It kinda looks like a vertical only lens flare. Is this only done using an after effects type program or can it be done with optics?

Here is a page with one example
http://www.ayatoweb.com/ae_tips_e/ae01_e.html

If you notice in the example the flare has straight lines on the side of the flares that are pretty solid with solid black behind them. I've also seen this effect with more beed in the center of the flares where the light source might be causing the flares to touch along the middle. If you can picture sharp spikes on a lie detector test....kinda like that. I wouldnt be using it in a title (as the example shows) but on a scene from my short. Anyway is it all post production AE stuff or can it be done with optics?

Thanks for your time.

This CAN be created with optics but it requires some special circumstances. Some BRIGHT lights and a very high shutter speed will give this effect... I think I got some raw concert video I can post for you...



ash =o)

Go here:

http://members.aol.com/ashVID/

right click and download the .wmv file (delete the .htm if it tries to name it that)

That is a stock XL1s with the gain on +30db and the shutter at 4000 or 8000. It was to cut into a music video, hence the crazy movement, shutter and noise from the +30db... this is just the raw video but you can see the vertical flares.



ash =o)

Thanks for the info and clip. I'll have to experiment. Gain won't be an option on my shoot.

The gain doesnt matter at all... I was just saying why it looked grainy.... the issue is pushing the shutter as high as possible. Make sure your ND filters are off...



ash =o)