Image of the Day

[randy_byers]

Northern Pursuit (1943)

Does anybody know what that donut of light with the two stars or plus signs in it is called? I've seen it in other screen caps where light is shining or flashing directly into the lens. Definitely has a toroid shape.

Comments

[del-c.livejournal.com]

The other times you've seen it, has it also been associated with vertical obstructions like that window frame?

[randy-byers.livejournal.com]

Not that I can tell.

[holyoutlaw.livejournal.com]

I think it's lens flare -- it's caused by the bright, pinpoint light hitting the optics of a lens and being refracted. Modern optics put a great deal of effort into making sure it doesn't happen, but Photoshop allows you to put it back in to your heart's content.

[randy-byers.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I suppose that's like putting scratches onto an image intentionally to make it look old. I actually think it's a very beautiful effect, but I suppose it gets boring if you see it all the time.