Starburst Filter Engagement Photo: Farmers Image Of The Week

This week’s Farmers Image Of The Week from Kate Godfrey is a glowing example of how to use a starburst filter to elevate your storytelling in camera.

Kate took her couple to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh for their engagement photos, a venue with a fascinating photographic past. Established in 1835, people could go there to view moving images of the city which must have been incredible considering that cinema was decades away from being invented.

Its dark, immersive rooms are designed to trick the eye with clever optical illusions. That makes it great fun to visit… and somewhat of a challenge to photograph.

Low light and a no-flash policy might sound like your worst nightmare, but Kate handled it like a pro. Instead of working against the space, she leaned into it, mapping out a shoot that ends with this bold, cinematic kiss beneath a single light source. The image isn’t just technically smart – it has feeling. It’s dramatic, moody, and intimate, all at once.

The use of a starburst filter takes the light and turns it into a visual focal point drawing the eye directly to the couple and reinforcing the playful, surreal vibe of the venue. It’s a clever way to let the environment shape the aesthetic without overpowering it.

What really makes this photo stand out is how considered it is. You can tell this wasn’t a lucky grab, it was a moment Kate envisioned and then executed with intent. There’s power in doing that on a shoot, especially in a space where you have to work with limitations.

The image captures not just the couple’s connection, but the uniqueness of the setting and the creativity behind the lens.

Big shoutout to Kate for proving that with the right tools, a bit of planning (the venue kindly let them in before the public) and some trust from your couple, even the darkest of venues can deliver pure gold.