Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
A flare occurs when light enters a camera lens and reflects internally between lens elements, creating visible artifacts such as streaks, haze, rings, or a reduction in contrast. Lens flare is typically caused by a bright light source, such as the sun or a strong practical, striking the lens directly or at an extreme angle.
Flares can be either an unwanted optical artifact or an intentional stylistic choice, depending on how they are used.
Role of Flare in Cinematography
Flare plays a dual role in cinematography: it can be something to avoid or something to embrace.
Uncontrolled flare can:
Reduce image contrast
Wash out blacks and shadows
Distract from the subject
Reveal the presence of a light source
Controlled flare, on the other hand, can be used deliberately to add energy, realism, or emotional emphasis to a shot. Many filmmakers use flare as a visual signature or to suggest heat, intensity, memory, or subjectivity.
How Flare Works
Lens flare is caused by internal reflections within a lens system. Modern lenses contain multiple glass elements, and when strong light enters the lens, some of it reflects off these surfaces instead of passing cleanly to the sensor or film.
Flare can appear as:
Streaks or lines across the frame
Circular or polygonal shapes
A general haze that lowers contrast
Ghost images of the light source
The exact appearance of flare depends on lens design, coatings, aperture shape, and the angle of the light source.
Types of Lens Flare
There are two broad categories of flare commonly discussed.
Veiling flare appears as a soft haze that reduces overall contrast and makes the image appear washed out.
Ghosting flare appears as distinct shapes, streaks, or patterns caused by reflections between lens elements.
Both types can occur simultaneously, especially when shooting toward strong light sources.
Flare and Lens Design
Different lenses produce flare in different ways.
Vintage lenses often flare more easily and produce softer, more organic artifacts due to older coatings and simpler designs.
Modern lenses typically suppress flare using advanced coatings, producing cleaner images.
Anamorphic lenses are known for their horizontal streak flares, which have become a stylistic hallmark.
Because of these differences, cinematographers often choose lenses based on how they handle flare, not just sharpness or speed.
Controlling Flare on Set
Flare can be managed or eliminated through careful technique.
Common methods include:
Using matte boxes and flags to block stray light
Adjusting camera angle or light position
Adding lens hoods or eyebrow flags
Changing lenses or aperture
Modifying the intensity or size of the light source
Small adjustments can dramatically change flare behavior. Grips and gaffers often work closely with the camera department to control flare precisely.
Intentional Use of Flare
When used intentionally, flare becomes a storytelling tool.
Flare is often used to:
Suggest realism or natural light
Add visual energy or stylization
Emphasize light sources within the scene
Create emotional or dreamlike effects
Break the “clean” digital look
Intentional flare is typically planned, tested, and controlled rather than accidental. The key difference between good and bad flare is intention.
Common Mistakes
Flare becomes problematic when:
It is unintentional and unnoticed
It obscures critical story information
It changes unpredictably between takes
It is mistaken for a lighting or exposure issue
Another common mistake is assuming all flare is bad. Eliminating all flare can result in images that feel sterile or overly clinical.
Why Flare Matters
Flare is a natural consequence of photographing light, and understanding it is essential for controlling image quality and style.
Flare matters because it:
Affects contrast and clarity
Reveals lens characteristics
Influences mood and tone
Can be used as a stylistic device
Requires coordination between camera, grip, and lighting
A skilled cinematographer knows when to suppress flare and when to allow it. Mastery of flare is not about avoiding it entirely, but about using it deliberately to support the story and the image.
Related Terms
[Matte Box] A camera accessory used to block stray light from entering the lens.
[Ghosting] Visible flare artifacts caused by internal lens reflections.
[Veiling Flare] A haze that reduces image contrast due to stray light.
[Anamorphic Lens] A lens type known for distinctive horizontal flare characteristics.
[Contrast] The difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image.