Lens Flare Kookaburra

**AntZ** · 08-25-2009, 06:30 AM

When I saw this guy sitting on the fence with the sun setting behind him, I instantly had a vision of a wonderful shot. I raced in side grabbed the camera and stated snapping away. Unfortunately I couldn't escape the dreaded lens flare. I tried removing the UV filter(a reasonable one) but there was no improvement. After a bit of time in lightroom, this was the best of what I got. It's not quite what I had in mind. What do you think?

**tomorrowstreasures** · 08-25-2009, 09:14 AM

i think it is ok. wish the bird was bit sharper, but the lighting does set a neat mood!

**kat** · 08-25-2009, 09:23 AM

Definately has a great mood to it! Maybe just a tad bit fill light on the bird, tad bit. Think that would bring some sharpness to its face.

Not to often can I find a reason to keep lens flare but here I would.

**Marko** · 08-25-2009, 10:43 AM

This is a tough shot to PP and i think you did a good job; the flare actually works here for me. Bird could be a bit sharper and the top right edge and right edge at the top could use more burning in if possible; though it's probably too blown. Either way those edges are distracting to my eye.
That said, overall I like this capture as it still evokes a nice mood. Hope that helps - Marko

**tirediron** · 08-25-2009, 03:15 PM

Looks good, but I'd think about a slightly tighter crop on the bird.

**jlabel** · 08-25-2009, 04:16 PM

You know Lens hood are made for that right?
With the image as it is now it is not too bad.

**AntZ** · 08-25-2009, 05:22 PM

Thanks all.

Originally Posted by marko

This is a tough shot to PP and i think you did a good job; the flare actually works here for me. Bird could be a bit sharper and the top right edge and right edge at the top could use more burning in if possible; though it's probably too blown. Either way those edges are distracting to my eye.
That said, overall I like this capture as it still evokes a nice mood. Hope that helps - Marko

I will post the original so you can see what I did manage. Bird sharpness was tough as it was so bright I could barely see it. Stangely I actually added a some brightness to the already present lens flare in the top right, but I see what you mean.

Originally Posted by kat

Definately has a great mood to it! Maybe just a tad bit fill light on the bird, tad bit. Think that would bring some sharpness to its face.

Not to often can I find a reason to keep lens flare but here I would.

Strangely I have seen a few pics of late with lens flare added!

Originally Posted by tirediron

Looks good, but I'd think about a slightly tighter crop on the bird.

Debated this, but since the bird is not perfectly sharp or lit decide on this crop to include the flares...and besides I have some other good shots of the bird close up. Laughing Kookaburra

Originally Posted by jlabel

You know Lens hood are made for that right?
With the image as it is now it is not too bad.

Lens hood won't work with light comming straight down the lens like this.