Wasn't sure exactly where to post this...
I have a super-crush on sun flare in pictures lately. I'd already started feeling all warm and fuzzy about it, and then recently rlr and Jill have posted some yummy sun flare pics! And I just don't know how to do it, dang it!
I had some wonderful setting sun this evening at Parker's soccer practice, but none of my attempts were even close.
Here are a few, SOOC:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
As you can see, they are totally washed out and I lose all sharpness. #5 is different from the others, because his ball happened to be covering the sun. The detail comes back, but I lose the actual sun flare that I am hoping to get in the first place.
Is there something specific that you can do in post processing to help these? They seem like losses to me. What I am missing here? I am attempting to spot meter on their faces so that the exposure isn't completely out of whack.
Can anyone help a sister out?
I'd love to get a better feel for it, because I have a shoot next week in a park with this fabulous oak tree and I've scheduled it so that the sun (should!) be like this:
I feel like there is a lot of potential there, if I can just figure out how to take advantage of it!
JANICA
jbo photo
jbo photo blog
waiting for replies :) I've tried a few myself lately and my attempts look like yours and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Suzanne ~ momma to 3, small time photographer behind Only A Glimmer
shooting with a nikon d300 and usually a 17-50mm 2.8 with an occasional apperance of the 50mm 1.4 :)
I tried a very quick play in post-processing, although I only worked with the tiny web image, it would be easier with the original raw file. :) Not the most happy with my play, but just thought I would give it a minute.
~ Angela Nikon D700 | Nikon D30070-200mm 2.8 VR | 24-70mm 2.8 | 14-24mm 2.8 | 85mm 1.4 | 50mm 1.4 | 18-200mm VR | 105mm 2.8 VR | 10.5mm | Lensbaby 3GSB-900 | SB-800 | elinchrom strobes | reflectorsCS4/LR2
Angela McCormick Photography | Satori Smiles
Also, with flare, you can get fun silhouette photos, or well exposed subject, or something in between. :) There are different ways to try to achieve each, although I think it takes alot of practice, I tried shooting in the sun yesterday and failed, lol.
In my online classes, this was always an assignment (had to do it in THREE classes). I had to get the silhouette effect, plus had to show the subject with light thrown back with a reflector or flash.
do you wanna know how many times I have logged on to dsc to reply to this thread and got sidetracked? Too many.
First off, let me say that I have been madly in love with sunflare for a bit now so i understand the crush..... and I only began trying it out in the last few weeks. So i am certainly a flare-newbie, so take my "advice" with a grain of salt.
But...
I think number 4 looks like you have it. I think after a little process you'll have the look you like. Some editing can de-fog it and it will be great. In fact, I am dying to tinker with it. (if you didn't care.)
What lens did you use on those? Because sometimes I think how the light hits the lens-and how the lens reacts can make or break the shot.kwim? I don't know what lenses work best/worst, but just something to keep an eye on.
I personally try to get the sun right in the corner of the frame. sometimes just outside the frame. And I meter for the subject-USUALLY and let the sun just do its thing. sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesnt.
So i just babbled for a few minutes to tell you nothing you didn't already know....but if I think of anything else, I'll be back.
~~Tammi~~
d300, MB-D10, sb800, sb400, 18-200VR, 18-50 f/2.8, 28-75 f/2.8, 90 f/2.8 macro, 50 f/1.4, Pocket wizards, sekonic L-358, and an aresnal of reflectors and other light modifiers....and maybe more. ;)
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Say, let me know if you don't like plays, I'll take mine down! I just saw you wondered how to post processed it to bring back detail, and I couldn't help but take on the challenge of getting back detail. It probably isn't even what you're looking for! On the other boards I frequent, people just jump right in with their own plays.
Angela: Say, let me know if you don't like plays, I'll take mine down! I just saw you wondered how to post processed it to bring back detail, and I couldn't help but take on the challenge of getting back detail. It probably isn't even what you're looking for! On the other boards I frequent, people just jump right in with their own plays.
Angela, I do that too. the only reason i didn't do it right that second was because i had to rush off to do some other things....and figured i'd be back. :D
just have a sec....but please, always feel free to play with any shots! :)
My quick play on Parker. It's not great but...here you go anyway.
-Jill
Canon 40D and Digital Rebel XT
50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 17-70mm f/2.8, 430EX