After Effects lights can be moved around in 3D space but a lens flare effect can only move in 2D space on the X and Y axis. So how can you add a 2d lens flare to a 3D moving light?

The secret is using a simple expression on the "Flare Center" of the lens effect.

1. Alt Click on Flare Center stop watch to add expression

2. Type this in the expression box:

thisComp.layer("Light 1").toComp([0,0,0]);

NOTE: Just change "Light 1" to the name of your light.

This tip can be found in the bump map tutorial around 6:15 for those who would like to see it in action. View Tutorial

Dan Ebberts has an ever useful "3D Lens Flare" case study on his website that includes distance falloff. Check that out.

Here is an anamorphic lens flare project too.

Did you know that CC Particle World allows you to use an image (or texture) as a custom particle type? Just select the "Textured QuadPolygon" and a texture roll-out becomes available that allows you to choose a layer along with some other options.

Here is a fun project file that uses a custom particle type to create the image-based glowing lights.

Download Project CS3

Since creating the Earth Zoom tutorial back July 2007, I have always wanted the clouds to look more realistic. Although the fractal noise was a decent solution, nothing compares to the real thing. Recently on my travels, I was able to capture some images that might just be the solution to a better earth zoom. I actually shot them with the intention of sharing them here.
Obviously I travel by cape.

Download Hi-Res Images

Use them professionally too! License

Sometimes it takes an idea to push the limits of After Effects. The title above is created entirely inside of After Effects using the same technique from the recent Ancient Titles tutorial.

I used multiple copies of the radial blur at different lengths to get a realistic shadow falloff. And although the title is not actually true 3D, it really holds up visually.

Download Project File

Image Sample

I wanted to create a free project file for the blog so I thought an underwater scene might be cool. I did a quick google search for some reference images of underwater scenery and then started to recreate one. It's a bit slow to render but was an interesting experiment of using various effects for a specific reason. Have fun and remember everything is better under the sea!

By the way the only reason I'm linking to the Little Mermaid is because I have a daughter and NOT because it is my favorite movie : )

Sample Video
High Quality Still Image

Download Project File AE CS3+