How can I reduce lens flare in long-exposure night photos?
Asked 4/30/2017
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2 answers
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When I shoot long-exposure night scenes with bright streetlights or other strong light sources in the frame, I get flare and the image looks less clear than similar shots I’ve seen from other photographers. Using similar exposure settings doesn’t seem to fix it. What causes this flare, and how can I reduce it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
2
In addition to Michael Clark's & Count Iblis' very valid suggestions, another solution is to not aim your camera towards exceptionally bright lights, although that may defeat the type of shot you want.
The specific angle at which the light enters the lens, together with the design of the lens, will determine how significant the lens flare is and where it shows in the picture.
Originally by user61848. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user61848
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
What you’re seeing is lens flare from very bright lights in or near the frame. Exposure settings alone usually won’t eliminate it.
A few things help:
- Change your shooting angle slightly. Flare depends a lot on the angle at which strong light enters the lens.
- Recompose so exceptionally bright lights aren’t aimed directly into the lens, if possible.
- Try a different lens if you have one. Lens design affects how much flare appears and where it shows up.
In some night scenes, bright lights will always create at least some flare, especially if they’re included deliberately in the composition. So the main practical fixes are adjusting camera position/composition and, when possible, using a lens that handles flare better.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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