Low Light Christmas Lights Pictures [Archive]

Pachimac

11-30-2006, 03:34 PM

I need help. I can't seem to get the manual, low light, no flash thing to work. Here's what I want to do:

I want to get a picture of our Christmas tree (real, about 5-6 feet tall) with the white lights and star on top with all the rest of the lights off in the room. I want to have enough illumination to have Melissa looking at the tree at some angle.

I have NO IDEA what settings to use. I am told use a higher ISO but I know they do a lot of noise at 800-1600

I will be using a tripod and I am shooting with a Canon Rebel XTi with the stock 18-55mm lens, awaiting a new lens!!! LOL

Should I have SOME light coming from somewhere behind me?

I played with lights on the floor and all the ones I'm getting have a weird orange glow to them.

TIA for anything you could do to help me! :-)

Kim2002

11-30-2006, 03:38 PM

Hey Susan. Do you have a manual or bulb setting on your camera? If so, here's how to do it:

First, get your camera set up on a tripod or a very stable surface.

Set your camera to ISO 100, F 22, and plan on a timed exposure of 22 seconds.

Keep the lights on in the room while you focus. Once you have your composition set, turn off all the lights in the room and adjoining rooms, and then press the shutter. Don't move the camera. After 22 seconds is done, let go of the shutter button.

That should be it. You will see a nice warm glow and your lights should have a star effect to them.

Pachimac

11-30-2006, 03:46 PM

I think so. I have a Program Setting, TV, AV, M and A-DEP mode on manual settings. Would I just use the "M" setting? And what about the shutter speed?

The only part I don't understand is the end. Doesn't it automatically take the picture? Do I have to hold my finger on the button all that time?

Hey Susan. Do you have a manual or bulb setting on your camera? If so, here's how to do it:

First, get your camera set up on a tripod or a very stable surface.

Set your camera to ISO 100, F 22, and plan on a timed exposure of 22 seconds.

Keep the lights on in the room while you focus. Once you have your composition set, turn off all the lights in the room and adjoining rooms, and then press the shutter. Don't move the camera. After 22 seconds is done, let go of the shutter button.

That should be it. You will see a nice warm glow and your lights should have a star effect to them.

Kim2002

11-30-2006, 06:13 PM

Sounds like you need to set it to M and hold the button while counting to 22 seconds. Hope you have a steady hand. ;) Actually, I just looked back at my shots like this from last year and mine was 30 seconds at F22, ISO 100.

Traci Reed

11-30-2006, 06:20 PM

that'll be interesting to get a kid to sit immobile for that long...good luck!!!

Kim2002

12-01-2006, 03:35 AM

Yeah, it certainly will. LOL

May have to take two photos and superimpose one on top of the other.

Hollie

12-01-2006, 03:39 AM

I also set the white balance after I set all the above Kim mentioned.

And I set the camera to take a photo with the timer. So that way I press the button and let go right away. But just make sure you wait for the cam to start and finish taking the photo--it seems like forever!!!!

ETA: I re-read your post, and this won't work to well for a photo with a person in it--I don't think. Even an adult is not going to hold a prefectly still pose with zero moveement for that long. The person will be at best slightly blurred. Long exposures are really only good for scenic shots without people. At least that's my opinion.

Hummie

12-01-2006, 04:17 AM

I'm interested in any more tips that you have for us people who do not have SLR cameras. Using the timer sounds like a good tip. I guess I could even set the camera on a chair and use that since I don't have a tripod.

Hollie

12-01-2006, 04:28 AM

Pachimac

12-01-2006, 09:36 AM

I have a programmable timer - so I won't have to hold the button - thank GOD!!!! LMAO

Now to figure out how to take it with Melissa in the picture too!!!

Sounds like you need to set it to M and hold the button while counting to 22 seconds. Hope you have a steady hand. ;) Actually, I just looked back at my shots like this from last year and mine was 30 seconds at F22, ISO 100.

Pachimac

12-01-2006, 09:36 AM

yeah really - she'll be a ball of blur!! LOL!

that'll be interesting to get a kid to sit immobile for that long...good luck!!!

Pachimac

12-01-2006, 09:37 AM

what white balance would you set it at?

I also set the white balance after I set all the above Kim mentioned.

And I set the camera to take a photo with the timer. So that way I press the button and let go right away. But just make sure you wait for the cam to start and finish taking the photo--it seems like forever!!!!

ETA: I re-read your post, and this won't work to well for a photo with a person in it--I don't think. Even an adult is not going to hold a prefectly still pose with zero moveement for that long. The person will be at best slightly blurred. Long exposures are really only good for scenic shots without people. At least that's my opinion.

Pachimac

12-01-2006, 09:42 AM

I did one last year on a tripod and the timer...the large one was with the lights off on a tripod - the other little one was a flash

http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/gallery/data/9287/Tree-Star.jpg

I'm interested in any more tips that you have for us people who do not have SLR cameras. Using the timer sounds like a good tip. I guess I could even set the camera on a chair and use that since I don't have a tripod.

