davidstinson Loc: Fort Worth,TX

I have never taken a photograph of my Christmas tree that I felt captured the beauty and "magic" that I see in person. Have experimented with full/closeups, over/under exposing, flash/natural, different ISOs, but all result in flat, boring, and blah phots. Any suggestions?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, it can be a challenge.

https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-great-photos-of-your-christmas-tree/
https://www.lightstalking.com/successfully-photograph-christmas-tree/
https://www.lilblueboo.com/2011/11/christmas-tree-photography-with-your-dslr-a-tutorial.html

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

ISO has nothing to do with what you're trying to achieve, other than as a part of the overall exposure + the possibility of excessive noise (depends on your camera and the ISO setting).

The magic IMO comes from the lights: their small source, their color and glow and their reflections on ornaments. Over-exposing or using flash produces the opposite of capturing rich colors and shadow/light contrasts and is probably what you mean by "flat."

Is your tree up and ready now? Think about different angles (from the floor looking up?) and also look for small "stories" - the play of light on a favorite ornament. Do you have a tripod? If yes, shut off room lights or at least dim them. Try varying your aperture for different depths of field. Out of focus lights can be cool! So can the sunburst effect from very small apertures. Take some photos and post, and let's talk further.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The challenge is much smaller once you learn the basics of exposure and the properties of light. It's a common theme in UHH discussion topics, not understanding the importance of the "pre-requisite" classes to future success with any photo subjects and scenes. You know, the "learn to walk before you can run" school.

Had to laugh when I saw one article says use low ISO and one says use high. Ol' Ashley is particularly annoying, not explaining why she uses large aperture

IBM

Try leaving tree as it is , no decorations. And hang it upside down on a rope on the wall or cealing. Some times we hang a 6 to 8 foot
fir tree branch from it's thick cut end to the wall or top of a window ,