Christmas lights
Dec 17, 2017 09:43:25 #
Although I have been lurking here and reading the various posts for about a year or so I have never posted any questions of my own, so here goes my first. I am wondering what people recommend for taking pictures of Christmas lights.
Dec 17, 2017 09:47:25 #
Dec 17, 2017 09:57:37 #
AZNikon
Loc: Mesa, AZ
St.Mary's wrote:
I have told myself I will not provide the obvious answer to this question.
I know it's hard, but well done!
Dec 17, 2017 09:58:15 #
Don W-37
Loc: Bangkok, Thailand
Ah, an unhelpful answer from The Grinch, overwhelmed with Christmas spirit no doubt!
Dec 17, 2017 09:59:56 #
Dec 17, 2017 10:00:52 #
nauticalmike wrote:
Although I have been lurking here and reading the various posts for about a year or so I have never posted any questions of my own, so here goes my first. I am wondering what people recommend for taking pictures of Christmas lights.
A good camera.
Sorry, its early and I couldn't help it.
More coffee please!
Dec 17, 2017 10:01:58 #
Dec 17, 2017 10:02:16 #
nauticalmike wrote:
Although I have been lurking here and reading the various posts for about a year or so I have never posted any questions of my own, so here goes my first. I am wondering what people recommend for taking pictures of Christmas lights.
it's not easy as you have to imagine what the picture will look like. Unlikely that the image will be like you see with your eyes. Christmas lights are also flashing so you have to decide when to make the picture. I think go out now and do some pic. Then we see what's wrong. then you can try again.
Dec 17, 2017 10:05:18 #
Dec 17, 2017 10:06:51 #
I'd just shoot away & enjoy yourself while trying to get them as crisp as possible. I admit to being a tripod fan but would be inclined to use a monopod for that activity. Go enjoy yourself!
Dec 17, 2017 10:11:13 #
St.Mary's wrote:
I have told myself I will not provide the obvious answer to this question.
Dec 17, 2017 10:17:43 #
Try this or other sites on the subject:
https://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-Christmas-Lights
Since points of light cannot be properly metered in the normal way (same with fireworks), experience or testing is needed--and tastes differ. (The site above looks mostly overexposed to me--I want it to look like nighttime with the colors of the lights rich and bold. Digital cameras let us try different exposures on the spot.
I like the pictures on this site better and it gives suggested settings.
http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/christmas-light-photography/
If you use large apertures, a wide angle setting from a distance (over 20 feet) can show the whole light display in good focus, or use a tripod with smaller aperture and slower shutter.
Many displays have so many lights that some are far brighter than others, and this is a problem in itself.
https://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-Christmas-Lights
Since points of light cannot be properly metered in the normal way (same with fireworks), experience or testing is needed--and tastes differ. (The site above looks mostly overexposed to me--I want it to look like nighttime with the colors of the lights rich and bold. Digital cameras let us try different exposures on the spot.
I like the pictures on this site better and it gives suggested settings.
http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/christmas-light-photography/
If you use large apertures, a wide angle setting from a distance (over 20 feet) can show the whole light display in good focus, or use a tripod with smaller aperture and slower shutter.
Many displays have so many lights that some are far brighter than others, and this is a problem in itself.
Dec 17, 2017 10:19:37 #
Welcome to the forum and just try experimenting with the settings. You learn a lot that way. Good luck.
Dec 17, 2017 10:33:57 #
MT Shooter wrote:
A good camera.
Sorry, its early and I couldn't help it.
More coffee please!
Sorry, its early and I couldn't help it.
More coffee please!
Hell, even a bad camera will work. Just blame the poor shots on a lack of coffee.
Dec 17, 2017 10:56:11 #
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