Lens flare

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Lens flare is a phenomenon that occurs when light is scattered or flared in a lens system, often in response to a bright light source, such as the Sun or artificial lighting. This effect is typically seen in photography and cinematography and can be either an unwanted artifact or a deliberate artistic choice.

Causes

Lens flare is caused by the reflection and scattering of light within the lens elements and the camera body. When light enters the lens, it can reflect off the surfaces of the lens elements and the aperture blades, creating multiple reflections that manifest as visible artifacts. These artifacts can take the form of bright spots, rings, or streaks of light.

Types of Lens Flare

There are two primary types of lens flare:

• Specular Flare: This type of flare appears as distinct, often circular, bright spots or rings. It is caused by direct reflections of the light source within the lens.
• Veiling Flare: This type of flare appears as a haze or reduction in contrast across the image. It is caused by scattered light that reduces the overall image quality.

Factors Influencing Lens Flare

Several factors can influence the occurrence and appearance of lens flare:

• Lens Design: The number of lens elements, their coatings, and the overall design can affect the likelihood of flare.
• Aperture Settings: Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) can reduce the intensity of lens flare, while larger apertures (lower f-numbers) can increase it.
• Light Source Position: The position and intensity of the light source relative to the lens can significantly impact the presence of flare.
• Lens Coatings: Modern lenses often have anti-reflective coatings that help to minimize flare.

Mitigation Techniques

Photographers and cinematographers can use several techniques to reduce or control lens flare:

• Lens Hoods: Using a lens hood can block stray light from entering the lens, reducing the likelihood of flare.
• Positioning: Changing the angle or position of the camera relative to the light source can help to avoid flare.
• Post-Processing: Digital editing software can be used to reduce or remove lens flare artifacts in post-production.

Artistic Use of Lens Flare

While lens flare is often considered an unwanted artifact, it can also be used creatively to enhance the visual appeal of an image or scene. In cinematography, lens flare can add a sense of realism or drama, and it is sometimes deliberately introduced to achieve a specific aesthetic effect.

See Also

• Photography
• Cinematography
• Optical lens
• Aperture
• Camera