You can add realistic light rays and sun flares in Lightroom by using radial and linear gradient masks to brighten and warm the area where light would naturally fall, then shaping the effect with contrast, haze and colour tools. The goal is subtlety: the effect should match the light direction already in the photo. Slider values below are general guideline values for you to adjust.

How to Add Realistic Light Rays and Sun Flares in Lightroom

Plan Before You Edit

Realistic light follows the physics of the scene, so check a few things first.

  • Find the light source or the direction it would come from.
  • Look at existing shadows, which show where rays should fall.
  • Check that there is something for light to pass through, such as trees, mist, dust or clouds.
  • Decide on a warm or neutral tone that fits the time of day.

Adding a Sun Glow With a Radial Gradient

  1. Open the Masking panel and choose Radial Gradient.
  2. Drag an oval centred on the sun position, or where it would be just out of frame, and make it large with soft feathering.
  3. Raise exposure by a modest amount, and push highlights and whites up slightly.
  4. Warm the temperature a little and nudge tint toward yellow or orange.
  5. Lower contrast and add a touch of dehaze with a negative or small positive value to taste, since too much creates a harsh halo.
  6. Lower the mask opacity by adjusting the amount until the glow looks natural.

Building Light Rays With a Linear Gradient

  1. Add a Linear Gradient and drag it so the bright side sits near the light source.
  2. Use the Range Mask or a brush subtraction to remove the effect from areas that should stay dark, such as deep shadows or close objects.
  3. Add a second narrow linear gradient or a brush pass with low flow, angled along the direction of the light, to suggest beams.
  4. Increase exposure and warmth slightly, and lower clarity and texture so the beams look soft.
  5. Repeat with a few beams of different widths, since real rays are uneven.

Rays look best in hazy air or between trees. In a clear, dry scene they can look fake, so keep them gentle there.

Finishing Touches

  • Lower the shadows near the source slightly to deepen contrast and make rays stand out.
  • Add a faint warm colour grade to highlights to unify the scene.
  • Use a small amount of grain so added light blends with the original texture.
  • Zoom out and view at normal size, because overdone effects are obvious from a distance.
  • For an actual lens flare, consider a dedicated overlay in a layered editor, as Lightroom has no flare brush of its own.

FAQ

Should I use presets or overlays?

You can, but they often ignore the true light direction. If you use one, align it with your shadows and lower its strength.

Do I need to shoot into the sun for this to work?

No, but images with backlight, low sun or visible haze give the most believable results.

The Short Version

Match the effect to the existing light direction, build a soft glow with a radial mask, and add gentle beams with narrow gradients. Keep strength low and check the result at normal viewing size.