Photography Board Monthly Assignment - December 2010: Outdoor Holiday Lights [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

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JoeDif

12-02-2010, 07:27 AM

Holiday lights usually look their best when shot without added light. In fact, this is Rule One when it comes to getting good pictures of outdoor lights: For most pictures of holiday lights, turn off your flash!

The typical shots of holiday lights—the ones you see all the time—are taken at night, long after the sun is gone and the background is in total darkness. In these photos, the lights are bursting, and the background is completely black. The results have no drama. These photos aren’t bad, but they lack vitality. The remedy? Shoot shortly after sunset, when you still have some light in the sky. After it gets completely dark, you can either have the lights or the surroundings properly exposed. But not both.

The trick is find the sweet spot where the ambient light and the Christmas lights mix . Once you get your picture framed, set your camera's white balance for "tungsten," as if you were shooting indoors without flash. Many those little lights are tungsten balanced. As a bonus, the tungsten setting will turn your afterglow sky royal blue once your light balances out. The sky will look great - even if it is a cloudy evening. And your lights will gleam crystal white -- or whatever color they are supposed to be.

Use a tripod or a beanbag to steady your camera. You'll be shooting in the range of a quarter second to a full second at twilight.

If your camera supports manual settings, adjust aperture and shutter speed separately, try starting with an aperture of f/8 and a half second shutter speed. To change the overall exposure, open the shutter longer (for a brighter scene) or shorter (for less exposure). To make the strings of holiday lights brighter and more dramatic, open the aperture (move to a smaller number, like f/4).

Shoot a test shot every minute or so. At first, you'll be exposing for the sky and the lights will appear unimpressive. Check the back of your camera after each shot to watch the Christmas lights appear to "come up" as the ambient light level goes down. Your camera will record them differently from the way that you eye sees them (you can see a much greater contrast range).

Somewhere in between sunset and full dark, the Christmas lights and the ambient light will start to mix beautifully. You'll have about a 10-minute window which will give you a nice series of subtly different lighting variations. Remembering to keep your camera as still as possible, shooting lots of frames through the mix light.

Let's get out there and start posting those amazing holiday lights

Thanks go to The Strobist Blog (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/12/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights.html)for providing much of the above information

Pea-n-Me

12-02-2010, 11:46 AM

This sounds like fun! I've never purposefully shot holiday lights before. Will give it a try. :santa:

PrincessInOz

12-02-2010, 01:58 PM

It's going to be very interesting shooting this from a summer position. I finally get to enjoy taking pictures in the long, warm, balmy evenings. :rolleyes1

Now....I only just need to find Christmas lights!!! :rotfl:

Mr.MouseFan

12-02-2010, 04:06 PM

Here's a couple I took a few days ago of my house. Didn't get very creative because it was cold. I'll take more soon.

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/house2.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/house3.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/house4.jpg

JoeDif

12-02-2010, 05:37 PM

Good series....way to get this started

BecBennett

12-02-2010, 07:26 PM

I was planning on doing this tomorrow anyway! (So long as this rain eases up) Hopefully I get some good shots

rmdavis

12-02-2010, 10:59 PM

here's my try.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5228330030_9291445dcc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47786405@N05/5228330030/)

ColleenG

12-02-2010, 11:07 PM

Now I just need DH to get our lights up. If not I'll take some shots of my neighbors house.

10dedfish

12-03-2010, 06:46 AM

We have the Christmas Parade tomorrow, and my dd's Girl Scout troop is in there. I will try to get some decent shots and post them!

Matt

Frantasmic

12-03-2010, 07:11 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3164716007_35f780ab54_z.jpg

Pea-n-Me

12-03-2010, 10:30 AM

Oops, I messed up. Missed the word "Outdoor". :headache:

Was happy to get a jump on things early since I'd managed to get a little tree up in our sunroom - though that's it so far. :lmao:

Anyway, was multitasking at the time letting hamster get some exercise while I was taking pics, so got some of him, too. Not exactly thrilled with tree pics, but will post them since they might be the only ones I get!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/20101202_08-E_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/20101202_99-E_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/20101202_15-E_f.jpg

JoeDif

12-03-2010, 11:48 AM

I've never been one for strict rules, so indoor lights can be an acceptable subject as well

Mr.MouseFan

12-03-2010, 04:07 PM

I've never been one for strict rules, so indoor lights can be an acceptable subject as well

Well, in that case, here's my color changing, rotating tree...:santa:

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/tree.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/tree2.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/tree3.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/tree4.jpg

Pea-n-Me

12-03-2010, 04:54 PM

http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/xmas/tree4.jpg
:rotfl2: Awesome!!

