We have all seen shots with great sun stars. They add sparkle and interest to just about any image. Usually there is also nice light when you shoot sun stars during the right time of day; sunrise or sunset. Let's look at an example:

So how do you shoot sun stars? It is actually really simple and easy to get sun stars. Sun stars occur then the sun is being cut by a hard edge such as a horizon or a tree, cliff, etc. To get the sun star simply shoot at a small F.Stop (F16 or 22). Let me share a few tips on getting better sun stars.

• Certain lenses produce nicer sun stars than others due to the mechanics of their aperture. Test your lenses and know which one works best.

• Take off your polarizer or other filters. When you shoot directly into the sun filters add another surface which can cause flare. Besides, polarizers don't add anything when shooting into the sun.

• Take the shot early. Shoot just when the sun appears over or besides the hard edge. Shoot many shots, but start shooting early. When more of the sun is exposed the more your chance of getting flare.

• You can have multiple opportunities to shoot sun stars by simply lowering your position. When you lower your position the sun will once again be behind the hard edge and will reappear again presenting you with another shooting opportunity.

Enjoy getting great sun stars.