Sometimes light leak create a big problem when you start post-processing, you do not even know how it has happened and entered into your images. A good article to read and will always help you to save your time, energy and money. This is something carrying an umbrella before rains.

WHAT IS LIGHT LEAK– A unwanted glares of any colour shapes, sizes occurs anywhere in the photographs, It may occur in any place of the frame because it is an uninvited guest which ruins your photograph along with your tour. A miscoloured spot or shapes covers sometimes the entire framing of the photographs. The most painful thing, you cannot post-process at all for these problems. it means all scrapped. see the above-posted image of the famous monument – Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi. The entire image is ruined.

Important NOTE- when you realize that this light leak problem is happening repeatedly then you must rush to the authorised camera service centre to diagnose the problem with your camera sensor or lens and must get it repaired from the authorised camera service centre only.

Why it happens – While shooting long exposure photography for travel, landscape etc. When you used ND filters (neutral density filter) to reduce light to get perfect exposed photographs. While this process, small gaps and holes cap expose the camera sensor to additional light, which invited light leak problems. One more important things to mention that You can control this light leakage problem in the field only or while shooting otherwise you may need to come again to reshoot the location.

Let’s discuss a few important steps to control light leakage problem in the field only.

Cover viewfinder, gaps & opening – Viewfinder is the most common source of light leak as compared to other sources. It happens when you are using ND filters in the day time. Now you must use the inbuilt function to block the viewfinder. Nowadays most DSLR cameras have this feature, it is called a viewfinder shutter & One single button helps you to switch to the camera LCD screen to view the shot also. No light leak from the viewfinder at all. You may use a microfiber cloth (black) to cover tightly the opening slot of the lens, square filter gaps etc, You may use trustworthy tape to cover as a second option. Once the covering process is done then shoot and check the photographs, if the light leak persists then change the shooting spot and shoot again and then again check. If the light still leaks persist then you must go to the camera service centre to diagnose the camera and lens as the last option to handle the light leakage problem.

Use Circular filter (ND) – Must use the circular filter which is mounted on the lens perfectly because it does not leave room for light leakage. Square filter always leaves room for light leakage and it is very expensive because you need to buy a stand for square filter too to attach to the lens, another time-consuming project.

Conclusion – Must keep checking the shot to notice any light leak happening in the field and make this habit otherwise you may be charged heavy expenses to reshoot the location.

Keep experimenting! Have a wonderful and Happy photography life to all of you

Photographer and blogger Prasenjeet Gautam (www.prasenjeetgautam.com) has captured above posted image- Safdarjung tomb, New Delhi, INDIA