03, 2004

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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Gregory LaGrange's Gallery 		  "from Karma W.
on 9/3/2004 8:58:00 AM When is lens flare okay?

I kind of like them"

$


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September 03, 2004

 

Dan Holm 		  I think lens flare is a personal / artististic choice. Many great shots include lens flare, others are ruined by it. In some cases, lense flare is even added to create a desired affect. If you like it and believe it adds to the shot, then go for it! - If, however, you've got an otherwise great shot and the lens flare is a distraction, then it's obviously a problem. ...


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September 03, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Was the flare intentional,...as part of the creative process? Or was is an accidental by-product of improper compositional procedures and use of light?
These are the questions you must ask yourself if you plan to submit an entry to be judged by others.

I've seen lens flare used as the primary point of interest, and those images were stunning!
However, as previously mentioned, if it's a distracting element within an otherwise great shot, ....your best bet is to learn from it and move on.


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September 03, 2004

 

Karma Wilson 		 
 
  Wild Blue Yonder
Wild Blue Yonder
scenic setting, sun directly above, lens hood on.

Karma Wilson

  
 
Bob, there is no question that I probably would have avoided it if I could because I thought it was always a no-no. But I could not because of the postion of the sun. The view was so spectacular--going on and on and on blue upon blue upon blue. So I tried to position myself in a way that the glare would be part of the photo. It was the best I could do at my skill level.
Here is the shot. Judge for yourselves and use this as a teaching op for us know-nothings! I want to learn. I just loved the mountains. So high up our breath came short. :-)


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September 03, 2004

 
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