Hollie

12-01-2006, 10:17 AM

I tend to use the custom white balance function ALL of the time. I choose all my other settings first, use a white or gray card and take a photo of it (the card) with it placed in the same area as the subjects I will photograph, then shoot and use that to set the custom balance. Check your manual for specific directions on how to do it with your cam. It varies.

BTW, sometimes--esp for Christmas tree pics, A "wrong" white balance looks nice. I did a pic once and forgot to set the WB--came out very "orangy" but I actually really liked it. It had that old-timey, vintage like feel to it. If that makes sense :)

ETA: if you shoot raw, you can fix WB if you mess it up. One advantage to RAW.

Pachimac

12-01-2006, 10:21 AM

Whenever I shoot in manual mode, I do RAW + JPG shooting, so I'll for sure play with it if I don't get the right colors for it!

I tend to use the custom white balance function ALL of the time. I choose all my other settings first, use a white or gray card and take a photo of it (the card) with it placed in the same area as the subjects I will photograph, then shoot and use that to set the custom balance. Check your manual for specific directions on how to do it with your cam. It varies.

BTW, sometimes--esp for Christmas tree pics, A "wrong" white balance looks nice. I did a pic once and forgot to set the WB--came out very "orangy" but I actually really liked it. It had that old-timey, vintage like feel to it. If that makes sense :)

ETA: if you shoot raw, you can fix WB if you mess it up. One advantage to RAW.

Inkspots

12-01-2006, 07:29 PM

Whenever I shoot in manual mode, I do RAW + JPG shooting, so I'll for sure play with it if I don't get the right colors for it!

I just discovered how to get into RAW mode-duh! Anyway, how do you RAW + JPG? Is that something when you download or a mode on the camera?

This forum is SOO addictive and very dangerous. A HUGE thanks to all you "experts" for sharing your knowledge. I can't tell you how much DH and I have learned just from the few threads we've read and in the process discovered just how much more we need to learn.:( I'm sure it will come in time. I guess my next step will be seeing how to download the files. LOL

Thanks so much again.

PS
Do any of you have tutorials how the various things that have been discussed that I can print out and refer to?

Kim2002

12-01-2006, 07:42 PM

I have some photo tips over at DigiScrapDivas that you are welcome to view/print. They are in the photo forum and were posted over a year ago and are stickied: http://www.digiscrapdivas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=53

Hom74

12-01-2006, 07:45 PM

I don't have my camera w/me (I'm on my laptop in bed right now lol) but in the same place you select the photo size and where you can choose RAW...there is another option there that says RAW + JPG.

Read your manual. AGain I don't have my camera but they have some automatic settings according to the lighting situation (w/o using a gray card)...daylight, shade, tungsten, flourescence, etc. Sorry I can't tell you exactly where the button is right now.

Yeah, you can fix it when you process the RAW image later.

Also...if you set the WB or CWB...remember that you did or else the next pictures you take will come out looking weird hahaha.

Terri Walsh

12-01-2006, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. Here is one I took tonight. What do you think? It was sort of difficult as I have "garland" lights, so they are clumped together.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e139/ourkeepsakes/IMG_5358.jpg

1967jodie

12-01-2006, 10:21 PM

If you don't have a tripod an ironing board can work really well... allows you to adjust the height of the camera.

Pachimac

12-03-2006, 08:43 AM

DawnMcD

12-04-2006, 07:31 AM

Thank you for all the hints! I have a Minolta Dimage S414 so not a high end camera but i have liked it. I have a manual setting and some controls. I could not find my manual but I was able to set the ISO to 100 then I set the exp. bracket to 0.5Ev (I have no idea what that means lol) Color mode to vivid color. I do not think i can set the Fstop or exposure time. and had the flash turned off. I set my camera on a stable surface and use my delayed timer to take the photo. These turned out so much better than others I have taken! So thank you for giving me the confidence to play with my manual settings! My Tree is a White tree so that effects the image but I like these. Any tips to make them better?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/DawnMcD/PICT0001.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/DawnMcD/PICT0002.jpg

DawnMcD

12-04-2006, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. Here is one I took tonight. What do you think? It was sort of difficult as I have "garland" lights, so they are clumped together.

I think it is lovely! I love the blues!

femmgrangwav

12-23-2007, 05:17 PM

BUMP for 2007

Inkspots

12-23-2007, 05:33 PM

I thought this was a familiar thread. LOL Such great info though!

All American Mom

12-23-2007, 05:49 PM

Show us how your pics turned out when get them, I am going to try this method out, I have an XTi as well!

CraftTeaLady

12-23-2007, 06:20 PM

Hmmmm I wouldn't have thought to set my camera at a low ISO / high stop and gone for time. :) Thanks for the tips Kim!

