MAKE USE OF DIFFRACTION
Use creative aperture control to introduce some artistic flare to your images, with this in-camera special lighting effect
Learn how to turn points of light into attractive starbursts with this step-bystep shooting tutorial
Low-light shots in towns and cities offer a multitude of creative opportunities and exposure challenges in equal measure. High contrast between the dark environment and bright artificial light can make calculating exposure tricky. However, this contrast allows artistic use of very defined points of light, such as car headlights and street lamps, to produce photographs with added interest. A popular technique is to use the diffractive properties of very narrow aperture settings to render these lights as eye-catching ‘starbursts’, which can be used to create images with a dreamy, fairytale atmosphere. This effect is not something we see with our own eyes, so it easily draws and holds a viewer’s attention. Without the proper use of f-stop, lights will remain diffused, bright areas, devoid of form and structure, which does not suit every composition. By varying aperture, the extent of the diffraction of light can be controlled, altering the effect strength, while focal length changes the size of the lights within your composition. With the correct subject matter and a subtle balance of effect strength and environmental interest, this technique can breathe life into otherwise flat and dull scenes.
1
SELECT APERTURE PRIORITY MODE
Set A (or Av) mode from the main shooting mode dial, which will enable you to control f-stop while the camera monitors shutter speed for exposure. Set ISO 400 as a base setting.
2
USE A TRIPOD
Due to the need to utilise a small aperture to create the starburst effect and the low ambient lighting, a tripod is recommended to keep images sharp. Try test compositions before affixing your camera.
3
STOP DOWN THE APERTURE
Use the control dial to set a narrow aperture. Start at f16 to achieve the effect without compromising quality – only go to f22 or beyond if you need a stronger, more defined effect on your lights.
4
ADJUST EXPOSURE
To create good contrast between the lights and background, underexpose slightly using exposure compensation to produce a darker, dramatic atmosphere, so the diffracted lights stand out.
5
PLACE YOUR SUBJECT
Use Live View to compose your image, placing your subject within your pre-arranged background. Try varying subject position, overlapping them with the lights to experiment with flare effects.
6
SHOOT AND REVIEW
The small aperture will produce deep depth of field, so shoot multiple images to ensure a clean background, free of distractions. Increase the f-number further if the effect is not yet strong enough.