Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

LOL - I know what you mean about getting bored with pp of certain photos. I usually prefer to be out there discovering new photo ops :)

I like the tighter crops. Afraid the middle one has too much out of focus. Did you try any out-of-focus on purpose or moving the camera for the abstract look? Just another fun aspect while you're outside freezing your toes :)

tomvanb Loc: Anthem, AZ

No, I must of moved when I released the shutter. Should have used the timer, Thanks for all your input, Tom

tomvanb Loc: Anthem, AZ

Hi Biily,gave hdr a try and I do see improvement.
lumix g5, shutter mode at 1/2, f/10, iso 160, focal length 42mm (84mm/35mm)

hdr, the same settings except aperture changed to f/11 and the focal length is 42 but says if it was a 35mm it would be 87mm. Probably would see more change outside at night?Thanks for suggesting hdr, Tom

std

(Download)

hdr

(Download)

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

The edits to the snowman really improved this photo, however, it would be better still if you remove the electrical cord and outlet going up the side of the house in the middle of the photo.

tomvanb Loc: Anthem, AZ

Hi Patty, thanks for your comments. I tried to remove the wire and outlet using Picasa 3. Not the best but seemed to be the best I can do. I probably will get better with more practice, Tom

(Download)

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

HDR certainly will work if done right. If you don't mind the "HDR look", which many people object to.

Another way is easier perhaps, and gets around that.

Use fill flash! Put your camera on a tripod, and through experimenting work out an exposure that 1) does not clip highlights on even the brightest light sources from the Christmas display, and 2) uses a shutter speed at or below the cameras Xsync speed. Then add a flash, and adjust the flash power to get the needed brightness on various parts of the background.

There are lots of fun options to try, probably depending on each scene and also on what you happen to like. The most obvious problem is with a wide angle shot trying to get light from the flash every where. That goes right along with not getting too many harsh shadows from the flash. In both cases a good diffuser is necessary. And off camera flash is often nice too.

Multiple off camera flash units can do a lot of creative things. And that can also be accomplished by combining multiple images, each shot with just a single flash aimed in different directions.

tomvanb Loc: Anthem, AZ

Thanks Apaflo, I can try some of your suggestions and see what I can do. I only have the on camera flash so can't go far with that, Tom

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

You can find some very inexpensive flash units that will work perfectly. No automatic or fancy TTL or anything else is required! The more range there is for manual control the better, but it isn't critical.