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Photography

Christmas Twinkle Light Pictures- A How To

by Jill November 28, 2011
November 28, 2011

I was a busy picture taking elf this weekend.

Oh yeah, I took that!

And this…

And this one…

And those aren’t even the ones that made the cut for the Christmas cards!

After one year of owning my fancy pants camera (Canon EOS Rebel T2i), I finally feel I have enough of a grasp on how it actually works to start getting creative.

I ordered Lightroom and the Clickin Moms Film Art Presets last week, and as soon as I get LR this week, I’m going to start teaching myself a thing or two about post processing.

Speaking of Clickin Moms, I’m a little obsessed with it lately. They have an iPhone app, so I just spend all the time I’m nursing Leyna browsing the forums. That’s where I got the idea for these pictures and figured out what I needed to do to set it up. It was so simple once I figured it out.

Here’s how I made them happen:

I took these with my 50mm 1.4 lens. My settings were 1.8-2.0F, 200 ISO, 1/160-1/200 SS (I think, I’m doing my best to remember all that, but that’s the general range for everything.) I used auto white balance, and that seemed to be fine.

The Setup: (Let us all laugh at how horrible this looks!)

I set this up on our bed since we have a wall of windows to the right, and then I opened the bathroom door on the left and let in the light from the window there, too. Luckily, I didn’t need a reflector of any sort. All I needed to set this up was 2 white sheets, a white fuzzy blanket (we already had all of that), and 2 strings of icicle lights (on WHITE cords!).

I took the curtains down to let all the light in, but wound up hanging a couple back up when the sun got low enough in the sky that it was causing dappled light on the bed. I hung a couple just so they would block the direct sunlight.

I taped a flat, white sheet to the wall behind the bed, then I taped the lights over the top of it. I wish I would have had more lights!

The fuzzy blanket is at the end of the bed, and the rest of the bed is covered in a white sheet.

Then I just positioned my subjects at the end of the bed, and I shot a few feet away from them. That gave me nice bokeh (fuzzy lights) in the background, and helped blur out most of the cords, though I still need to go in and blur out some of them.

Easy peasy! My focus is a smidge off on most of them, but that’s something I’m still working on mastering. They are good enough for Christmas cards, though.

From what I gathered from reading tutorials and the thread on Clickin Moms, the keys to making this happen is to keep your subject 4 or more feet away from the lights and getting your aperture as wide open as you can. I hope that helps spell it out a little bit. I’m by no means a pro at any of this, but I can try to answer questions you have, so let me know if you’re confused.


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56 comments

TheFeministBreeder November 28, 2011 - 12:55 pm

Your fancy pants camera makes me feel inadequate. I never have gorgeous shots of the kids, and my panda is all sad. 🙁 WANT WANT WANT (but ain’t never gonna get – not until Mama hits the lotto.)

Reply
Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:50 pm

If I ever make it up to Chicago, I’d be happy to take some pics of the kids for you! I finally justified the cost after adding up all the photo sessions of the kids I wanted every year. But, you know, now that I’m really learning photography, I’m realizing I could have taken MUCH better pictures with my less expensive point and shoot, too. I had no idea how to work that camera either, and a camera on auto, no matter how much it costs, just isn’t going to produce the best results. Not that you have a ton of time to figure out photography, but there are ways you can take great pics without an expensive camera.

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TheFeministBreeder November 28, 2011 - 4:48 pm

I REALLLY need to learn how to use my P&S. I have no idea what any of the settings do, except that the pictures always seem flat. And I have no time to photoshop anything. Do you have a website where I can learn about those darn settings?

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dianthe November 28, 2011 - 1:02 pm

nice work!! i just bought a Canon EOS Rebel T3 which will probably remain on the auto setting until i die! i know nothing about photography and have absolutely no ambition to learn – i just want to be able to take pictures of my kids without a 10 second lag time between shots!

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Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:50 pm

You will LOVE it! And I bet the photography bug will bite you eventually.

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Brett November 28, 2011 - 1:06 pm

Great job!!

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Vi Nguyen November 28, 2011 - 1:06 pm

Wow, Jill, you never cease to amaze me! Gorgeous, gorgeous photos and excellent setting. Hopefully we’ll get to see how the holiday card turns out. Excellent tutorial, too. You are one awesome Mama!!!

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Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:51 pm

You are so sweet. Thanks!

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Suzanne November 28, 2011 - 1:09 pm

I was admiring these photos on Facebook and seething with jealousy that I didn’t have a white wall to hang my lights on…but the sheet is GENIUS. I can’t wait to see which ones DID make the card!

Reply
Lindsey November 28, 2011 - 2:09 pm

Speaking of ClickinMoms, do you feel like you’ve been able to learn a lot through the forums as opposed to paying more money for their special classes? I’m debating whether to purchase the discounted life membership today (40% off). If I’m paying over $100 for access to the site, I’d like to learn as much as I can without paying more money for their classes.

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Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:52 pm

Definitely! There are tutorials out the wazoo on there. I still haven’t had time to read through all of them. I don’t plan to take any classes any time soon.

