A photo is nearly perfect, but you feel that something is still missing. That elusive “something” that transforms a picture from good to dazzling. Here’s a small secret: lens flare effect PNGs. These overlays will transform any shot. Imagine golden sunlight streaming from treetops. It gives a dreamlike effect. That’s the exact feeling that lens flares achieve.
Why even bother? Well, they’re versatile. From your Instagram photos to more high-end projects, you can use them. It’s a transparent overlay that simulates the look of light scattering by a camera lens. Your photos will look much more professional.
How can you use this handy tool? For a novice, the process can seem a lot like learning to drive a car. After a wobbly beginning, it’s smooth sailing. The majority of photo-editing tools, like Photoshop or GIMP (free), can work with these files.
Imagine you are looking at a vacation photo. It’s pretty, but it’s not quote-postcard-pretty. Just add a lens-flare PNG. Sun now appears to be casting an enchanting halo across the water. All of a sudden, your friends start to ask you whether or not you have hired a professional.
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Lens flares can sometimes ruin an image. If you overuse it, your photo will look heavily processed. It’s important to keep the balance. You wouldn’t pour hot sauce over all your dishes, right? It’s the same concept.
A little story to illustrate my point: When I shot a picture of a city’s skyline, it was at night. As it was, the picture lacked dynamic. The city appeared to be alive when a small flare was placed near the streetlight. Was it magical? Perhaps. Did I receive accolades? Definitely.
It’s important to remember how these flares are applied. You can drag the image onto the picture once you choose your PNG. It can be resized and rotated until the image is perfectly aligned to your light source. It’s possible to adjust transparency as well, so that the effect doesn’t say “I am lens flare!” Instead, the lens flare whispers.
Next, for the brave souls who’ve made it to this point, we will discuss another clever trick. Blending options. Blending modes.
Do you remember those days when MySpace was awash with filters and abuse of them? Please, let’s not go there again. Focus lens flares on enhancing, not overwhelming. You should think of them as a light pat on the shoulder, and not like an arbitrary shove. Flares are often used by professional photographers to enhance warmth or create a sense wonder.
Let’s think of something. Ever seen action movie posters? You’ll notice the intense light streaks. Lens flare is the magic that’s happening. It’s all about playing with your perception. They guide your eyes to create a more vivid scene. Hollywood-style flair can also be used in your images without the need for an Oscar-winning budget.
Know that you can also make your very own lens flare PNGs. You’re right, there is such a thing. Grab a source of light that is bright and has great contrast, then isolate it. Voila! Your edits will be based on a customized touchstone.
The lens flare PNGs we have created are much more than mere gimmicks. The PNGs can create mood, ambience, and even a bit of drama. When you’re in need of a quick visual boost, these are ideal. Then why not have a try? What if I experimented? Who knows, maybe your next image will become the latest trend on social networking sites or even be displayed proudly on a gallery wall. Thought for the day: subtly is key.