Smeared light?

[EmyB]

Can anyone tell me what's going on with the light on my son's shoulder? It looks smeared across his chin and arm.... Is that some kind of lens flare from the reflection off his shoulder? Or does my lens need cleaning or something?




1/800
f/ 2.8
ISO 100
50mm

Thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

Looks like flare.

Removing any filters from the lens and using a lens hood may help.
Also the front of your lens does need to be clean, especially when shooting into the sun.

[wulf]

I think it's a rather cool effect. It might be the thin layer of water acting as a mirror in the strong light. Did you get a similar effect on any other shots?

Wulf

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by wulf

I think it's a rather cool effect. It might be the thin layer of water acting as a mirror in the strong light. Did you get a similar effect on any other shots?

Wulf

Yeah, I like it, too! It's movement in light and I like the effect even if accidental.

I'd say if you actually manage to remove it with editing (if possible at all), you'd miss that light smear.

I only wish that red shirt wasn't in the background, but hey, this is a great moment to capture. Love it.

[EmyB]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

Looks like flare.

Removing any filters from the lens and using a lens hood may help.
Also the front of your lens does need to be clean, especially when shooting into the sun.

Thanks for your advice. I didn't have a filter on, but I also didn't have a lens hood.

Originally Posted by wulf

I think it's a rather cool effect. It might be the thin layer of water acting as a mirror in the strong light. Did you get a similar effect on any other shots?

Wulf

I got a few similar bright spots on other photos, but they mainly looked like blown highlights, they weren't smeared over normal areas like this one was. I think maybe it's a strong prism of light from the layer of water as you say, interesting.

Originally Posted by graciousness

Yeah, I like it, too! It's movement in light and I like the effect even if accidental.

I'd say if you actually manage to remove it with editing (if possible at all), you'd miss that light smear.

I only wish that red shirt wasn't in the background, but hey, this is a great moment to capture. Love it.

I know bloody red-shirted man and his beer! Hahahaha. The square crop was a way of trying to get rid of background distraction but I also tried some further edits, not sure if they work. On the new edit below everything looks a bit dull colour-wise. I don't think this photo is a keeper, but I like fiddling with it trying stuff out.



Thanks again for your advice everyone!

[graciousness]

Have you tried converting this in monochrome/black and white? I think it will convert well and it will resolve the issue with red-shirt beer man and that red line by the table.....

[EmyB]

Originally Posted by graciousness

Have you tried converting this in monochrome/black and white? I think it will convert well and it will resolve the issue with red-shirt beer man and that red line by the table.....

Good advice, thankyou. I'm just learning how to do this too so good practice!

[NgaiHill]

What a great action shot! I swear I can see some of those drops still moving!
TFS.

[dannyrich]

Looks like lens flare - dont buy a lens hood embrace the flare

Looks awesome in B&W.

The flare off the droplet by his chest is amazing!

[meaganrose1234]

I love it in B&W and I agree with previous posts, the lens flare I think adds to the picture