zoossh
Senior Member
the sunray that diverges comes from a strong intense light source (the sun) when it is partially blocked by a sharp edged object (edge of the wall).
the diverging sunrays that spread out in the periphery of the frame, is the result of using a filter, in my case, a rectangular GND filter. i'm not sure if it can be replicated on other round filters, but i postulate that the thickness of the resin filter and its material might have accentuate the sunrays that is otherwise not visible without the filter. it is a particular phenomenon i notice while using the filter when shooting in this circumstance, though it is not always the case, for example if the sun is not bright enough and the foreground is not dark enough.
i suppose you similarly need some kind of different contrast of lighting in order for the break of light to be taken (e.g. light ray cut through a whole of dark clouds, light ray through a small window of super dark dusty rooms)
the bad part abt using these externally protruding filter is they get dirty easily and i ain't using gd quality filters. they are a big no no for night shots or long exposure as the ugly marks shows up. these ugly marks are not visible or not so obvious when the light is bright.
many times we dun understand each other, maybe jsut very simple english or mandarin they knew. like some street photographer (i'm not one actually), i usually make myself and my shooting intention very conspicuous. i dun hide my DSLR and it is strapped on my body (previously using optech chest strap, recently got black rapid side shoulder strap). i wander around my subject and they will become aware of my presence. if i feel that they feel ok towards me, and also looks ok when i approach, i will just smile and gesture. i may do simple chats after photographing rather than chat first then shoot as the transition from chatting to wanting to shoot seems quite abrupt.
it has to do with your personality on which way you prefer to shoot, as well as that of the subjects. the curiosity about each other is one factor and it makes it easier if you are of different race or if the place is unplaque by foreigners. it is also easier if you are deemed less threatening, for examples for female photographers on muslim women, or you dun look like a paparazzi or pervert.
some societies are also more photographic friendly who treats photographers with more respect whereas some places are just unfriendly, or have more racial discrimination, or simply that the people there are wary about photographers. the rampancy of DSLR or DSLR-lookalike prosumers can blur the margins to the public. while professionals are wary of amateurs, amateurs are also wary of snappers, and snappers wary of perverts - as there is difference in approach and intent. if some people holding the same equipment as you do behave in a bad manner, the public will see photographers differently. the west have been so badly hit by this, and from time to time in UK magazines, you can see many photographers in UK complaining abt problems being seen as or directly accused of being terrorists, perverts, pedophiles or paparazzi with zero basis. one guy was scolded a pervert while using a tele to shoot a squirrel simply becos another middle aged women thinks she is in the frame. it can be very very traumatizing for some people, esp if he himself is a staunch believer against those bad practices but he himself being accuse as such.
generally you have to take extra precautions for the west and the middle east. SEA, india and east asia are more friendly to portraits and you can start off here. i think japan is a great place for that. i would one day like to revisit japan and just do lots of streets. you can avoid the racial discrimination or demeaning views you get elsewhere, and also avoid the pay-for-photography habits elsewhere.
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. After observing your photos of light rays, I come to conclude this is something that Canon lenses cannot do. Nikkor handles flare better.