JoeDif

12-03-2010, 04:59 PM

:rotfl2: Awesome!!

I agree...sweet shot!!

Mr.MouseFan

12-04-2010, 12:46 AM

Thanks! It kind of reminds me of those countless light spinners they sell at night in the parks...only on steroids..LOL

Twigs

12-04-2010, 08:15 PM

Great shots everyone. When I get my lights up I will give this a try.

ssanders79

12-04-2010, 09:19 PM

Here are some shots from this Year's Osborne Lights at DHS.
I'm still tweaking our lights at the house so If I can get my act together I will post some more less iconic shots.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5199699505_0cbf65a409.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5199699505/)
Spectacle of Dancing Lights 2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5199699505/) by ssanders79 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssanders79/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5200291802_b416180cda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5200291802/)
As the World Turns (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5200291802/) by ssanders79 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssanders79/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5200291134_42a745bc32.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5200291134/)
Osborne Candlelight (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/5200291134/) by ssanders79 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssanders79/), on Flickr

disneyfanUSA

12-04-2010, 09:26 PM

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0114-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0113-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0111-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0107-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0067-1.jpg

disneyfanUSA

12-04-2010, 09:31 PM

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0117-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0145-1-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0126-1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/yankeesgirl255_2006/IMGP0121-1.jpg

PrincessInOz

12-05-2010, 04:43 AM

I went stalking through my neighbourhood this evening. It was rather exciting! I found 2 houses within 1 km of me where the owners were outside putting up their Christmas lights!

Sadly, this means that my paparazzi photographs of their homes to rival Google Earth will have to wait till next weekend.

So, I went home and practised on my indoor Christmas tree. FULL MANUAL MODE!!! :banana: (I know this point is only exciting for me!). Happy to take all and any comments on how to translate this into the outside world.

ISO 800, f/8, 1 sec

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/1205DisBoardDecemberassignment004.jpg

ISO 800, f/8, 2 sec

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/1205DisBoardDecemberassignment006.jpg

ISO 800, f/8, 2 sec

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/1205DisBoardDecemberassignment008.jpg

ISO 800, f/22, 10 sec

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/1205DisBoardDecemberassignment009.jpg

ISO 800, f/22, 20 sec

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/1205DisBoardDecemberassignment010.jpg

princess::upsidedow

GoofyontheHiSeas

12-05-2010, 09:38 PM

http://fourweeksphotography.smugmug.com/Family/Christmas/Christmas-2010/christmas-stuff-30/1116051827_oPw8X-L.jpg

http://fourweeksphotography.smugmug.com/Family/Christmas/Christmas-2010/christmas-stuff-20/1116048863_ne3zE-L.jpg

http://fourweeksphotography.smugmug.com/Family/Christmas/Christmas-2010/christmas-stuff-12/1116048491_yuoq6-L.jpg

Quicklabs

12-06-2010, 01:17 AM

GoofyontheHiSeas

12-06-2010, 07:54 AM

Do you mind sharing how you set this up (I've to the EXIF), I'm just wondering how far the figurines were in front of the tree and how far you were standing from the figurines. Did you use the onboard flash for this? If so, did you tweak the flash setting at all.
Love everything about this shot. :worship:

Thanks Laura :) I assume that the above is that you have the EXIF. I was about 4-1/2 to 5' away from the figurines and they were about 10-12' away from the tree. I was using a SB900 attached to the camera bounced behind me to the left (FEV -1.7) and gelled with 1/2 CTS. The flash was partially flagged in front to make sure that no direct flash fell on the subject.

