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How to Add Lens Flare Effect to a Photo

6 min read
Quick Answer

To add lens flare to a photo, upload your image to EditThisPic and describe the effect: 'add a warm lens flare from the sun in the top right,' 'add a cinematic lens flare,' or 'add golden light flare streaks.' The AI places a realistic flare that blends with your photo's lighting and color. Free, no signup required.

Why Lens Flare Makes Photos Look Better

Lens flare happens naturally when bright light hits a camera lens at the right angle. It creates those warm, glowing streaks and circles that make photos feel cinematic. Filmmakers and photographers have used it for decades to add warmth, atmosphere, and a sense of natural light to their images. Adding lens flare to a photo after the fact gives you the same effect without having to chase the perfect lighting angle.

Types of Lens Flare Effects

  • Sun flare: A natural-looking burst from the sun, with warm golden or orange tones
  • Anamorphic flare: Horizontal blue or teal streaks seen in cinematic widescreen films
  • Starburst: Sharp, pointed rays radiating from a bright light source
  • Haze flare: A soft, diffused glow that washes part of the image in warm light
  • Rainbow circles: Concentric colored rings trailing from a bright point — classic Spielberg look

Placing Lens Flare Realistically

The most convincing lens flare comes from an actual light source in the frame. If there's a sun, streetlight, or window in your photo, place the flare there. Describe the direction: 'add lens flare from the top right where the sun is.' The AI reads the lighting in your photo and matches the flare's color temperature and intensity to what's already there. A warm sunset gets warm orange flare. Cool blue-hour light gets cooler tones.

When to Use Lens Flare

Golden hour portraits benefit from a warm sun flare peeking past the subject's shoulder. Outdoor adventure photos feel more dramatic with light streaks cutting through trees. Street photography at night looks cinematic with anamorphic flare from neon signs. Wedding photos gain a dreamy, romantic quality. Even product photos can use subtle flare to suggest premium quality and warm lighting.

Getting the Balance Right

The best lens flare enhances a photo without overwhelming it. Too much and it looks like a filter slapped on top. Too little and you won't notice it. Start with a natural-looking flare and adjust from there. If the first result is too intense, ask for 'make the lens flare more subtle.' If it's too faint, try 'make the flare stronger and more visible.' The goal is a flare that looks like it happened naturally when the photo was taken.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Upload Your Photo

Drop your image into EditThisPic. Outdoor photos with visible light sources work best, but the AI can add convincing flare to any image.

2

Describe the Lens Flare You Want

Be specific about style and position: 'add a warm golden lens flare from the top right corner,' 'add anamorphic blue lens flare streaks across the image,' or 'add a soft sun flare peeking over the subject's shoulder.' The more detail, the better the result.

3

Check the Result

Use the before/after slider to compare. Look at how the flare interacts with the existing lighting. It should feel like a natural extension of the light already in the scene, not a sticker placed on top.

4

Adjust Intensity or Style

If the flare is too strong, ask for 'make the lens flare more subtle and natural.' If you want a different look, try 'change the lens flare to an anamorphic blue streak' or 'make the flare warmer and more golden.'

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Frequently Asked Questions

Upload your photo to EditThisPic and describe the flare you want: 'add a warm sun lens flare from the top right' or 'add cinematic lens flare.' The AI generates a realistic flare that matches your photo's lighting. No layers or manual blending needed.
A sun flare coming from a visible light source in the photo looks most natural. Position it where the sun, a window, or a streetlight already is. Warm golden tones work for daylight shots; cooler blue tones suit evening or urban scenes.
Yes. Portrait lens flare looks great when it comes from behind or beside the subject — like sunlight over a shoulder. Describe it as 'add a warm lens flare from the sun behind the person.' The AI keeps the subject's face clear while adding the glow around them.
Lens flare creates distinct shapes — streaks, circles, starburst patterns — from a point of light. Light leaks create broader, more diffused washes of color across the frame, like light sneaking into an old film camera. Both add warmth, but flare is more focused and dramatic.
Yes. Describe it as 'add anamorphic blue lens flare streaks' or 'add horizontal teal lens flare like in a cinematic film.' The AI creates the distinctive horizontal streaks associated with widescreen movie lenses.
EditThisPic offers free edits with no signup required. Upload your photo, describe the lens flare effect, and download the result.

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