Is the lens flare a good thing or bad thing? I read different things on lens flare; not sure what to think
Wendy, you can make lens flare work with you if it's what you want in the picture. Sometimes it adds drama; sometimes it detracts. And sometimes, when it's a "mistake" and you like the picture enough, then make it obvious, as in this article.
Turning Flaws into Assets | O. Helene Kobelnyk