Have you ever taken a photo while pointing your camera directly into the sun? If so, you may be familiar with how shooting a light source directly can cause lens flare — distortions that can appear as streaks, halo-like effects, or dotted and hazy reflections.
Lens flares occur when light from a direct source gets trapped and reflects between a camera’s lenses. Depending on what style and subject you’re photographing, the result can be serendipitous, even if accidental. When used intentionally, they can add a layer of realism and drama, with subtle imperfections that add depth and emphasis.
With this free brush pack from Creator FX, you can retouch any image with stylized lights and lens flare effects in Adobe Photoshop. Try experimenting with different colors and additional Photoshop tools, including the Eyedropper, Layer Masks, and Blend modes.
Check out a few before and after examples below, then dig into the brush set to touch-up your own photos.
Frame your subject with a single brush action. We’ve used a Light Brush here to create an overlay, set to a deep red to accentuate the twirling jacket as the focal point.
Bathe your favorite furry friends in a warm, colorful glow. Add soft, ambient pink overlays with Light Brushes, and experiment with Blend modes to combine hues.
Transform a photo from dusk to dawn. Create focal points and reflections on the water using Lens Flare Brushes. Then, add a soft, ambient overlay with a Light Brush.
Embrace imperfections to add a realistic touch. Try using Light Brushes to cast a warm, late afternoon glow. Then, create sun reflections onto glass surfaces with the Lens Flare brushes.
A hazy overcast effect can make a subject pop. Use Light Brushes to cast a warm tint. Then, add natural light flares and reflections on the water with Lens Flare Brushes to complete the look.
Create a memorable atmosphere for your urban snapshot. Light Brushes cast a warm, nostalgic glow to this bustling Hong Kong street scene. Round it out with Lens Flare Brushes to add reflective accents.
Jack Delulio is a digital content creator, graphic designer, and founder of CreatorFX.com — an online marketplace that provides the new generation of creatives with the tools, templates, and plugins they need to level up their photo and video game.
