Christmas Blur: This was my first try at the Christmas lights. I am wondering what the "real" secret is to achieving this look. I used a Nikon 85mm. Love that lens. I am thinking more...

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

This was my first try at the Christmas lights. I am wondering what the "real" secret is to achieving this look. I used a Nikon 85mm. Love that lens. I am thinking more distance between the lights and the subject? I think colored lights might be fun to try. I could use some corrective advice - thanks.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Oh well. I downloaded the 1st picture and the reflection of the room/lights in the left eye are detailed. Great shot. Should be a winner in color also.

Sarge69

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

Thanks for looking. Colored Christmas lights might add a little more feeling. My subject may need a day off from the hard work.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Oops--just realized you said you took this pick.

I thought initially this was a how too.

I like the pic as is.

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

Thanks. I am really amazed at how perfect the circles are. I thought there would be some distortion. I am wondering if the subject was closer to the lights and I was further way from the subject if that would enhance the look?

rodart Loc: Comanche, TX

lorim222315 wrote:

This was my first try at the Christmas lights. I am wondering what the "real" secret is to achieving this look. I used a Nikon 85mm. Love that lens. I am thinking more distance between the lights and the subject? I think colored lights might be fun to try. I could use some corrective advice - thanks.

Fantastic shots!!!! I'm looking at getting that lens too. You did it justice!!!

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

Thanks Rodart. I love the 85. It has not let me down yet.

rodart Loc: Comanche, TX

lorim222315 wrote:

Thanks Rodart. I love the 85. It has not let me down yet.

Ok. Let it be known in the hedgehog universe that I think that image #1 is as close to a perfect shot as you can get. My eye's swirled around this photograph and parked at the child's left eye where perfect focus exists. It looks like a softbox may have been used as a main light directly above and in front to cast a beautiful catchlight in the eyes. The blurred (bokeh) lights in the background ever so slightly dip into the right cheek and temple kissing the face. The B&W rendition, skin texture, expression and blanket seem to have a calming effect that adds to the composition. To me, this looks like a great camera coupled with the right lens and lighting composed by a great photographer to capture a stunning portrait! Blow this one up big and hang it on a wall!

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

You are way too kind. This is my grandson and I am partial. Your descriptions have made me go back and look at the image again. There was no soft box, just a large living room window. He is actually holding his toes, which is one of his favorite things to do. I was more worried about him falling off the foot stool and the white rug has been a mainstay in my photo prop box. Of course when taking photos like this, it is quick, and, for me, I hope to find something after it is loaded onto my computer. This one just jumped and as I am very drawn to bw photos it was converted quickly to see how it would look.

Thank you again for the encouragement to keep working at it.

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

You are way too kind. This is my grandson and I am partial. Your descriptions have made me go back and look at the image again. There was no soft box, just a large living room window. He is actually holding his toes, which is one of his favorite things to do. I was more worried about him falling off the foot stool and the white rug has been a mainstay in my photo prop box. Of course when taking photos like this, it is quick, and, for me, I hope to find something after it is loaded onto my computer. This one just jumped and as I am very drawn to bw photos it was converted quickly to see how it would look.

Thank you again for the encouragement to keep working at it.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

lorim222315 wrote:

Thanks. I am really amazed at how perfect the circles are. I thought there would be some distortion. I am wondering if the subject was closer to the lights and I was further way from the subject if that would enhance the look?

I don't think so. They are just right the way they are.
Love the bokeh of the first one.

Which version of the 85 do you have?
I loved my old 1.8 H but it was stolen.
Not quite as happy with my f/2 AIs.

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

It is the 85 1.8. My husband bought it for me!!! It has been a great lens.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

lorim222315 wrote:

It is the 85 1.8. My husband bought it for me!!! It has been a great lens.

You use it well.

LouEllen

These are fantastic shots! Do you mind sharing how you set this up? The B&W is my favorite and I would like to see it in color, if you have it. The parents must be beyond thrilled with your work. (Cute baby, too!)

I have the same lens and it really is a jewel, isn't it?

Lou Ellen

lorim222315 wrote:

This was my first try at the Christmas lights. I am wondering what the "real" secret is to achieving this look. I used a Nikon 85mm. Love that lens. I am thinking more distance between the lights and the subject? I think colored lights might be fun to try. I could use some corrective advice - thanks.

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

I love them all, particularly first one with catchlights in eyes and second one looking straight at camera.

I think that coloured lights might be distracting. I also agree you should enlarge no. 1, frame and put up on the wall. Just gorgeous.