In photography, a lens shade or lens hood is a device used on the end of a lens to tame the sun or other light source so as to stop glare and lens flare. The geometry of the lens hood can fluctuate from a plain conical section (much like a lamp shade) to a complicated cut called a flower, petal or tulip hood, which impedes the hood from obstructing the sector of view of the lens and making vignetting.

Flower formed lens hoods are most frequently used on zoom lenses as a standard lens hood may block the sphere of view on some zoom settings. Lens hoods are rather more prominent in telephoto lenses as the field of view has a smaller viewing angle than of wide angle lenses. For wide angle lenses, the length of the hood can't be as long as those for telephoto lenses due to the viewing angle.

Lens hoods are usually engineered to fit onto the matching lens facing either forward, for ordinary use, or backwards, so the hood might be stored with the lens without occupying much extra space. Some lens hoods are flexible and collapse for storage. When you get a camera, dependent on the model, brand and the package, you can get a camera lens hood as an element of the camera set. Occasionally, this isn't included and is sold as a separate item. You can opt to purchase a branded item or can decide to get the universal lens hood available in the market. You may also select from a large spread of specific size, material and shape.

There are metal, plastic and rubber camera lens hoods that you can make a choice from. The rubber sort is collapsible and there are types that can actually be longer permitting better focal length. Metal hoods are preferred due to the better protection that they offer compared against the other types. With a lens hood, you can block a part or all of the in-camera flash. It is really important to get rid of it when not required as this could permit secretive portions to appear in your stills.