Star effect

[Jonny]

Look at the street lights in this shot....what makes some give the 'star' effect and not others. I know there are filters that will cause this effect but i was just wondering what makes it happen naturally and can you learn how to create this effect without the filters?

Many thanks

http://jonspeed.com/C449930492/E148608781/Media/m1.jpg

[snibbetsj]

I read somewhere (I think it was on this forum) that the aperture blades cause this. You can determine the number of blades by the number of points on the "star".
(Points x 2 = blades IIRC)

Jeff

[Andy_T]

Use a small aperture ... e.g. f/11 or f/22.

Of yourse, you'll have to put the camera on a tripod and select a fitting long exposure time.

Best regards,
Andy