"Light spots' in photos

Hi to all,
I have had my D90 for a while, and admit that I am a novice - but I love this camera!
Just lately though, I have noticed that I am getting 'light spots' on my outdoor photos, as if too much sun light is getting through in patches. Not sure if I am the problem (if so, what am I doing wrong?) or if the camera has a problem.
Would anyone have any ideas as to what I or the camera is doing wrong? I would appreciate any advice.
Dot

Thank you for the quick reply - will try and load some photos taken today.

Waiting to see opinions on this.

Possibly some internal reflection in the lens. I would find a suject with some similar reflections (like the ones bouncing off the cars) and shoot several different angles and repeat the same angles with a second lens. At least you can narrow down the problem that way.

It looks like flare from the backlight. Any chance you had a filter in front of the lens and/or you didn't have a sun shade?

Looks like light reflecting from the hot spot off the car.

I had a UV filter and a hood on the camera. I found that there was a light spot in the same position on quite a number of photos, no matter which way I turned, which made me think that it may not have been direct sunlight spots getting in.

Do you have a filter on the lens? Have you tried a different lens and still have the same problem? If you have a filter on it try removing it to see if the problem is still there. If you have a different lens try it.

Dot said:

I had a UV filter and a hood on the camera. I found that there was a light spot in the same position on quite a number of photos, no matter which way I turned, which made me think that it may not have been direct sunlight spots getting in.

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Well, on both photos you've posted, I can see the sun's reflection on the hood of the cars. That reflection is almost exactly the same strength as if you'd have taking a photo of the sun straight on... Do the other photos with the white spots also contain a reflection of the sun? Maybe if you'd post others we could help a little more.

But I think that your filter might be the cause here. If you have a chance, take a similar shot with and without the filter and see if the flare goes away.

​Hope this helps, and, keep us posted.

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I think the problem may have been the filter.............but will have to wait for another sunny day to confirm - it's very wet here at the moment! :tennis: Again, many thanks for your advice - my first posting on here.

Dot said:

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I think the problem may have been the filter.............but will have to wait for another sunny day to confirm - it's very wet here at the moment! :tennis: Again, many thanks for your advice - my first posting on here.

Click to expand...

It's very likely; at least most probably glass - either the lens or the filter. I have stopped using filters, aside from those for specifically designed purposes, such as a polarizer or ND filter. The quality of the filter also makes a big difference.

Last year I purchased a ND Filter and thought I'd save a few bucks going with a well known, not a cheap, brand, but 'middle of the road' brand. They produce filters to fit various budgets and I stuck with the middle. Short story, I lost most of the photos I took with it on. If you are going to use a filter, I would recommend buying the best you can afford, even if it means having none for a few months and saving for it.

Have you removed the filter and given both sides of the lens and filter a good clean? Just a slight cloudy residue from wiping glass will be magnified as soon as any light hits it at the right (or wrong) angle.

Let us know how your next test run goes

My suggestion would be to take off the uv filter.
They do more harm than good to your photos.

Loose the filter for sure.

They're probably apparitions of the spirit world making their presence known to you.

Yes....I would concur with my fellow Nikonites that it would indeed be the fault of your filter. Either clean them or get rid of them.