Not necessarily. Although considered a technical error, lens flare can improve your video—it just depends on when and how you apply it.
If you’re aiming to achieve a lens flare during filming, you’ll want to shoot in specific circumstances (bright light and stray light included) and with specific equipment (a zoom lens and a lens hood to begin with). In the off-chance that one element fails or something goes awry, you might have to contend with footage that’s overly distorted or a scene that’s too washed out for your liking. You might also run into problems with focus and balance—both of which can impact video quality. In which case, the lens fare becomes unwanted light.
However, if you add a lens flare during the editing process, this effect will not lower your video quality. Adding lens flares can actually improve your video’s quality by reinforcing your storytelling, imparting visual texture, and increasing cinematic style.
In terms of functional benefits, adding a lens flare in post can help you:
- Adjust light rays brightness
- Customize lens flare color
- Allow for digital camera flexibility
- Maintain continuity
- Take the pressure off of the filming process
- Synchronize with audio
- Increase reach and mobility
With the help of Runway’s full suite of editing functions, you can achieve natural-looking lens flare effect and so much more—all without risking the quality of your footage.