Cross/Star Filter help needed

[j_t17]

I'm a new photographer, and I saw a portfolio where all of the

candles in the church had starbursts off of them. I asked how the

look was achieved, and the woman told me that they had used a star

filter. I went to a major camera store around my area to get it,

they didn't have a star filter, but they had a cross filter. I had

assumed that they were the same thing so I bought it. Tonight I

decided to try it out and I couldn't get hardly any effect. I used

the "Promaster cross screen 4x filter" on a Canon D20 and a 420EX

speedlight. No other lighing was used except for the living room

light attached to the ceiling fan. I don't know if these filters

are not the same, or if there was bad lighting, I'm hoping that

someone here can give me some direction. Below is the best effect I

could get.<div></div>

[merlin]

I don't think there was anything wrong with your filter. I don't think you were getting enough reflections off of the dress I'm asumming. Try it on something brighter like a chandelier or somecandles. This effect, in my opinion can be more easily achieved in photoshop. I think elements also. That way you have total control over it.

[mendonphoto]

Star-cross (aka star, starburst, cross) filters require strong point sources of lights. You may have better luck with this picture if you use a strong side-light (to lessen the illumination on the fabric and create stronger reflections off the beads).

[mendonphoto]

...also, the picture is underexposed. I assume the fabric is white rather than gray. If you do this shot again, dial up the flash exposure compansation by 1.5 to 2 stops. For that matter, any type of metering off of this fabric should probably be assumed to be 1.5-2 stops under - so compensate by adding that amount to the exposure.

[todd frederick]

As mentioned, the star will appear only from direct specular light (like a candle) or light that is reflected of shiny points (like car chrome). You seem to have one spot on the dress that worked. If there waqs stronger light hitting the dress you'd probably get more stars. You also have a 4 point cross/star filter. You can get them with 6 points and more. Since you're using digital, light some candles or go outside and find shiny objects to practice. Don't use your flash with a lighted candle, however. Have fun.

[david_schilling___chicago_]

JT, You can also adjust the effect quite abit by zooming the lens....you should also be able to see the effect as you look through the lens. For fun, look or shoot through a screen door at night without the filter and you'll see the same effect. A word of caution tho, the filter will also offer difussion and soften the focus...........have fun.<div></div>

[rich_taylor____mequon__wi]

JT,

 

I was politely and appropriately chastised (by Mary) for critical comments about your grammar, which were meant to be humorous but probably came off as biting. My apologies to you and the other members who may have been offended. I'm really one of the good guys.

[theresa_skutt]

I had the same problem, and wondered HOW do you do it in photoshop??

[russ_konrad]

Sometimes you can get the effect straight out of the camera if the aperture and lighting is just right.

<p>

Here is one from last Friday's wedding. A guest took a shot at the same time that I shot my shot and here is the

result:

<p>

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2754911265_8ca03a772d.jpg?v=0">

<p>

Nikon D3 with 24-70 f/2.8 lens.