Christmas lights (Page 2): Welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas! Have a look here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=Christmas+lights&sectnum=0&username=...

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas!
Have a look here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=Christmas+lights&sectnum=0&username=

Drip Dry McFleye

I have used this technique with success. It does take some experimentation getting the power of the flash to the level that will give you the results you want. See the last method shown on this link: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-better-photos-of-christmas-lights/

nauticalmike

Drip Dry McFleye wrote:

I have used this technique with success. It does take some experimentation getting the power of the flash to the level that will give you the results you want. See the last method shown on this link: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-better-photos-of-christmas-lights/

Thank you very much, I knew that eventually someone would come up with some helpful advice!!! And I think that the reason that all of you need tripods so badly is all of the coffee...

nauticalmike

BassmanBruce wrote:

Welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas!
Have a look here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=Christmas+lights&sectnum=0&username=

Thank you also Bruce!!!

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

MT Shooter wrote:

A good camera.

Sorry, its early and I couldn't help it.
More coffee please!

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

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.

There is no absolutely best answer to this as many people shoot for different results. My suggestion is to take whatever lenses you have, a good tripod, and experiment. After all (most likely) you are shooting digital. But first, you need to understand how your camera works and be prepared to take timed exposures. Also, you need a good place to view and edit the photos. And personally, I NEVER use a flash when shooting Christmas lights. But again, that is a personal choice.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

I think that we should embrace the spirit of Christmas. Not everyone who comes here is an experienced shooter and asking that first question can be a tad scary. Mike, the truth is that shooting Christmas lights is easier that it may look. Fill the viewfinder with lights and press the shutter button. You can play with exposures from there.
If you have a tripod, set the camera/lens to a small aperture (f/11 to f/22) and let the exposure time out. This will turn your lights into stars creating what many think is a pleasing effect. Zoom in, zoom out, whatever you like. Have fun with it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

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.

Here you go -

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/christmas-light-photography-tips/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights/
http://www.diyphotography.net/photograph-led-christmas-lights/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/christmas-light-photography-tips/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-better-photos-of-christmas-lights
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/12/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-Christmas-Lights
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights/

Guy A. Loc: Concord, Ohio

Set on MENUAL and start shooting. You can try various openings and speed settings and learn as you go. This is fun and you can pick the exposure that you like from your shooting. Make notes and have a ball. Only show the acceptable shots that you like.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

nauticalmike wrote:

Thank you very much, I knew that eventually someone would come up with some helpful advice!!! And I think that the reason that all of you need tripods so badly is all of the coffee...

I resemble that remark. Guilty as charged your honor. Merry Christmas.

dlmorris Loc: Loma Linda, Ca

I would use a tripod (though I have taken plenty without one), and as others have suggested, experiment with exposures. Manual focus, probably. One thing I am going to try is to take some exposures before it gets completely dark, so that there is still some light on the house and the ground. Don't know how that is going to work, though...

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

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.

Patience and creativity.

Attached file:
(Download)

HRPufnstuf

1. Try a shot in Automatic mode, and see what you get for results. 2. Try a shot with the flash on automatic, and compare it to the first shot. 3. Select one of the two for the rest of your shots, or adjust your camera according to what you think should be different, and try another shot, comparing it to the first two. 4. Make all the rest of your shots in whatever mode you select.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hi Mike, welcome. Many cameras will have a "lights" option among their Scene Mode selections. Also I have had good luck at times with simply using the Auto Mode. In most cases of Christmas lights you have time to play around with your settings until you get some images you like. Have fun finding what works for you.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

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.

The guide that I use is as follows:
Manual mode, manual focus, tripod. Start with ISO 800, 1/15 sec, F5.6. If you're outside, you'll be fighting lights bobbling around in the wind. Using a higher shutter speed and a fast wide lens helps. At 1/15 sec the lights tend to be over exposed so experiment with 1/30 or faster. I used a monopod on my last effort, 35mm F1.8 DX on my D7000 and got some decent results.