Bright Idea 359: Create Your Own Lens Flares

Lens flares are optical phenomena caused by light refracting or reflecting within the camera lens. While lens flares are often considered artifacts or undesired effects, they can be intentionally added to enhance the visual appeal or create a specific look on a layout. Creating digital lens flares involves using the ellipse shape to mimic the appearance of lens flares produced by light sources. Lens flares should be used sparingly and thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming the layout or distracting from the main subject. Experimentation and practice will help you refine your skills in creating convincing and visually appealing digital lens flares.