I would have run it at 800 and time... now I am going to have to play some. Thanks again.~G

Elaine Bittencourt

12-23-2007, 06:26 PM

I took pictures of mine today, ISO 100, long exposure. I don't really like them though. I will try something different tomorrow, the dog insists in sleeping under the tree! LOL

Plucky

12-23-2007, 08:58 PM

I shot this one in raw with my Fuji S3.
35mm F/2.0 at 1/60th of a second at
ISO 400.

I love the golden glow, when custom
white balancing and getting the 'right
color balance' the image wasn't so
warm, so I just set the kelvin/color
in Adobe Raw Converter.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c28/PLucky1/ChristmasTree2007WEB.jpg

At those settings you could definately
have a child sit still enough for the shot.
You can play with the timer and slow
the shutter speed down even more if
you wanted providing its not a baby and
the child can sit still for a few moments.

Good luck ~Katy

RatherBscrappin

12-24-2007, 04:47 AM

I have to agree with previous posters that gettin' anyone to sit still for that long exposure is near impossible! :)

I have had good results with my drebel using settings in either AV, TV or M.

Here's a quick pick of my daughter's tree (SOTC just converted to .jpg for sharing)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/kenna__e/Tree_KennaEweb.jpg

Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Shooting Mode: Aperture-Priority AE
Tv (Shutter Speed): 0.5
ISO = 200 (with one lamp light on in the room)
F 5.6
White Balance Mode = Tungsten (leaves your lights white vs. orange)
Metering Mode = Evaluative Metering
Shoot in Raw
Use a Tripod, Tripod, Tripod
Self-Timer On (even with a tripod, your camera will shake a tad, so set self-timer or use a remote is a must!!)

pbumbaca

12-24-2007, 05:32 AM

I used "m" mode, a tripod, 100 ISO and I think that's it.

http://123-scrap.com/forum/uploads/post-12-1196685237.jpg

snappy_scrapper

12-24-2007, 06:20 AM

I took this using kim's tips, and here's mine. Don't know the exact settings, had to play with them a bit!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/snappy_scrapper/IMG_0164.jpg

Kim2002

12-24-2007, 07:52 PM

After filling the stockings, gobbling up some chocolate mint cookies and chugging his glass of milk, the big guy in the red suit dropped off a slew of goodies just moments ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/Kim2002/Other%20Stuff/IMG_2459_Web.jpg

Hanne79

12-24-2007, 07:56 PM

camlu

12-25-2007, 05:39 PM

Beautiful tree photos everyone!

I don't have a DSLR, and I couldn't figure out how to get a long exposure on my P&S this morning. Since my kids were waiting for me to get a shot of the tree before opening their presents, I cheated and used the fireworks mode (I have a Canon Powershot S3IS). It didn't turn out too bad, except I cut off the angel. Next year I'll have to remember to peruse my camera manual ahead of time and take my time to get a shot when the kids are in bed!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/theadoh/IMG_0342.jpg

DawnMcD

12-25-2007, 07:53 PM

All your photos are beautiful! Here is my photo for this year.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/DawnMcD/tree2007.jpg

PurdueLiz

12-26-2007, 08:02 AM

Here's mine from this year:

http://www.members.cox.net/baassler/tree1web.jpg

My settings were f20, 20sec, 200 ISO (my camera doesn't do 100 for some reason).

Trina

12-26-2007, 08:27 PM

Thanks for sharing your beautiful Christmas tree photos!! I love seeing them all.

I'll have to post mine later. I took one last year when this thread came through, and I took one this year, but I don't really care for this year's picture...so I'll post last year's picture ;)

Moni

12-27-2007, 05:20 PM

Here's mine for this year with me and DH. I'm so happy with how it turned out!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2140505333_d29b7b6808.jpg

Inkspots

12-27-2007, 09:40 PM

Great picture! Is it a double exposure? How did you get yourselves so clear when it looks like you used a long exposure for the tree?

scrapmuch

12-29-2007, 11:34 AM

If you don't have a tripod an ironing board can work really well... allows you to adjust the height of the camera.

I've found having a small bean bag in the camera bag is quite useful - when I end up setting the camera on a chair or iron board or whatever, the bean bag can keep the lens "up" and parallel to the ground (but I have an extended grip on my camera base/bottom)

MyLittleElly

12-31-2007, 11:45 PM

If you follow Kim's advice and you have the lights off, the flash will catch the child and freeze motion. The long shutter speed (IN THE DARK) will allow you to catch more lights from the tree, but since it is dark elsewhere, there shouldn't be blur because the child is in the dark. Similar to when you take pictures of fireworks. You can hold your shutterspeed open for 10 minutes, but if the sky is dark, you capture no image. You may have to position the child so that the tree doesn't illuminate elsewhere. good luck!