How to get starburst effect?

[412 Burgh]

Okay so I just got the second alienbee from that guy on here a few weeks ago. I was going for a cool effect that I see in some photos. It's almost a starburst effect from the flash. I took a picture to see if it would take but it didn't any suggestions?

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. It's not the best but it's all I could find at the moment.

Extreme eating, Part 2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[Mach0]

You need a lens that handles flare well and stop it down.

 

[412 Burgh]

So if you shoot at a low f stop the lens will make that effect?

 

[SCraig]

They used to make starburst filters. As I recall they were available in 6 or 8-point stars. My camera has an in-camera effect that will add them to an image.

 

[Mach0]

Yes. Depending on the lens, some do it better than others (number and type of aperture blades)

 

[412 Burgh]

I'll have to play with my 80-200 and 50mm

 

[invisible]

Stop down as suggested (the more the better, but of course the tradeoff is the diffraction). I don't know what lenses you have, but use the one with the most aperture blades for better effect.

 

[480sparky]

Not all of it is the starburst effect. Some of it is flare. Both can be created in post.

 

[Josh66]

They used to make starburst filters. As I recall they were available in 6 or 8-point stars. My camera has an in-camera effect that will add them to an image.

They still make them (I have one) - down to even a 4 point star, I think (mine is 6-point), but I don't think that is quite the same as what is going on here... I think what we're seeing here is from the lens. And the lens in question has 7 aperture blades. (You can tell from the shape of the 'spots'.)

 

[412 Burgh]

I like the natural look. Let me dig around and find some more examples. I saw about 50 photos last week and I go to find some today and I cannot find one!

 

[invisible]

I like the natural look. Let me dig around and find some more examples. I saw about 50 photos last week and I go to find some today and I cannot find one!

Something like this?

 

[412 Burgh]

I like the natural look. Let me dig around and find some more examples. I saw about 50 photos last week and I go to find some today and I cannot find one!

Something like this?

Yes, in a way. That is a good example but I saw a lot done with strobes. I was wondering if it's possible with strobes or if it was just really good PP.

 

[KmH]

The effect in the image linked in the OP was done with a speedlight.

 

[Josh66]

Pretty sure you'll get that with any point light source if you're stopped down...

 

[480sparky]

Original (with some flare):

Added starburst: