Lens Flare
Definition
A Lens Flare is an optical phenomenon that occurs when a bright light source (such as the sun or a lamp) shines directly into the camera lens, causing light to scatter and reflect off the internal elements of the lens, creating visible artifacts in the image — typically circles, polygons, or streaks of light. Traditionally considered a technical flaw to be avoided, lens flares have been embraced as a creative element in many modern productions, particularly by directors like J.J. Abrams, who uses them extensively to create a sense of energy and realism.
Contextual Usage
The DP discusses the approach to lens flares with the director: "I want to allow natural lens flares in the outdoor scenes — I think they add a sense of vitality and realism. But I want to control them carefully, so they feel intentional rather than accidental. I'll work with the gaffer to position the sun so we get flares at specific moments in the scene."
About this section
Production — or "principal photography" — is the phase in which the film or video is actually shot. It is the most visible and, typically, the most expensive phase of the entire process. Every day on ...
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