What Settings Would You Use To Get This Shot? UPDATED

[Camilla and Darwin]

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

[Bonne Bouche]

Love thos photos. no idea how to take shots like that, but i LOOOOOVE THEM!

[Bonne Bouche]

the first and last are my favorites.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great photos but I have no suggestions on this topic. I bet Richard Crowe has some ideas.

[Carol and Banjo]

Ohhhh - I would love to know how to do this as well.....where's Richard when we need him?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so glad you asked this question...I hope someone has some answers because I'd also love to be able to take XMAS photos with lights.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Camilla, here is a site I recently came across while looking for something else.  I added the page to my favorites hoping to try it some time.  It doesn't have subjects but shows similar lighting.  Hope it helps.

http://photo.tutsplus.com/tutorials/shooting/quick-tip-creating-art...

[Carol and Banjo]

Tina - This is a wonderful site - I'm so inspired to start playing with lights!    Thanks so much for sharing!

[Sue]

Here is another blog I bookmarked from a while back.

 

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/tutorials/photography-tutori...

[Bonne Bouche]

Excellent blog link! I favorited it!

Their suggestions are great. Between this blog and the one Tina posted earlier, I think its do-able! (is it bad if I pull out Christmas decor before Halloween to try it?)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Richard, help us!!! LOL

[Bonne Bouche]

I love that you picked that photo of Darwin for your avatar. Its still one of my favorite photos on DK ;-] Darwin is so ridiculously handsome!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks! It's one of my favorites, I feel like it shows his personality very well.