Tutorial - Sun Stars

I recently posted the above photo on Facebook. It is a happy memory of a day spent snowshoeing with friends - the sun just beginning to cross behind the mountains. I knew in that setting I could capture a remarkable image with the sun creating a sun burst effect.

It's all done in your camera. And very easy to do - there is a little science involved but no equations to memorize just a little experimentation.

The effect happens because light has a tendency to bend slightly around objects. Have you ever noticed light seeping in through a crack and there is light next to the crack as well as straight through the crack? It's bending.

Now consider the anatomy of a camera lens - specifically the apparatus that creates the aperture or the opening that allows light to enter the camera. The aperture is created by a diaphragm made up of blades that open & close to allow or restrict light. The blades aren't sealed and light can bend or leak around the edges. We don't see this very often unless there is a lot of light trying to get through a small opening - like the sun! 

So the rays of the sun star are where the light has leaked around the blades of the diaphragm.

So how do you make a sun star?

First you need to be able to manipulate the aperture in your camera/lens. Your camera can either be set for aperture priority or manual. This is very important - if you leave it on auto or program, your image might not turn out the way you'd like.

Then you'll need to find the right setting and light. In all of my images here, the sun is slightly obscured by an object which works marvelously well. In each the object is the primary subject and the sun is used to accent the subject and to highlight shape.

So find a scene where the sun is peaking at you over a mountain or through leaves of a tree.

Next, stop down your aperture as far as it will go. Remember, the larger the number for the aperture, the smaller the opening. You want that opening very small so take your aperture to f/16 or f/22. I've even used f/32. Adjust for the exposure and shoot away.

Check your image to see if it's what you want & make whatever adjustments you need to get it perfect.

Shooting sun stars can be very fun and will add a special highlight to your photography.