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

[Camilla and Darwin]

Bump. Can anyone help us out? Anyone?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I can't help, but those shots are amazing. Maybe Linda and Toby can help. Why don't you reach out directly. I would love to learn.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Well, I gave it a go without really knowing what settings to use. :-) I just set my camera to 1.8 on Aperture priority mode, and shot a few. I liked the results, but they definitely aren't as pretty as the above photos. I will keep trying. :-)

 

 

[Jean, Rylee and Cooper]

Camilla these are wonderful.  What a neat idea.  I love this photography group!  You all have such wonderful ideas and it keeps me motivated!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I love it too : ) and learn a lot from all of the discussions.

[Jean, Rylee and Cooper]

Also, I love the second one.

[Camilla and Darwin]

The second one is my favorite too, and I agree with you about the photography group! Great place to keep learning for sure.

[Kim]

Love these pics!!!!  The third is my favorite!!!  Great job!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Love these!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I do LOVE all the shots.  The third shot though, I can feel.  Does that make sense?  I feel the Christmas Holiday, the exciting lights, and the exhaustion  :)

Maybe that is an idea for a 'topic of the month'; Showing Emotion.  Bring the viewer in to make them feel something in your picture.  Sadness, Excitement, Beauty....  does this make sense?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Okay, so now I can feel softness in the 2nd shot.  I must be having a Feeling Day   ..... whatever

[F, Calla & Luca]

As much sense as you make J : ) but we do all understand you and love you. That is an interesting topic for another day since we already have a possible 2 for this coming month.