taking pictures of christmas lights in the dark?

Question

i have a digital camera and i want to take pictures of christmas lights, but i obviously cant take a picture with the flash on because its too bright. and when i take the flash off, the picture is blurry. so is there a setting or some way that i can take a clear picture of christmas lights in the dark? thanks

Answer 1

A tripod or other firm support is needed. Your camera has to be in Manual Mode so you can be in control and set the aperture and shutter speed. Your shutter has to either have a minimum speed of 15 seconds or have a setting for "T" or "B" to allow you to hold the shutter open for long exposures. When using "T" or "B" you'll need a cable release. If your shutter supports up to a 15 second exposure you can use the camera's self-timer.

Referring to my FotoSharp (fotosharp.com) Day & Night Exposure Guide, Scene # 11 is "Outdoor Christmas lights".

ISO 100

f2.8 @ 1/2 second
f4 @ 1 second
f5.6 @ 2 seconds
f8 @ 4 seconds
f11 @ 8 seconds
f16 @ 15 seconds

ISO 200

f2.8 @ 1/4 second
f4 @ 1/2 second
f5.6 @ 1 second
f8 @ 2 seconds
f11 @ 4 seconds
f16 @ 8 seconds

You may need to experiment with the exposure times to get the results that are most pleasing to you. Never change more than one variable at a time since doing so leads to confusion.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You will have to use a tripod. When you take the picture, set the shutter to 1 second to 5 seconds. That way you will let enough light in to get the Christmas lights, but not enough to show everything else.

If you do not have a tripod, try finding something stable to lean your camera against. The less your camera moves, the sharper the photo. You may also have to use your manual focus. My digital camera will not let me focus in the dark unless I have it on manual.

Answer 3

You should use a tripod, but here's what to do if you don't have one:

1. Put the camera on a table, chair, or anything else sturdy. You can also brace it against a wall.

2. Set it so the flash doesn't fire

3. Set it on self timer.

4. Take the shot.

Hope this helps.