Lighting 101: Lens flares

3 tips for making the best of sunny days

If you’ve taken my creating captivating photos e-course, you know by now that my ideal weather for photography is overcast. I love a thick blanket of clouds defusing the light. That being said, as a photographer who primarily shoots outdoors, I’ve learned to embrace whatever weather conditions are thrown my way.

David and I moved to Mexico for a few months in 2022 which really stretched us to become comfortable photographing with that harsh, sunny lighting. While I still don’t intentionally seek that lighting out, I have learned a thing or two about embracing it when it’s here. One of my favorite things about sunny days is the potential for a gnarly lens flare.

What’s a lens flare?

Lens flares happen when the lens is pointed directly at the sun (or any bright light). This positioning can be used strategically to create dreamy or experimental images.

Noteworthy characteristics that come from a lens flare…

• Decreased contrast. Lots of wedding photographers use this because it creates a really romantic effect.

• Visible streaks, rings, circles or hexagons

One (of many) old-school Volkswagens from our time in Mexico. Take note of the contrast in this image. The blacks are black underneath the bus / along the tire, but as your eye moved up the photo (towards where the sun was), the contrast decreases, especially in that top right corner.

This photo is a perfect example of the shapes + streaks I mentioned earlier. I think they are so fun!!

Tips for the best flare…

1. Angles are everything.