I LOVE starbursts! I think they can add so much to a picture and they are SUPER easy. Here are 5 steps to help you create starbursts day or night.
1. Set your aperture as high as it can go (at least f18).
You can get the effect if your aperture is open wider it just doesn’t have the same big starburst lines. Below is an example of a photo taken with a wider aperture and less of a starburst effect.
ISO 400, f11, ss 1/640
2. If shooting during the day time, partially block the sun with another object.
ISO 160, f18, ss 1/160
3. Cover your lens from the sun so you can get your settings correct.
Use your hand to shield the light (like you shield your eyes from the sun) that is pouring into your lens. Once you have your settings set then you can move your hand and let the light pour in.
ISO 320, f14, ss 1/80 (not sure why my aperture is at 14 and not 18)
4. Don’t point your camera directly at the sun as it could damage your eyes and/or your lens.
ISO 500, f32, ss 1/100
5. If shooting at night be sure to use a tripod since your shutter speed will be slower in order to get your photo properly exposed.
Or if you are like me and take your tripod to Tokyo Disneyland only to be told you aren’t allowed to use it, you can set your bookbag on some bushes as a make shift tripod. Disney has some very sturdy and level bushes :O)
ISO 250, f32, ss 25.0
ISO 320, f22, ss 0.5
Did you notice the pictures that had a closed up aperture (larger number) had the largest starburst effects!!!
Don’t forget to share your photo on Friday!
Courtney Slazinik
@clickitupanotch
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At Click it Up a Notch you will find tips and tricks to improve your photos one click at a time. 
What an awesome tip – I definitely need to try this!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks! Hope you will share your results :O)
Courtney I could spend hours reading your blog (sadly I have to get dressed for work). There is so much great info. Thank you.
I’m going to play with your starburst effect tips this week. Hopefully I’ll capture something that is share worthy
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Oh, thanks Jill!! Darn work getting in the way :O) he he Good luck getting a starburst effect! Can’t wait to see what you get :O)
These are gorgeous. Thanks for the tips!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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My pleasure :O)
Awesome tips
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks :O)
Oooh, this looks fun! Sorry for my recent absence. I think you know all that’s been going on with us, but hopefully this week will calm down a little!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I hope it does calm down for y’all! Let us know if you need anything!
I’ve always wondered how to do this. Thanks for the tips.
I’m just now reading this
Its almost a year ago, I love the night time tips!! Thanks!
JennyO recently posted..Weltenburg River Ride
Twitter: theladyokie
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Love the tips! I actually just figured this out on my own a few months ago, but this is a great refresher! (And I love the story about Tokyo Disneyland! haha.)
Amanda Bumgarner recently posted..Scavenger Hunt Week 17
I tried this technique on Thursday night and I liked the result so much I entered it in your August contest… my first contest ever.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! I’m glad you tried this and entered your photo!!!