Photography is an art that has evolved over the years. Amidst different innovations and techniques implemented in photography, light leaks are one of the standout modern ways of enhancing the pictures.
Traditionally, these patches of lights ruined the picture in the early days. But cut to the modern century, and it seems things have changed. Today, light leaks add dimension, depth, and layers to the film, thereby ramping up the photo’s emotion.
But what exactly are light leaks? And how will you create them in your photos or videos? To get an insightful understanding of the concept, keep reading on.
An Introduction To Light Leaks: What Is It?
If you are a beginner in the world of photography, there are hordes of terms that may intrigue you.
And one of them is light leaks.
In general, the light leak is a term that comes from the concept of light leaking onto films. As a result, it leads to color and value leaks on the slides. The look adds a touch of nostalgia to the images. The light leak makes an outstanding addition to any analog photography as it offers your photos an outstanding appeal.
Despite being a popular photography technique however, some photographers don’t prefer using it. It could be that they are unfamiliar with the proper implementation of light leaks to enhance the overall photo.
If that sounds like an alien concept to you, welcome this post. Here, we will explore how to create light leaks with easy and interesting hacks.
Easy Hacks To Create Light Leaks In Any Photo
Here are the easy hacks to create light leaks in photos:
1. Implementing The Technique Of Glass Obstruction
Using a prism or crystal will help you create the light leak, but you will need a camera that features manual controls. You can take advantage of the technique by using a directional light source.
There are multiple ways to experiment with glasses.
For instance, you can use colored glasses to create various refraction types. You may also use diffractive light to create mirror-esque style leaks. Considering how the prism works, you can use them as mirror-like objects, which helps you create some intriguing images.
They aren’t always technically light leaks, but they can be creative projects in the same realm.
Start with the subject and obstructive glass when you use your camera. Then set the aperture fairly low and use a regular or telephoto lens. Use a stand or your hand and have that glass in front of your lens. Then, rotate it gradually while looking through the camera’s live view or viewfinder.
Experiment with distances between the front of the glass, subject, and lens.
2. A Bright Source Of Light Is Better To Use
Using a bright light source is an incredible way to create a light leak. You can do this either with the lens flare or in the effect of rays. Use the lens flare to your benefit but don’t forget to implement your creative skills too.
In general, lens flare is often out of control, although there are different ways to produce an image through the process. The most seamless process is to use a bright light source, and to do so, follow the directions below:
- Place the subject between the source and camera
- Now, you need to get your lens to create beautiful flares
- Try and move the light source around the frame’s edges, and keep the subject at the contrasting value with the source of the light source
The more you expose the source of light, the better and easier the light leaks look. But remember, some parts of it may go out of control.
Some high-end lenses will produce minimum flaring. In addition, the more inexpensive lenses have fewer blades in their aperture eye and have flares that aren’t so beautiful. That’s why the prime lenses that don’t have the coated elements can create the best effects.
One quick note: These prime lenses should not have coated elements that stop flaring and should be high quality.
3. Using Old Film Cameras For Creating More Stunning Light Leaks
Not all film cameras produce light leaks, and what technique you implement is vital to the ultimate result. After all, light leaks enhance not only photographs but also videos.
But when using the effect for videos, ensure that the camera is susceptible to light exposure. So, it’s better to purchase an inexpensive camera. For example, a toy camera or something a bit more advanced than that. If these cameras feature holes or defects, it becomes easier to get light leaks in the images.
You can purchase an analog camera to gain more control over the images. Don’t forget to get an interchangeable lens, which will help you experiment with apertures and light leak methods.
4. Use Different Angles and Cameras
Investing in a couple of equipment can be a great idea to play with light leaks. The more inexpensive the camera, the better your results are. In addition, you can use more than one lens and fill roll to experiment with apertures. That’s an excellent way to create surreal light leaks.
Try sticking to one technique for the shoot, and then change your camera and angles to discover an approach that blends in well with your requirements. For example, increase the aperture for the shoot and gradually change things for other shoots. You may try and keep the camera aperture small to tweak other camera setups.
If you’re looking for inspiration on the different camera setups, angles, and settings that you can play around with, watch photography influencers on platforms like YouTube or TikTok and get a feel for how they’re doing things. This could offer a new perspective to the way you’re approaching things as well.
One quick note: Whatever you practice, check the impacts of light leaks in each method.
5. Creating Fake Light Leaks
Light leaks are aesthetically pleasing elements that can enhance the overall photograph, which may explain why they are popular in digital photography. So, you can implement digital photo techniques to make beautiful light leaks.
You may use lighters, a vibrant piece of cloth, or even your finger. Whatever you select, ensure that you do not cover the lens specifically if you are experimenting with fire. All you need to do is hold the object in front of the lens so that it looks like it comes from one side.
You can always hop on to Colorcinch and play around with its vast collection of built-in overlay presets including light leaks, sun flare & haze, texture, and more!
In Conclusion
Light leaks can be a fantastic addition to film photography if incorporated smartly. As a budding photographer, you may experiment with different light leak methods, setups, and equipment to move closer to the perfect effect that you want for the photographs. Remember to follow the above hacks if you are a beginner.