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Lindsey November 28, 2011 - 5:20 pm

YAY! Going to join tonight 🙂

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Jennifer November 29, 2011 - 3:04 pm

I have joined Clickin Moms but was wondering if anyone has taken the classes. Right now they are kind of spendy and was wondering if they were worth the money. Also I wasn’t sure how online learing photography would be as opposed to may be taking a class at a community college? I didn’t know if I would have a hard time learning it online. Any thoughts any one?

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Karen November 28, 2011 - 2:34 pm

Just one question…How did you get your husband to wear that hat?!?! Mine would never, especially if it was going on a Christmas card. 😉

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Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:53 pm

Scott is so awesome like that. We have always been *that* couple that isn’t afraid to be goofy and loud. We have matching hats like that. We’ve had them for the last… 6? years, and we wear them every year.

Reply
molly November 28, 2011 - 3:55 pm

They look great, Jill! And you would never guess they were taken on your bed! I saw your photo on FB and thought I might try my hand at it. We don’t have the same camera but I do have the same lens as you. And twinkle lights . . . if I can only get them untangled 😉

Good job!

Reply
Jill November 28, 2011 - 3:58 pm

You should, Molly! I bet they’ll turn out great. You have fantastic picture taking skillz.

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aleta November 28, 2011 - 4:29 pm

OMG only thing I can think of when I see that Leyna pic is CHEESECAKE! Love it. I sent this to the hubs (he is our budding hobby photographer). Fantastic idea!

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Katie November 28, 2011 - 5:28 pm

Stunning! Thanks for the inspirationt to try something new with my camera!

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Erin Caballero November 28, 2011 - 9:55 pm

Great pictures!! I also have a good “light” room that I set up like that! I use Lightroom 3 and I love it! You should also download Noiseware. It’s a post processing program that will help make your pictures crisp and clear. It’s free on Noiseware.com (Noiseware Community Edition). Then when you export pictures from LR you can set it up to take them through Noiseware and then save the filtered file!

Reply
Jill November 28, 2011 - 10:04 pm

Awesome tip! Thank you!

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Lynet witty November 28, 2011 - 10:55 pm

I am so uber proud of you! They look soooo good!

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cassie November 28, 2011 - 11:10 pm

Love the pictures! What lens do you use most often? My husband is upgrading me to a rebel for Christmas after using a canon powershot sx110 for the last few years. I’ve LOVED it aside from the fact that it takes nearly ten seconds for the flash to recharge! Also, are there any filters or other accessories you’d recommend?

Reply
Jill November 28, 2011 - 11:23 pm

I only have one lens, and I absolutely love it. It’s a 50mm 1.4. I skipped the kit lenses and invested in this one and a camera body instead. Other than that, I really don’t have anything. I’m hoping to get a few accessories for Christmas.

Reply
Monica November 29, 2011 - 12:24 am

Ooh those are beautiful and very clever. Makes me wish I had some lights here on white cords. I’m having a hard time getting the baby to sit still w/ the toddler at the same time lol. Thanks for sharing your technique!! most ppl never want to tell you how they did it.

Reply
Jill November 29, 2011 - 12:48 am

Of course! I’m not one to keep much of anything to myself. I’m think I’m what most would classify as an “over-share-er” 🙂

Reply
Ashley @ It's Fitting November 29, 2011 - 2:05 am

Oh love it! I’m just starting to really get into my Nikon d40, I wish it was a d5000, but it will do for now. I’m a member of CM and I’m trying to navigate through the tutorials. I think the challenge is that I don’t know the questions to ask. And I’m pretty bad at my depth of field… Someone is always just a little bit off. I’ll totally be checking back for pointers because my new years resolution is to get alot better at it all 🙂

Reply
Jill November 29, 2011 - 11:42 am

Yeah, it took me a while to chime in, too, but everyone is really very nice. Hope to see you over there!

Reply
GreenInOC November 29, 2011 - 2:58 am

I gasped when I saw that first picture, then I laughed and then I seriously got teary eyed!

They are all gorgeous – you did an amazing job!

Reply
Jill November 29, 2011 - 11:42 am

Awww! Thanks.

Reply
Jennifer November 29, 2011 - 3:08 pm

I was wondering besides lightroom has anyone tried Gimp? I heard it is free and has almost the same stuff as photoshop. I have a MacBook and would love to save some money and download it free. Anyone have any experience with it? Pros? Cons?

