To photograph holiday lights, shoot just after sunset while the sky still has some blue, steady the camera, and expose for the lights rather than the dark. A little patience will turn small bulbs into soft, glowing shapes.
Outdoor Displays
Evenings are cold and dark, so plan ahead. Dress warmly, carry a torch, and watch for traffic and slippery ground. Stay on public paths, respect private property, and keep voices low near homes. If a display is in a car-free zone, avoid blocking other visitors.
- Arrive about twenty minutes after sunset, when the sky is deep blue.
- Rest the camera on a tripod, wall or post, and switch on a two-second timer.
- Use a low ISO and an aperture near f/5.6 to f/8 for crisp bulbs.
- Choose a shutter time between one-half second and a few seconds.
- Dim the exposure a little if lights look washed out.
- Frame lights with a building, tree or street to give them context.
Indoor Trees and Mantels
Turn off room lamps so the tree is the main light. Place the camera on a stable surface and use a timer. Open the aperture wide, such as f/1.8 to f/2.8, and focus on one bulb to create bubble-like blur in the background. For a sparkling glow, try f/11 or smaller, which can make each bulb show tiny rays on some cameras.
Colour can be tricky because warm bulbs and cool bulbs may sit side by side. Try an automatic white balance first, then adjust until white lights look neutral, or leave a slight warmth if you like the cosy feel. Take several frames at different exposures, since the best brightness is hard to judge on a small screen in the dark. Wipe the lens often in cold, damp air.
Three Looks to Try
| Look | How |
|---|---|
| Soft bubbles | Wide aperture, focus off the lights slightly |
| Sharp bulbs | Mid aperture, tripod, low ISO |
| Warm glow | Set white balance to tungsten or a warm preset |
Staying Safe Around Lights
- Do not touch cords or plugs with wet hands, and keep cables out of walkways.
- Never lean on or climb displays to find a better angle.
- Follow the instructions from the maker of any lights you handle.
- Switch off displays at home when you leave or go to bed.
FAQ
Why do my lights look blurry?
Hand shake is the usual cause. Support the camera, use a timer, and focus on a bright bulb.
Should I include people?
It adds warmth. Ask them to stay still for a second or two, or use a faster shutter and slightly higher ISO.
The Short Version
Shoot at blue hour, support the camera, and expose for the lights. Use wide apertures for soft bubbles or smaller ones for crisp bulbs. Stay warm, careful and considerate of neighbours.