Christmas Light Displays

[Alan]

Thought I would start a thread on this topic, since we're approaching Christmas. []





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[Elon Gane]

Cool Dude! I just last night went to a lake that was full of Christmas lights last night! If they tured out I will probably post some of them. []


BTW I love your shot! What Camera,lens,shutter speed, f-number, ISO did you shoot it at? I sure would like to know how to get some of that snow too![]As there is none here [:S]

[Alan]

Elon, thanks. The camera is the 5DMk2, lens 24-105 L. This is an exposure blend of 4 shots. Bright lights with dark backgrounds are challenging for cameras, even today's.


All shots were at 24 mm, ISO 400. The 4 images were 0.3 sec, 0.6, 1.3 and 2.5 (-3, -2,-1, 0 eV, respectively).


They were blended in Photomatix using a automatic adjustment for a simple exposure blending.


I could have taken the -1 eV shot and increased the brightness a bit, and it would have been close to the image I posted.

[Alan]

Here's another one, using 5 exposures (-3, to +1 eV), 45 mm, ISO 400. Same camera and lens as above.


This guy has a gigantic oak tree covered in white-blue LEDs. It cast the color on his house and on the snow.


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[ddt0725]

Your photos are really beautiful, Alan! They are definitely greeting card worthy!


Denise

[Todd Ovick]

Here's another one, using 5 exposures (-3, to +1 eV), 45 mm, ISO 400. Same camera and lens as above.


This guy has a gigantic oak tree covered in white-blue LEDs. It cast the color on his house and on the snow.


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Alan,


Excellent Work!!!


I like the contrast between the lighting and the background sky.


I have used that exposure blending feature for some of my night shots in the past with great success.


Todd

[Alan]

Denise, Todd, thanks.


With the tree, the sky was cloudy that night. I think I'd like to try this one again, but with a perfectly clear, black sky. It would help with the contrast, though I'm hoping the city lights don't interfere too much.

[GarzaCapitalist]

Here's another one, using 5 exposures (-3, to +1 eV), 45 mm, ISO 400. Same camera and lens as above.


This guy has a gigantic oak tree covered in white-blue LEDs. It cast the color on his house and on the snow.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/7802.oak-tree.jpg[/img]
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Hello, Here is a serious question, did any of these require flash? If not how on earth do you capture the lights? Do you use a tripod, or hand held? These are terrific by the way! Very nice work, merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year in case I don't reach you again! Same for everyone here, and god bless you!

[Alan]

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Hello, Here is a serious question, did any of these require flash? If not how on earth do you capture the lights? Do you use a tripod, or hand held? These are terrific by the way! Very nice work, merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year in case I don't reach you again! Same for everyone here, and god bless you!
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[:S]


No flash was needed. It's all a matter of proper exposure with the camera's settings. When they are correct, enough light is captured without any flash being required.


Yes, I used a tripod. Despite what Ken Rockwell says, it was necessary. []


Merry Christmas!

[Alan]

And, now, for those who love lights. Lots of them. For some, it seems, there are never enough lights. More is ALWAYS better! []


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Even the back of the house and yard is covered...no, smothered!...with lights.


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