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flare

flare

5 7.4
An unwanted bright spot in a photo caused by stray light
  • noun
  • /flɛr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : destello
  • We're hearing reports of purple camera lens flares in bright lighting.
  • lens flare
  • camera flare
  • stray light flare

Examples

  • Gobos on lights and lens shades were essential to prevent flare and glare.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Use a lens hood when you shoot to block lens flare.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The purple flare in the image provided is considered normal behavior for the iPhone 5's camera.

    Blog text (9)
  • The photographer adjusted the lighting to minimize the flare in the image.

  • During the shoot, there was an annoying flare that distorted the view of the subject.

  • She noticed a strange flare on the left side of the photo after developing it.

Synonyms

streak
vsflare
45 2.6

A long thin line of color or light on something

is an unwanted bright spot or line caused by internal stray reflections
gleam
vsflare
34 2.9

A small, quick flash of light from a shiny surface

is an unwanted bright streak or spot caused by internal optical reflections
highlight
vsflare
32 3.4

A bright spot on a picture where light hits or reflects

is an unwanted bright area produced by internal stray reflections
glint
vsflare
20 2.9

A small quick flash when light bounces off something

is an unwanted persistent bright artifact from internal reflections rather than a quick flash
starburst
vsflare
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A bright point of light with rays spreading out in photos

is an unwanted spot or streak caused by internal reflections, not intentional rays

Antonyms

30 2.7

How easy it is to see through something like clean water

5 3.2

How clear and detailed an image or sound appears

Compounds

solar flare
  • Specialized
12 6.5

A sudden burst of strong energy from the sun that can disrupt radio and satellite signals

11 6.0

A sudden increase in violence, anger, or symptoms

flare pass
  • Jargon
7.0

A short forward pass to a player running toward the sideline in American football

flare path
  • Specialized
8.3

A line of lights showing the edge of a runway to guide pilots at night or in fog

flare star
  • Specialized
9.7

A small red star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a few minutes because of explosions on its surface

How Noticeable

glare
37 3.3
flare
  • Specialized
5 7.4
bloom
  • Specialized
1 7.9
highlight
32 3.4
ghosting
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

flare singular
flares plural

Etymology

A helpful way to remember flare in photography is to think of sunlight 'flaming' into the lens, the same basic idea as flame. That is why a lens flare is an unwanted bright spot from stray light.