Friday, March 19, 2010

Reflections - Reflected sunset

What is reflecting this sunset in the shadow portion of the image? It is actually a reflection inside the lens called a "lens flare". Bright points of light in the field of view and slightly outside get bounced around by the lens elements and provide an extra image on the sensor (or film). When the light source is outside the field of view, it often provides streaks of light across the image (see my Turkey Vulture on Wing post. The effect can be used for striking effects or can just leave us puzzled by the unintended bright spots where we did not see them before snapping the shutter. For another view of this sunset visit my Sky Watch.

Weekend Reflections is hosted by James of Newtown Area Photo.

14 comments:

Sistertex said...

Real pretty! Warm...sorry..lately all I can think is 'warm...need it'! No snow....just warm!

Carolyn Ford said...

Interesting facts about lens flare...I got some fascinating streaks of light last weekend while photographing kites in the sky at the beach. The flare looks like additional kite strings...they are even slanted in the right direction.

James said...

That is a really nice looking shot and the lens flare is a bonus. I sometimes get a strange green light tha appears in some of my night photos that I take with a certain lens.

Crafty Green Poet said...

impressive photo and thanks for explaining the effect

Carletta said...

Lovely shot! I prefer this one to your Skywatch and I love the vulture shot!

Unknown said...

Creative thinking! Very nice. :)

Dianne said...

every now and then a lens flare can add so much beauty
like in this shot

Anonymous said...

Flare can be creative as in this image. Nice one.

Regina said...

Beautiful glow!

happy weekend.

Kat said...

Thanks for the explanation. I knew that it was called lens flare, but wasn't sure what actually caused it. I have the same issue as James with the strange green "orbs" on some night shots - similar thing? Beautiful shot, and the flare really adds a great effect! Kathy

Beth Niquette said...

What an interesting explanation! Thank you! Great choice for Reflections Weekend!

imac said...

Great shot Lew, and your Header is wonderful, love the sunlight.

imac said...

Thanks for the leads Lew, wow fantastic.

maryt/theteach said...

I love this, Lew! Now I know what a "lens flare" is. I've used it in Adobe Photoshop but didn't know it existed in real life... :)