Although lens flares (solar flares) can sometimes artistically add to a photo, perhaps to better showcase how bright and sunny the weather is on a particular day, much of the time lens flare can be annoying and overpower a picture's detail. If you wish to reduce lens flare, your best bet is to a) not point directly at the sun, and b) use a lens hood / lens shade. With a lens hood on you should minimize, if not eliminate, your use of flash as the shade may interfere with the light.

This is another reason why sometimes cloudy, overcast, otherwise dreary days are sometimes the best times to shoot photos. If the sun is behind a cloud, you're not likely to get this glare.

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