2Tiggies

12-06-2010, 08:40 AM

:rotfl2: Awesome!!

You took the word right out of my mouth! :laughing: I love it!

ssanders79

12-06-2010, 12:48 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4175309840_c4a2403962.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/4175309840/)
Great Lake's Christmas Ale (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanders79/4175309840/) by ssanders79 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssanders79/), on Flickr

JoeDif

12-06-2010, 06:51 PM

rmdavis

12-06-2010, 09:11 PM

does this count?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/5239917772_5091e36438.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47786405@N05/5239917772/)

wenrob

12-08-2010, 09:07 AM

Beautiful photos everyone!

We have a place here called the Magical Forest. It's a non-profit for the disabled called Opportunity Village. They've been around since I can remember. They train mentally and physically challenged people and help them find jobs so that they can live independently (or semi independently). We try to support them whenever we can.

Most shot at ISO 800 f/1.4-2.2 SS around 1/40-1/60 hand held (not as sharp as I'd like but the place is crowded with narrow walkways-no tripods)
http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9652/1119248754_woytA-M.jpg

http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9640/1119246704_No5Sd-M.jpg

http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9663/1119250301_FjzxD-M.jpg

http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9646/1119247432_evnJd-M.jpg http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9650/1119248464_HV9im-M.jpg

http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9673/1119252578_ppjAy-M.jpg http://wenrob.smugmug.com/Other/Magical-Forest-2010/9657/1119249230_Gt9M3-M.jpg

PrincessInOz

12-09-2010, 01:24 AM

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/DisBoardXmas101208124.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/DisBoardXmas101208153.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/DisBoardXmas101208155.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/2010%20DisBoard%20Photo%20assignments/DisBoardXmas101208156.jpg

PrincessInOz

12-12-2010, 05:35 AM

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/XMasLights%20101212/ChristmasLights10Dec12022.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/XMasLights%20101212/ChristmasLights10Dec12025.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/XMasLights%20101212/ChristmasLights10Dec12032.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/PrincessInOz/XMasLights%20101212/ChristmasLights10Dec12043.jpg

We-Luv-Disney

12-15-2010, 10:42 AM

Something a little different..
http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/131150557/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/131150484/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/131159957/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/131147306/original.jpg

They didn't allow tripods for this event this year, so i got to test my d7000 high ISO.

annnewjerz

12-15-2010, 01:05 PM

Just realized the assignment includes indoor Christmas lights now too, so I guess I can participate!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5233550870_6533096d1d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31078600@N05/5233550870/)
A very merry Christmas...sort of. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31078600@N05/5233550870/) by annnewjerz (http://www.flickr.com/people/31078600@N05/), on Flickr

http://www.andrealusasphotography.com/For-Fun/Other/Olivia/Olivia-17/1123053921_WxMAS-L.jpg

Hopefully I'll get a chance to take some outside shots this weekend, even though it'll be freeeeeezing!!

cpbjgc

12-16-2010, 02:10 PM

The tree I have in my office to remind me of holiday cheer.

http://unboundedlight.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v12/p122645075-5.jpg

hjd0411

12-18-2010, 03:22 AM

Trying out with my outdoor lights. Not the best, but I was hurrying between rain showers! :sad2: I'll try again if/when the rain stops!! ;)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/hjd0411/IMG_3851cropped.jpg

I love Christmas lights and seeing all your photos. They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. :flower3:

JoeDif

12-18-2010, 09:39 AM

JoeDif

12-18-2010, 09:40 AM

Osborne Family Lights

http://joedif.smugmug.com/Vacation/Disney-World/December-2010/121010Disney010/1130217083_iZfFm-L.jpg

hjd0411

12-19-2010, 01:40 AM

Cool shot!!

