Lens Flares

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I'm just a big fan of night photography. But my shots keep digging me the thoughts, "There's a big difference between liking them and making them likable (being good at it)."

In this photo, I'm trying to chase the shadows for the assignment of the week. I just love what I see and want to convey it with the shots. My problem is the flares. I understand that these are just unavoidable. But is there a way to use it to my advantage? Maybe learn how to reposition/recompose so they'll go far to the edge and I could just crop them out? Or maybe align them or rearrange them to make it look like it was meant to be there?

Any additional advise to make the image more likable would be truly appreciated.


_MG_0836 by phoenix_jackson2002, on Flickr

Canon EOS 60D with 50mm 1.8 II lens
1/15 sec
f/1.8
ISO 400
0 EV
No Flash
Centered
Manual settings
Evaluative metering
Manual focus
With a tripod
... I guess that's it?

[Tzetsin]

something you might be able to try is next time you expect flare (pretty much anytime there is a direct light in a dark image) take a reference photo. You should have to shots then at the same location (exactly the sameish if you know what i mean) then you load them both in photoshop, line em up the best you can, set the color/shades as much the same as you can. Put a copy of the flared image on the top of the stack, the reference one directly below, then using the eraser tool at 20% (or something like that) start rubbing out the flare you dont want. If you do it right, you might even be able to rub it right out.

This is best done off a tripod where the two shots will be almost exactly the same angle.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I see. I see. I haven't tried such a trick but I see how it would work. It'll still be a big challenge since the shadows part were cast by moving vehicles. But I'll keep this in mind on my future sessions.

[Bruce A]

You could try cloning the flares out, I think it might work if you take your time. Good shot!

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Absolutely good idea. But I've never touched clone-stamp before. I guess that's another thing to look more into. Thank you.

I wish there's another way than some PPing though. I see some shots with beautifully aligned flares and thought maybe it was intentionally placed that way.