Use Backlighting to Emphasize Rays

Backlighting is one of the most effective ways to photograph rays of light.

Position yourself so the light source is behind or partially behind the subject.

For example, try photographing:

• Sunlight through trees
• Mountains against the sun
• People in backlight
• Buildings with sunlight behind them

The darker areas of the scene can provide contrast against the bright rays.

Include a Foreground Subject

Rays can sometimes be difficult to see when the entire scene is bright.

Including darker elements in the foreground can provide contrast.

Try using:

• Trees
• Rocks
• Mountains
• Buildings
• People
• Bridges

The foreground also gives the photograph a stronger sense of depth.

Use Composition to Make the Rays Stand Out

Good light does not automatically create a good photograph.

Composition is still important.

Rule of Thirds

Try placing the sun or the main area of light near one of the intersections of the rule-of-thirds grid.

This can prevent the image from feeling too centered.

Diagonal Composition

Light rays naturally create diagonal lines.

Use these lines to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

For example, rays coming through a forest can lead the viewer from the foreground toward the brighter area in the background.

Vertical Composition

Vertical orientation can work particularly well when rays extend downward through trees or clouds.

It can emphasize the height of the scene and the vertical direction of the light.

How to Photograph Starbursts

Starburst photography is generally easier to control than atmospheric rays because you can influence the effect primarily through your aperture.

Stop Down the Aperture

To create a stronger starburst, try stopping down the aperture.

A useful starting range is approximately:

F8 to F16

For example:

• F5.6 → weaker or softer effect
• F8 → visible starburst
• F11 → stronger rays
• F16 → pronounced effect

However, extremely narrow apertures such as F22 can introduce diffraction and reduce overall sharpness.

Therefore, don’t assume that the smallest available aperture will always produce the best photograph.

Use the Sun as a Light Source

You can photograph a starburst using the sun.

Instead of photographing the sun completely unobstructed, try partially hiding it behind:

• A tree
• A building
• A mountain
• A person
• A rock

Allowing only part of the sun to appear can make the starburst easier to control and can also reduce the amount of intense light entering the frame.

Photograph Streetlights at Night

Starbursts are not limited to daytime.

Streetlights and other artificial light sources can be excellent subjects.

Try photographing:

• City streets
• Bridges
• Buildings
• Streetlights
• Night markets
• Traffic

Stopping the aperture down can turn small points of light into prominent star shapes.

What Determines the Shape of a Starburst?

The shape of a starburst depends partly on the lens’s aperture design.

The number and shape of the aperture blades influence the number and appearance of the rays.

Some lenses can produce pronounced, defined starbursts while others create a softer appearance.

This is one reason why two different lenses can produce different results even when using the same camera settings.

The 90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (F072), for example, features a 12-blade circular aperture and is designed to produce both attractive bokeh and starburst effects.

How to Photograph Starbursts at Night

Night photography can provide excellent opportunities for starbursts.

Use Streetlights as Your Subjects

Look for a scene containing several small light sources.

A line of streetlights can create a strong sense of depth.

Try photographing along:

• Roads
• Bridges
• Walkways
• City streets

Use a Narrow Aperture

Start around F11 and adjust as necessary.

If the starburst is too weak, try a smaller aperture.

If the image becomes too soft because of diffraction, open the aperture slightly.

Use a Tripod When Necessary

Night scenes can require slower shutter speeds.

A tripod can help keep the camera stable.

It also allows you to use a lower ISO when the available light is limited.

Use Manual Focus When Appropriate

Autofocus can sometimes struggle in very dark environments.

If your subject is static and the camera has difficulty focusing, consider switching to manual focus.

Use the camera’s magnified live view or focus assistance to confirm sharpness.

Photographing the Sun: Important Considerations

The sun is extremely bright and can potentially damage camera equipment and your eyes if viewed improperly.

Avoid looking directly at the sun through an optical viewfinder.

Use your camera’s live view or electronic viewfinder where appropriate, and follow the camera manufacturer’s safety recommendations.

Do not leave the camera pointed toward the sun for extended periods.

Also be aware that intense backlighting can make it difficult to judge exposure.

How to Combine Rays of Light and Starbursts

One of the most interesting techniques is to photograph both effects in the same scene.

For example:

1. Find a location with fog or mist.
2. Wait until the sun is low.
3. Position yourself so the sun is partially visible.
4. Stop the aperture down.
5. Include trees or another foreground subject.
6. Adjust exposure to protect the highlights.
7. Take several photographs at different apertures.

The atmospheric conditions can reveal the rays, while the stopped-down aperture can create a starburst around the sun.

This combination can produce a dramatic landscape photograph.

Lens Selection for Rays of Light and Starbursts

The lens you choose depends on the scene.

A wide-angle lens can be useful when you want to show the environment surrounding the light.

A standard zoom provides flexibility when the subject distance changes.

A telephoto lens can isolate distant areas of light.

A macro lens can also be useful for night scenes because bright point sources can create interesting starbursts within a tighter composition.