Here’s a quick tip for creating a “starburst” effect with your camera. Just stop down your aperture to a high f/number like f/16 or f/22 while photographing a scene that has a bright light like the sun, or streetlights at night. The result will be a starburst effect at each point source of light.
The exact characteristics of the starburst will depend on the blades that shape the aperture as well as the lens optics. So, the effect will be different on different lenses. I have found the starburst effect to be most dramatic on my Sigma 15mm Fisheye lens. Anyway, it’s sometimes fun to try this out. Here are a few shots at f/22. Note even the sun reflections in the water also reveal a starburst.
And then in the shot below, note the starburst effect is not as strong. This shot was taken at f/8.
The easiest way to set your camera to shoot a photograph at a high f/number is to choose Aperture Priority Exposure Mode (A on Nikon, Av on Canon) and simply dial the aperture to f/16 or f/22.
If you DON’T like or want that starburst effect, just pick a low f/number like f/2.8 or f/4 or f.5.6 instead!
Happy Picture Taking!
Kevin Gourley
Which lens did you use on the lake shot above? Your Sigma 15mm fisheye?
Thanks so much Kevin for sharing your tidbits of info. I used the settings you suggested about capturing the Supermoon and it worked so well.