I have seen some very good Christmas night photos on 365, but what settings should you use so that the decorative lights are sharp and everything else is not to dark. I tried taking the photo below at 4:45 pm and at 5:00 pm. Suggestions are wanted.
The EXIF info for the top is f2 1/60 sec ISO 200 50 mm, for the bottom f1.8 1/30 sec ISO 200 50 mm.
I don't think that you have let it get dark enough. You need the lights to be brighter than the ambient light. The second one is almost there, but the sky looks too bright too me. You can pull back light in the sky etc using HDR or tone mapping techniques.
Can you show an example of what you are trying to achieve?
First, thanks for the compliment! I was a bit lucky with my shot - the rink was brightly lit, so I was able to get good detail in the foreground. Since Christmas lights aren't very bright on their own, you need a longer exposure to make them really pop - which means you're probably going to need a tripod. I used my 50mm f/1.4 lens, and that one was shot at 1/25 sec, f/2.2, ISO 125. You'll likely need a longer exposure than that because of the minimal light sources in your shot. I also recommend setting your camera's timer for the shutter release so you get a nice, crisp shot. Hope that helps at least a bit.
Tried this myself. Let it get dark. Use some exposure bracketing. Then either a high iso or a long exposure on a tripod (better if you can). You need a very very well lit house to make an impact. On the PC turn up the saturation if you want the CocaCola look.
Here is my go.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Can you show an example of what you are trying to achieve?
I was lucky to find some boats with holiday lighting, and capture them in motion. Makes for a cool effect.
Here is my go.
this was shot without tripod---i know, it's not great but i think u feel already the ambience.