Chasing Sunflare, A Tutorial
November 19, 2009 by Puna
Filed under Horses, Photography, Photography Tutorials
focal length: 23 mm
shutter speed: 1/250
aperture: f/25
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
Last weekend was the girl’s second meet of the year and we settled down to it like old pros. Or at least she did. I continued to wonder what a lead change was.
“Did you see that flying lead change?”
Sure I did.
focal length: 23 mm
shutter speed: 1/250
aperture: f/25
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
And I was looking for great shots of my little girl and her little teammates. I read a tutorial in iHeartfaces about sunflare and I was determined to find some. Unfortuntely, the day’s events were slightly overwhelming for me. I was tasked to also keep score for the team. I couldn’t remember anything in the tutorial except for this, have your kit lens and a narrow aperture (a big number on your aperture setting).
focal length: 23 mm
shutter speed: 1/50
aperture: f/25
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
But it was still dark so I slowed the shutter speed. Little Alexandra came in to help the girl tack up Chocolate. I love her little braids.
focal length: 23 mm
shutter speed: 1/25
aperture: f/25
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
I slowed the shutter speed even more. It’s better. Notice I should have changed my ISO but she was going to be done any second.
focal length: 23 mm
shutter speed: 1/8
aperture: f/22
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
I had just enough time to fiddle with it one more time. Slower shutter speed still, quick adjustment on the aperture. And there’s Little Alexandra again. She’s so little and so cute.
focal length: 18 mm
shutter speed: 1/8
aperture: f/22
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
A little more fumbling and the sun started to go away.
focal length: 18 mm
shutter speed: 1/8
aperture: f/22
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
By the time Little Madison came to help, the sun was gone. I guess I could have helped also.
focal length: 18 mm
shutter speed: 1/8
aperture: f/22
ISO: 200
flash: not fired
I could have done something with the ISO. I always forget the ISO! But tacking up Chocolate took just minutes and I would have missed it if I hadn’t been there with my camera.
All of these photos are straight out of camera (SOOC).
Hugs all around.
Absolutely love the results of this little tutorial experiment. Especially great when the sun’s flares fill the frame. Beautiful images!!!
my problem is i will sometimes get the exact sun flare effect i want, when i least expect it. then i have to retrace my steps and try to remember for next time. i’ve started making cheat cards, to keep in my pocket when i want to try something specific.
Puna, you are starting to make me want to get into photography! I have used my trusty cellphone for pictures for too long. Maybe a camera is on my horizon for Christmas…you do make it sound fun!
You definitely should! And yes, it is fun. I have the humble Nikon D40 but to me it’s the bees knees. It’s the lower priced DSLR and I would definitely recommend it to a beginner. I thought at first that it was too expensive until I started adding up the cost of all the points and shoots we’ve ever bought and thrown away because they quit working. I’m saving my pennies for a nicer camera but right now I am very content with what I have.
To me, photography is so important in documenting my family’s life. Every little painful detail to my kids’ chagrin at times:) I am more and more into the art of photography but learning even a little more about it will greatly improve your photos and give your kids and family something to look back on!
Definitely put it on your Christmas list! Maybe it will even spark your kids’ creativity too!
Love your sun flare! I think my favorite is at 1/8 second. Did you use a tripod or lean on anything? I am not good at holding steady at slow shutter speed!
I didn’t use a tripod but that would be a great idea! I don’t think it would be good in the horse poop:) I hold my breath a lot, it’s from my yoga training. I hope I don’t pass out one day:)
Excellent work, Puna! I was playing with flare from a street lamp the other night, along with headlights from a car/truck. It’s fun to play and learn. Gets the creative juices flowing.
I love that fifth shot where the flare fills the frame and your daughter is looking at the camera. Excellent!!