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Archive 2009 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!
  
 
4honor
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p.1 #1 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


So, I am always up for trying new things, as I think my photos are getting boring (creativity wise). I know flare is not for everyone, but I see it as a creativity thing and like to give it a try. I know nothing about it, except I see some photos with flares I like on here.

Is it a camera/lens/hardware thing? Is it post processing thing? Is it just the angle of the sun/subject/camera (which means any lens will do)? Is it all of the above? Or is it just a secret that I will never know? Please offer some insights, you flare masters... (You know who you are! )

I have a XSi with 18-55 IS, 50/1.8, and 70-200/2.8 IS.

Here is a shot that I THOUGHT would have given me some flare, but nothing... So I just processed it as regular photo. It was taken with the 18-55 IS kit lens.



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May 26, 2009 at 04:13 PM
JmsWms
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p.1 #2 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


I know this doesn't answer your question, but why would you think it is "creative" to copy what everybody else seems to be doing nowadays?

I guess I just don't see it as being creative.

BTW, your photo here looks much better to me than some of the flare shots that many here are raving over.

Edited on Jul 07, 2009 at 05:10 PM · View previous versions

May 26, 2009 at 04:54 PM
bubbag2000
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p.1 #3 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


JmsWms wrote:
BTW, your photo here looks much better to me than some of the flare shots that many here are raving over.

I agree wholeheartedly!! This doesn't blind you with nasty backlight, this adds amazing features. I suggest you continue along this path and set your own trend!! You put the "B" in "subtle"!!

May 26, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Pfiltz
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p.1 #4 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Some people lead, some follow.

Oh, just shoot straight into that light source wide open

Interesting, that folks don't know when they have a shot...

May 26, 2009 at 05:23 PM
4honor
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p.1 #5 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


@ JmsWms - Well, it's more new than creative... But, I don't see it in my area yet, so maybe I can make it "creative" here... Also, there might be paying clients that would like this, so the more styles I can have, I think the better. Thanks for the kind words though!

@ bubbag2000 - Haha, nice one... I think my current style will still be my primary style, but just like to explorer new things for myself.

@ Pfiltz - Heh, I like to be a follower. I let others test the waters so in case they fail, I won't... As for the wide open thing, I tried that, but my lens can't seem to focus... I know the above is a pretty good shot, the client is happy with it, but just want something different... Thanks!

May 26, 2009 at 05:58 PM
dmacmillan
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p.1 #6 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Rub your finger along the side of your nose. Now, take said finger and rub it on the front element of your lens. Shoot into the sun. Instant flare! ;-)

If that doesn't work, do like many FMers and when ordering lenses from B&H, ask for the special flare option. I believe it only adds about $50 to the cost of the lens. Since you no longer need lens shades, you save almost that much.

May 26, 2009 at 06:19 PM
jeremy_clay
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p.1 #7 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


4honor,

focus assist with a flash if you have one, or manually focus. How strange it that I'm the only one who didn't have a smartass comment with their answer?

...see what I did there?



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May 26, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Pfiltz
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p.1 #8 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


dmacmillan wrote:
Rub your finger along the side of your nose. Now, take said finger and rub it on the front element of your lens. Shoot into the sun. Instant flare! ;-)


Geeee,, and to think I could have saved some $$$$ last week. Feeling left out of the "flare" craze, I bought a Flare Lens from B&H.

Wonder if they'll take it back.
May 26, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Rhane
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p.1 #9 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


That's true, my best flare shots had to be manually focused...

Maybe Quan or Sam can chime in?

May 26, 2009 at 06:23 PM
JayDavis
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p.1 #10 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Don't do it, 4Honor !!

I HATE flare. It seems like everyone is copying that style and I cannot wait for that style to go away.

Seriously.

Just go find a girl with some gorgeous boots and shoot her with the sun at your back and post them. You'll be a happy camper.
May 26, 2009 at 06:40 PM
 



Pfiltz
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p.1 #11 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


When do we start to shoot Bell Bottom Jeans or BIG HAIR?

