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sany · 07-22-2011, 01:57 PM

I've seen many pictures with Sun facing the camera either directly or shining through some hurdles like branches etc., and the rays project like a star.

How is this done, is it contributed by the shutter blades and its shape or it will automatically result when we stop down the lens when head on to the sun.

icywindow · 07-22-2011, 02:25 PM

From what I understand, starbursts are controlled by the shape and number of the aperture blades. Stopping down makes this more likely. If you have an odd number of blades, it will show double the rays of the number of blades, whereas an even number of blades will show the corresponding number of rays. I've noticed that flare helps the starburst effect, and had it happen on streetlights at night with a Sigma 20-40mm f2.8 lens even wide open.

Starburst Effects - Photo Tips @ Earthbound Light

glee46 · 07-22-2011, 04:09 PM

Got woke up @ 1:30 am by a drunk neighbor down the street who decided to fight one of the cops. Needless to say, hard to go back to sleep after the free entertainment.

I live in the country, so at 5:00 am, I went for a walk. Using my K5 with flash I was able to get a little star burst. I got this at @ 6:30 am. I tried shooting threw some trees, but no luck.

I used the kit lens 18-55mm at 20mm, f8, ISO-100, -3/10 EV, & using the camera flash to see the side of the post.

psychdoc · 07-22-2011, 07:03 PM

The lens make a big difference. Shoot at f22. Easiest way is to shoot the reflection. Or you can shoot the lights at night. The DA 15mm is great for this:

Last edited by psychdoc; 11-14-2015 at 03:34 PM.

glee46 · 07-22-2011, 07:35 PM

Now that 1st one is great. The DA 15mm really is a great lens. Thanks for showing it.

TOUGEFC · 07-22-2011, 07:46 PM

I know its not a sun but street lights have a similar effect, this one was at f/10 with the DA15-

icywindow · 07-22-2011, 08:19 PM

Flare for fun effect. Sigma 20-40mm @ 40mm/f9.5

Last edited by icywindow; 07-22-2011 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Details

Elva · 07-26-2011, 12:45 AM

You can also use the internal star burst filter in the cameras filter effects or a star burst filter attached to the lens. I think a attachment filter gives a better and truer effect.

07-22-2011, 01:57 PM	#1
sany Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Dubai, UAE Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 448	Shooting the Sun and star effect I've seen many pictures with Sun facing the camera either directly or shining through some hurdles like branches etc., and the rays project like a star. How is this done, is it contributed by the shutter blades and its shape or it will automatically result when we stop down the lens when head on to the sun.

07-22-2011, 04:09 PM	#3
glee46 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North of San Francisco, California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 598	My 1st one this morning Got woke up @ 1:30 am by a drunk neighbor down the street who decided to fight one of the cops. Needless to say, hard to go back to sleep after the free entertainment. I live in the country, so at 5:00 am, I went for a walk. Using my K5 with flash I was able to get a little star burst. I got this at @ 6:30 am. I tried shooting threw some trees, but no luck. I used the kit lens 18-55mm at 20mm, f8, ISO-100, -3/10 EV, & using the camera flash to see the side of the post.

07-22-2011, 07:35 PM	#5
glee46 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North of San Francisco, California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 598	Wow! Now that 1st one is great. The DA 15mm really is a great lens. Thanks for showing it.

07-22-2011, 07:46 PM	#6
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	I know its not a sun but street lights have a similar effect, this one was at f/10 with the DA15- Last edited by TOUGEFC; 07-22-2011 at 08:33 PM.

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07-22-2011, 02:25 PM	#2
icywindow Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 303	From what I understand, starbursts are controlled by the shape and number of the aperture blades. Stopping down makes this more likely. If you have an odd number of blades, it will show double the rays of the number of blades, whereas an even number of blades will show the corresponding number of rays. I've noticed that flare helps the starburst effect, and had it happen on streetlights at night with a Sigma 20-40mm f2.8 lens even wide open. Starburst Effects - Photo Tips @ Earthbound Light

07-22-2011, 07:03 PM	#4
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	The lens make a big difference. Shoot at f22. Easiest way is to shoot the reflection. Or you can shoot the lights at night. The DA 15mm is great for this: Last edited by psychdoc; 11-14-2015 at 03:34 PM.

07-22-2011, 08:19 PM	#7
icywindow Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 303	Flare for fun effect. Sigma 20-40mm @ 40mm/f9.5 Last edited by icywindow; 07-22-2011 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Details

07-26-2011, 12:45 AM	#8
Elva Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 125	You can also use the internal star burst filter in the cameras filter effects or a star burst filter attached to the lens. I think a attachment filter gives a better and truer effect.

Shooting the Sun and star effect

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