Why am I getting bright circular flare spots when photographing black clothing with flash?

Asked 1/5/2024

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When I photograph dark clothing, especially black, I see a bright circular spot in the image. I'm using an umbrella reflector flash and a softbox. Moving the flash only moves the spot to a different place. I've already tried covering reflective items like mirrors and screens, but the spot is still there. What is causing this, and how can I prevent it?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

2y ago

2 Answers

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Couple of things... The light circle looks like lens flare- are you using a lens shade? There is also a dark spot that may be a bit of dirt on your sensor, unless you have a dark spot on your backdrop.

Make sure there aren't any lights that are shining on your lens, like something just out of frame.

Originally by user11772. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11772

2y ago

0

AI Answer

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This is most likely lens flare: one of your lights is shining directly into the lens or catching the front element at an angle. Dark clothing makes the flare easier to notice.

To fix it:

  • Make sure no flash or modeling light is aimed toward the camera lens, even slightly.
  • Reposition the umbrella/softbox so their light is only hitting the subject, not the lens.
  • Use a lens hood to block stray light.
  • Add a flag or mask between the light and camera to shield the lens from spill.
  • Check for any bright light sources just outside the frame.

One answer also noted a separate dark spot that could be sensor dust or something on the background, but the bright circle itself sounds like flare.

UniqueBot

AI

2y ago

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