TIPS FOR PHOTOS OF KIDS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Ah, Christmas lights – is there anything better? How about photos of your kids and Christmas lights? Unfortunately, many photographers have tried taking photos of Christmas lights only to find that it is difficult to get a good exposure, particularly with people involved. Let’s try to find a way to work around these difficulties – shall we?

Tip One: Exposure Compensation

The primary problem with Christmas light photos is that your camera wants to make a “correct” exposure – as in, make it seem like normal light. You need to be able to tell your camera NO! Learn how to adjust your exposure, or use manual mode. This also takes care of another common problem – automatic flash.

Tip Two: Tripod

Next, you’re going to want a tripod, as taking photos of Christmas lights involves slower shutter speeds so you likely won’t be able to hold your camera steady. As an added plus, you can be in the photo too (if you want to be, that is). Having a tripod also makes it easier to work with younger children without having to constantly readjust your camera. As an added tip, invest in a remote shutter as it might help you get that “perfect” shot.

Tip Three: Aim for Semi-Darkness Outside

Waiting for full dark is a common mistake when shooting houses and Christmas light displays. If you can go at dusk, when there is still a bit of ambient light, which will give you more flexibility to work with different settings on your camera. Even better – if you get a colorful sunset and wait until just after the sun goes down.

Tip Four: Experiment with ISO

Increasing your camera sensor’s ISO sensitivity will also give you more flexibility – just keep an eye on the amount of noise (graininess) that is produced as a result. You can always try a series of shots with different ISO levels to ensure you get a clear image. As you might be able to tell with the photo at the top, there’s a bit of noise, but it still turned out quite nicely.

Tip Five: Get Creative with Indoor Christmas Lights

If you are taking photos of kids with Christmas Lights, you can get creative with light as well as your composition. For one, you can place white lights in front of your subject to put more light on their faces (and avoid flash), or use a reflector to bounce more light from the tree or background. Second, you can play around with shaped bokeh (stars, hearts, etc.) and a wide aperture for beautiful backgrounds.

Remember to play it safe with younger children and keep the lights out of reach!

Tip Six: Use Flash if Necessary

Sometimes you won’t be able to get a clear image including your kids without using flash, particularly if you are outdoors. In these cases it can be helpful to have a flash diffuser to soften the light (or a few Kleenexes in a pinch) or use an off-camera flash that lets you bounce the flash off a ceiling or wall. Learn how to adjust your flash intensity so you don’t get super bright faces as well! Ideally, though, you’re better off finding a constant light source, such as a lamp, when working with kids – otherwise you might get blinky eyes 🙂

Tip Seven: Multiple Exposures when Needed

Sometimes it’s just not possible to get a correctly exposed image that includes holiday lights and people, unless you are willing to get a bit creative. By taking a few exposures and combining them in editing software you can get the best of everything – lights, shadows, and people. Here’s a basic guide:

–          Use your tripod and don’t move it!

–          Take one underexposed photo of the lights, then follow with a correct exposure and an overexposure (you might want to take a few more images at different levels of exposure, just in case)

–          Take a few images that include your family, with flash or without

–          Combine the images using Photoshop, Lightroom, or an online editing program

–          Enjoy!

It’s definitely a challenge to photograph kids and Christmas lights, but if you can pull it off you’ll have a memorable photo that will remind you and your kids of a fun time.