Thanks Joe!! :flower3: That means a lot to me, coming from you! It was such a fluky shot, really - just playing with the camera and 50mm lens around dusk. It is teeming with rain tonight, so I can't get out now :sad2:, but hopefully tomorrow..!! :rolleyes1

Twigs

12-19-2010, 02:47 PM

I took these quickly the other night. I still want to go out and try something creative.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0093.jpg

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0088.jpg

Shyvioletisme

12-20-2010, 09:02 AM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5216477492_e00b5a618e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67045761@N00/5216477492/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5216476774_bf90bfe685_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67045761@N00/5216476774/)

JoeDif

12-21-2010, 03:53 PM

A different take on holiday lights

http://joedif.smugmug.com/Photography/Still-Life-Abstract/122010Moon002/1133812805_7W55n-M.jpg

luvsmickeymouse

12-21-2010, 06:55 PM

ColleenG

12-21-2010, 10:24 PM

Since DH only got the lights on the house tonight, I thought I would try some indoor lights. I am excited I finally figured out how to get the lights to twinkle!

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/December_2010_0234.jpg

goopysolelady

12-22-2010, 07:38 PM

One of the best "day after Christmas" purchases I've made. Love :lovestruc my Mickey street lights:
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae280/mobkdo/Christmas%2009/12-10008.jpg
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae280/mobkdo/Christmas%2009/12-10007.jpg
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae280/mobkdo/Christmas%2009/christmas023.jpg
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae280/mobkdo/Christmas%2009/12-10011.jpg

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FELLOW DISBOARDERS FROM TEXAS!

dcg0317

12-26-2010, 10:12 PM

Portsmouth Harbor Light
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Portsmouth-NH/Portsmouth-Harbor-Light-12-26/1138143691_5XbYU-X2.jpg

tlcmommyx4

12-26-2010, 10:34 PM

tlcmommyx4

12-26-2010, 10:43 PM

My lights didn't twinkle:( ... but here is what I got, this is my MIL and FIL.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/Misc/Christmsas2010-53.jpg

ColleenG

12-26-2010, 11:15 PM

So do tell everyone how you got your lights to twinkle?

Small aperature. I think I shot it at f/16.

tlcmommyx4

12-27-2010, 09:46 AM

Small aperature. I think I shot it at f/16.

Thanks I am going to give it a try today before I take down my tree:)

zackiedawg

12-27-2010, 10:40 AM

Gotta squeeze in my home lights, interior and exterior, while we're still in the Holiday time! I was a little late getting around to taking pics, then forgot to post them...so here goes -

The tree and inside:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361226/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361234/original.jpg

A Disney ornament closeup:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361227/original.jpg

The outside:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361230/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361231/original.jpg

Some shallow DOF fun:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361235/original.jpg

A little abstract OOF fun with the 300mm F4:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361229/original.jpg

Snowman at the front hall:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/image/131361237/original.jpg

polkadotminnie

12-27-2010, 02:57 PM

Winter Park, Colorado

We were stopped at a railroad track while this train went through town last week. it was going very slow uphill. This was one of the last cars. I whipped out my camera with my Sigma 30mm 1.4 and snapped the shot. It was very dark but it captured the lights.
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l130/kroplady/DSC03251.jpg

GvilleDisneyDad

12-27-2010, 07:19 PM

Small aperature. I think I shot it at f/16.

Thank you for this tip. I love the effect!

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ur8swn.jpg

GvilleDisneyDad

12-27-2010, 07:25 PM

Outdoor Holiday Lights :upsidedow

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ln7cx3.jpg

ColleenG

12-27-2010, 09:07 PM

Thank you for this tip. I love the effect!

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ur8swn.jpg

Great shot!

Twigs

12-30-2010, 12:09 PM

Played around a little and got these.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0132.jpg

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0210.jpg

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0199.jpg

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0181.jpg

mistyt

12-30-2010, 07:50 PM

Do I still have time to squeeze some holiday fun in here!? Our tree.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5172963507_f91093e096.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistytcm/5172963507/)
Christmas Countdown (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistytcm/5172963507/) by Mistytcm (http://www.flickr.com/people/mistytcm/), on Flickr

mistyt

12-30-2010, 07:52 PM

And here is one from the Grand Floridian!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5307825699_221a485efe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistytcm/5307825699/)
DSCN0989 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistytcm/5307825699/) by Mistytcm (http://www.flickr.com/people/mistytcm/), on Flickr