What Settings Would You Use To Get This Shot? UPDATED

I am gearing up to take some holiday photos for our Holiday cards, and I really want to get an indoor shot of Darwin with Christmas lights. I've seen gorgeous photos of this type, but I have no idea what settings will allow me to get it.. aside from knowing that I need an aperture setting of probably 1.8? I know I will also need a tripod. I have looked this up online but I haven't found any advice for taking pictures of Christmas lights that include a subject (a moving subject) such as a person or pet. I have included photos of both types I want to take. Subjects in front of a tree, as well as in the lights themselves.

I would really appreciate any help! I have a canon t1i, with the 50mm f/1.8 lens. I do not have any external flashes or equipment like that, and probably can't afford it. However, I'm willing to be innovative if anyone has any DIY suggestions. :-)

I just added my first attempts in the comments. I used my 50mm f/1.8 lens, in AV mode, with the aperture set to 1.8

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Permalink Reply by Camilla and Darwin on November 20, 2011 at 11:01pm

Love the 3rd and 4th! I think they turned out great.

Permalink Reply by Ronna, Murphy & Wilson on November 27, 2011 at 12:41pm

Okay....here is my attempt. Since Wilson insisted on helping me decorate today.......I used an 85mm f/1.8 lens an aperture priority , ISO 200 and f/1.8. It was 2:30 in the afternoon with total daylight and natural light from my windows. No flash or anything fancy. I am going to keep trying all month now that the Christmas decorations are out. BTW: Murphy said "hell no" to this experiment :) Oh..also think I will go read the tutorials now..I was just fooling around.