iPhone Star Filter: Create Starburst Effects in Photos
By SANDMARC® | Official Site | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use an iPhone star filter to capture cinematic starbursts from street lights, car headlights, and other point light sources in your night photography.
Quick answer
Attach a SANDMARC Star Filter to your iPhone lens, point it at a bright point light source, and adjust the angle until you see multi-point flares appear in the frame.
Why the star filter works best at night
The star filter creates its effect by diffracting light through etched lines on the glass. This works best with small, intense light sources like street lamps, car headlights, or holiday lights. In daylight, the filter can add subtle sparkle to reflections on water or chrome, but the starburst effect is most dramatic against a dark background.
What to expect from the starburst pattern
The SANDMARC Star Filter produces a four-point star from each direct light source. The length and intensity of the points depend on the brightness of the light and the distance from the lens. Brighter sources create longer, more defined points. The filter does not add color to the flare — it preserves the original hue of the light.
How to capture starburst effects with your iPhone star filter
- Attach the filter securely: Clip or screw the SANDMARC Star Filter onto your iPhone lens or lens case. Ensure it sits flush and centered — any tilt will shift the star pattern or cause uneven points. Check the filter is fully seated before composing your shot.
- Choose a bright point light source: Look for a single bright light against a dark area — a street lamp, a distant car headlight, or a neon sign. Avoid large diffuse light sources like overcast sky or softboxes; they produce weak or no starburst. For the strongest effect, use a light that is much brighter than the background.
- Frame the light off-center: Position the light source slightly away from the center of the frame. The star points radiate outward from the light, so an off-center placement creates a more dynamic composition. Avoid placing the light dead center unless you want a symmetrical, formal look.
- Rotate the filter to control star orientation: Gently rotate the filter while looking at the live view. The star points will rotate with the filter. Align them horizontally and vertically for a classic look, or tilt them for a more dynamic diagonal effect. Rotate slowly — the star moves with the filter, not the phone.
- Tap to focus and adjust exposure: Tap the light source on the screen to set focus and exposure. If the light appears blown out, slide the exposure compensation down until you see detail in the light and the star points become visible. A slightly underexposed background makes the starburst pop more.
- Lock focus and exposure for consistent results: Press and hold on the light source until AE/AF Lock appears. This prevents the camera from re-adjusting when you recompose or when the light flickers. Without locking, the camera may hunt for exposure and change the star brightness mid-shot.
Product used in this guide
- Star Filter - iPhone: Multi-coated glass and precision aluminum construction with seamless attachment system. The multi-coating reduces unwanted ghosting and flare, so the starbursts remain crisp and the rest of the image stays clean.
Star Filter - iPhone