May 26, 2009 at 06:51 PM
jeremy_clay
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p.1 #12 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Pfiltz wrote:
When do we start to shoot Bell Bottom Jeans or BIG HAIR?

The second clients paying 3-5k to shoot them for a day start asking for it. Hell, if they want a selectively-coloured boquet, that'd be fine too.

May 26, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Leeuwtje
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p.1 #13 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


I really don't see what is wrong with 'copy things you like' and use them to widen your photographic toolkit ...?

I'm not a flare master, but do love it. I position the sun or it's light in my frame and shoot wide open. Using spot metering on the subjects skin helps me with the exposure.
May 26, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Pfiltz
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p.1 #14 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


I could really care less about flare. If I can sell it, I'll shoot it.

I don't see a lot folks paying good coins for flare, unless your shooting some commercial work, and the AD or someone else in the organization wants it added..

Flare and x-processed make for good garb on Forums.... Oh wait... Chopped heads too...

May 26, 2009 at 08:44 PM
jeremy_clay
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p.1 #15 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Pfiltz wrote:
I could really care less about flare. If I can sell it, I'll shoot it.

I don't see a lot folks paying good coins for flare, unless your shooting some commercial work, and the AD or someone else in the organization wants it added..

Flare and x-processed make for good garb on Forums.... Oh wait... Chopped heads too...

Not sure how much wedding work you do, pfiltz, but it definitely sells. If you can combine slightly 'gimmicky' things such as flare and combine them with timeless captures for a client, you'll have all of your bases covered. People need to keep in mind that it may seem repetitive/boring/unoriginal to them, but the clients who see it are generally in love with such 'uniqueness' and do't prowl internet forums. Maybe give it 10 years when it becomes passe like people feel about it on FM and it'll die out ala selective colour...but it's definitely worth good money.

May 26, 2009 at 08:53 PM
dmacmillan
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p.1 #16 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


jeremy_clay wrote:
If you can combine slightly 'gimmicky' things such as flare and combine them with timeless captures for a client, you'll have all of your bases covered.
Any time you want to learn how to put the wedding couple in a brandy snifter, or in the top left/right corners of the photo looking down on their wedding ceremony, I'll be glad to teach you! ;-)

May 26, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Pfiltz
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p.1 #17 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Not much JC... Working my way out of them, and maybe smaller weddings next year. Tired of the larger all day things... Uggggg

I know where your coming from, by throwing in an occasional flare or weird wide angle shot amongst hundreds of wedding images, but I wouldn't consider flaring and x-processing 99% of them

I shoot for a living, and sell images to clients -vs- sitting on forums all day behind a cubicle and jumping into FM or some other site when the boss isn't looking...

It's all good fun.

Good point on the wedding stuff though...

Edited on May 26, 2009 at 09:09 PM · View previous versions

May 26, 2009 at 09:07 PM
4honor
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p.1 #18 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Hey Jeremy, thanks for the tips. I guess I will have to try it with my 50/1.8 since it has the widest aperture...

Rhane, I will try manual focus...

Ha ha Jay, sorry, I am gonna have to try it sometime... I tried HDR a couple times, didn't appeal to me, so I quit that. Flare seems kinda fun...

But yeah, if the client is paying me, I am basically their slave. If they want me to take pictures in nude, I will do it too. Everyone has a price. Haha...

P.S. I was hoping Quan or Sergio would say something...

May 26, 2009 at 09:09 PM
4honor
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p.1 #19 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


Oh, forgot to ask:

Doesn't shooting with the sensor exposed directly at the sun bad?

May 26, 2009 at 09:11 PM
hardlyboring
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p.1 #20 · How to get flare (1 pic)?! Help!


exposing your sensor to the sun is only bad if you do it for a long time actually its not the sensor you will melt it is the mirror and inner workings. well unless you were doing a long exposure into the sun!
I have also experimented with flare what I have found is that you need to shoot with a semi wide angle lens, and the sun needs to be at the right angle. to high and you will not get flare unless you are really really wide and stopped way down. good luck it seems like only quan, hassas, and company can get any sweet flare shots. must the be cali sun!
Doug

May 26, 2009 at 10:08 PM
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