Lens flare is a phenomenon that occurs when bright light, such as sunlight or artificial light, hits the lens of a camera. This light can scatter inside the lens elements, creating bright spots or streaks in the image. Lens flare can add a creative effect to photographs and videos, but it can also reduce contrast and detail. There are different types of lens flare, including ghosting, which appears as multiple images of a light source, and veiling glare, which causes a general haze over the image. Photographers often use lens flare intentionally for artistic purposes or try to minimize it by adjusting their shooting angles or using lens hoods.