Lens Flares Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to all the photographers that participated in the Lens Flares Photo Contest, sharing their best photos showing lens flares. Congratulations to the winners and finalists, and a special round of applause for the Grand Jury Winner who wins a professional studio light kit.

A special thanks to our friend and professional photographer Andrew Holtz for his collaboration as a guest judge. Andrew Holtz is an accountant/musician/dance competition host turned photographer. He opened his own studio (Holtz Photography) in the artistic community of Asbury Park, NJ back in 2012 and has been loving life ever since. Photographing everything from weddings to bands, Andrew has a special passion for capturing dance. Married to a ballet dancer/actress, Andrew has the luxury of getting to frequently work with his very talented wife. Not only is Andrew passionate about photographing dance, but he is also very active with The Dancers Care Foundation, helping to raise money for cancer research.

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Dream girl" by cameliasopon

"I love this image for the quality of the light and the movement. The sun is directly behind the subject creating a beautiful golden rim around her head and making the stunning lens flare. All my attention goes straight to the subjects face and then slowly comes towards the blue dress where the motion blur really gets me excited. There's a story in this image and the lighting makes that story come to life." - Andrew Holtz

Congratulations Runner Up "Journey to the edge of the earth" by prajitr

"First of all, the lines in the composition bring my eyes down a beautifuly lit path way. Next, the pathway leads to this silhouette of a man staring out to the sky and he's placed perfectly under the setting sun. Then the warm colors with the blue sky and the reflections in the water are just icing on the cake. This picture is awesome and the lighting is timed perfectly! Love it!" - Andrew Holtz

Congratulations Runner Up "Love and Sunbeams" by eastlyn_

"Wow! Let's ignore the tender candid moment between two lovers for just a moment. Technically, we have crazy blown out highlights, but who the hell cares! The light hitting the dust and flying through the couple is incredible and to still retain the contrast and pop of colors in this lighting situation takes precision. Nailed it 100%!!!" - Andrew Holtz

Congratulations Amateur Winner "Mountain top Sunset" by jeffehlers