How can I photograph Christmas lights well with a DSLR or point-and-shoot?
Asked 12/24/2010
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2 answers
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I struggle to photograph Christmas lights because my camera’s meter often gets the exposure wrong. I know a tripod helps, but I’m looking for practical tips for both outdoor displays and creative close-ups. What settings or techniques work best, and how can I avoid washed-out lights or scenes that are too dark?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
10
I can see two questions here, how do you set the camera up for Christmas lights and how do you creatively photograph Christmas lights.
To answer the former I'd need more information on the specific problems you're having however shooting manual in low, challenging light conditions will be a process of trial and error I'm afraid.
To answer the second question, BBischof suggestion is a very good one. Here are a couple of examples of the use of tree lights out of focus to produce abstract photos:
In order to get this effect you need to either get very close or use a large aperture lens such as a 50 f/1.8. These were taken close up with a 100 f/2.8 macro lens. It should be possible to get a similar effect with a P&S camera using the camera's macro function.
For outdoor tree lights a technique I've found to be effective is to wait for a heavy frost and then get out early before the sun rises, the frost on the tree or other structure will reflect the lights giving you a very multicoloured subject!
A tripod and long exposure were required for this shot.
Good luck!
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Christmas lights are tricky because they can fool the camera meter. A tripod helps, but the key is to check your preview and adjust exposure rather than trusting auto completely.
For general outdoor scenes, use exposure compensation if you’re in an automatic or program mode:
- If the lights look washed out or the background is too bright, use negative exposure compensation.
- If the lights are too dim or everything else is too dark, use positive exposure compensation.
If your camera allows it, manual exposure can help, but expect some trial and error in low light.
A good creative option is to shoot the lights out of focus for soft, abstract “bokeh” circles. To do that:
- Get close to the lights or your subject
- Use a wide aperture if possible
- On a point-and-shoot, try macro mode for close focusing
For outdoor displays, timing matters: shooting when there is still a little ambient light can help balance the Christmas lights with the surroundings better than shooting in complete darkness.
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