Sun Flares and Lens Flares

[andrewho]

I've seen a lot of professional pictures that have a very nice sun flare and/or lens flares. I don't think these flares are inherent of the lens aperture, as lenses tend to have usually 8 blades. But these flares seem to split up the light into 20-30 lines, which doesn't make sense.

I've tried Knoll Light Factory, and it does seem like its capable of recreating these flares, but is there a better method? and what settings are used?

(this is an aside, but this looks like it was processed:

http://jessicaclaire.net/images/content/ACF6C6F.jpg

Having shot for years, the camera can't capture that dynamic range to have the bride and groom in proper exposure. How is this done?



Anyways back to the point,

How do you achieve a flare like this?

http://jessicaclaire.net/images/content/ACF1CC9.jpg

thanks in advance!

[Nasturtium]

There is a lens flare filter in Photoshop.

[L33t]

I think if you're using smaller aperture, you will get that kind of thing.

[pellepiano]

Yes, the smaller aperture the more detailed the "spikes" or anything with that strength of light ( like water reflections ).

Heres an example shooting into the sun at f14 with a Sigma 10-20 .

http://www.pellepiano.com/studiobild/images/imageh9.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/...2cb734c8_o.jpg

When you shoot against the sun you need some extra light. I used some off camera flash on these.

[RBurleson]

I shoot at high noon with a high power strobe aimed at the model at around f16-22 for my real sun flare starbursts. Its the real deal no PS.

This one is right before sunset.
http://mediaprison.com/photos/397758192_WTuLi-O.jpg