Digital Photography Hacks: Starlight Effects and Second-curtain Flash - Shooting Technique
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I tend to like the effect of these filters when the light source is smaller, such as the Christmas lights in Figure 3-9. I’ve noticed quite an improvement after I trim the candle wick, thereby reducing the size of the flame. Points of light produce sharp rays of light, emanating from the source. Larger light sources, such as a light bulb or untrimmed candle wick, produce softer, less detailed effects. Chandeliers can be quite impressive too.
I’ve had the best luck mounting the camera on a tripod and using the self-timer to trip the shutter. This helps me avoid the blurring effects of camera shake. Usually, I find that if I use –1 or –2 on the Exposure Compensation dial for close-up shots, I get better rays of light. Experiment until you get the effect you want.
Rows of candles shot with a star filter can be impressive. The room is transformed into a magical place, part of some other reality—not bad for an old UV filter with a few etched scratches in it!
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