SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION by Andrew Haysom

Now invoke the Filter / Render / Lens Flare command, the Lens Flare dialog will be displayed (see Figure 2). Without knowing the little tip I’m discussing here, you would place the lens flare by moving the cross-hair within the preview window, but it is difficult to do so accurately using this method.

[Figure 2 – Lens Flare dialog]

Instead of moving the cross-hair, hold down the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) key, and click on the preview window in the Lens Flare dialog. The Precise Flare Centre dialog is displayed (see Figure 3).

[Figure 3 – Precise Flare Centre dialog]

Enter the X and Y coordinates you noted from the Info panel earlier and press OK, your flare is now positioned exactly where you want it. Once you have chosen the Brightness and Lens Type you need, press OK again to place your lens flare.

Remember, because you have placed your flare on a separate layer you can use clipped adjustment layers, or the opacity of the layer to adjust the flare to exactly what you want.

[Figure 4 – Final image]