lens flare

[topaz]

lens flare, originally uploaded by qwrrty.

Photographs taken in very low light, with one distinct light source in the frame, produce this ghostly shadow of the original light, diagonally opposite the original in the frame. (at the lower left in this image)

Why? It doesn't appear to be a "lens flare" in the technical sense and I don't think it's a diffraction flare either. Anybody willing to hazard a guess?

Comments

[moominmolly.livejournal.com]

Do you have a filter on your lens? Which lens is it? Does it happen with other lenses?

[sconstant.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was going to guess lens too. And I was going to ask whether the ghostly shadow is rotationally symmetric. And then I realized that I know nothing about any of this, no matter what the answers are. But, you know, I have unfounded opinions, and I need to disseminate them.

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

Hm, now that you mention it, I do have one of those $15 UV filters on the lens. Maybe I should try taking it off and see if I still get the same thing?

[coraline]

yeah, it's your UV filter -- underwatercolor was talking about seeing the same problem with taking photos of firespinning.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

THE PHONE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE YOUR HOUSE

[primal-pastry.livejournal.com]

*bwah*