Reply
I Am A Photography Genius December 1, 2011 - 7:01 am

[…] yesterday morning when I tried my hand at a holiday twinkle lights bokeh photo shoot  (inspired by Jill & […]

Reply
erica @ expatriababy December 12, 2011 - 1:05 am

I read this post a while back, and somehow it stuck inn my mind and so this weekend when the urge hit to FINALLY do something about my Christmas cards, I re-called it and tried to re-create as much as I could remember. I got one good shots. And a lot of hilarious bad ones. Have a look if you like! And thanks for the idea!!!
http://www.expatriababy.com/2011/12/christmas-preview.html

Reply
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things- And I’m Giving One Away! | Baby Rabies December 16, 2011 - 12:57 am

[…] Clickin Moms membership- Over the last couple years I’ve developed an aversion to online forums. (A few internet friends and I like to attribute this to “Post Traumatic Nest Syndrome”… many of you will totally relate and understand that.) So I was hesitant to sign up for another “mom” message board. Clickin Moms, however, has been nothing but incredibly insightful, educational, and supportive. It’s 95% photography talk, but in a language I understand and am not intimidated by. There are tutorials for weeks. I’ve been teaching myself Lightroom simply by reading through all the Lightroom tutorials. Half the time, I’m reading threads from my phone in bed with the help of their super simple to use iPhone app (.99 in the app store). It’s where I got the ideas and inspiration for our Christmas Twinkle Light pictures. […]

Reply
Al from LearningTheLight.com December 16, 2011 - 4:53 am

Lovely photos, Jill, thanks for sharing your method, too – really helpful for everyone!

Reply
Ugogurl December 16, 2011 - 5:46 am

Hi there,
Stumbled upon your tutorial from Twitter and this is really awesome and so easy to actually set, stage and shoot… your explanation can be followed by anyone, easy and straight forward = awesome…

“My focus is a smidge off on most of them”

Tip: get yourself a tripod. It doesn’t need to be an expensive one, but if you had taken all your shots using one, it would have reduced the “offness” you claim had happen as it stabilizes the camera. (add this to your Christmas)
When the human body breathes, it moves, even when we think it doesn’t the camera will pick up the movement. Also; Breathe out, then click… it helps…

Reply
Christmas Baby Photos | Babys First Year Blog December 16, 2011 - 11:00 am

[…] credit for the first shoot goes to Amy Tripple and credit for the white lights goes to Jill. […]

Reply
.:karen:. December 19, 2011 - 6:25 pm

I’ve had this page open on multiple browsers for weeks, sent the link to friends and still haven’t done it. I was all psyched at first but then I remembered our damn footboard. And it connects the bed so we can’t just take it off. Booo. So I’m trying to figure out a plan B. I might end up taking my holiday pix of the girls AFTER Christmas. Or else, I just need to bite the bullet, pack up the family and go to my office to do the set up there. I know we have a flat surface though an adult would have to be there to spot since it’s high off the ground. AND we have some photo lights which would be nice. I’m borrowing a 50 mm 1.8 from a friend to try on my T2i. Trying to decide if I want (read: really CAN) spend more on a 1.4 or if a 1.8 will suffice. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration and making it seem attainable. 😉

Reply
.:karen:. December 19, 2011 - 6:28 pm

Oh yeah, and to add to what the PP said about the tripod… there are some really inexpensive wired or wireless shutter releases that would perfect that set up. We got a wired one for the office b/c our tripod was crap and it helped a lot. I put a wireless one on my wishlist. 🙂

Reply
Tiffany February 17, 2012 - 3:07 pm

Love how chunky she is!! 🙂 My litttle girl is 4 months and she looks just the same!

Reply
Danielle October 23, 2012 - 3:13 pm

Jill –
Did you use LED lights or regular lights? Do you think it would make a difference? Thx!! Going to “try” and attempt this weekend 🙂 Also, did you use a tripod?

Reply
How to design your own holiday cards November 8, 2012 - 10:50 am

[…] have professional photos taken in time for our holiday cards. But then I was inspired by a blog post to set up a quick and easy back drop for taking my own photo for our holiday […]

Reply
Pam R November 13, 2012 - 8:17 pm

What flash did you use to lighten the subject. Its not all direct sunlight is it. I would have to set this up in my studio and dont have any windows for light…

Reply
Zina November 24, 2012 - 4:46 pm

Love this Jill. Thanks for taking the time to write it out and share with us!

Reply
Lasso the Moon 5 Holiday Photography Tips for Beginners » Lasso the Moon November 26, 2012 - 7:56 am

[…] You might also enjoy her post: Christmas Twinkle Light Pictures […]

Reply
ali December 4, 2012 - 5:17 pm

Are you sure you mean 200 ISO and not 2,000?

Reply
Ali Doty Petersen December 4, 2012 - 9:17 pm

Are you sure you mean 200 and not 2,000?

Reply
John Reling April 30, 2013 - 10:40 am

WOW its all LED picture lighting.
http://www.perfectpicturelighting.com/

Reply
John Reling May 10, 2013 - 12:35 pm

Your website all images wonder full!

Reply
Sara December 16, 2013 - 3:07 pm

cc

Reply
Baby Diaries: Holiday Photo Shoot March 13, 2014 - 12:23 am

[…] https://www.babyrabies.com/2011/11/christmas-twinkle-light-pictures-a-how-to/ […]

Reply
Photography Tips: Season of Sparkle - Variety by Vashti December 12, 2014 - 10:04 am

[…] site has a few tips on placement of your kiddo vs the scenery (tree).   Jill also shares how she used her bed to create the perfect setting for a bright twinkle background. […]

Reply
Baby Rabies | My 4-Year Photography Journey December 18, 2014 - 6:37 pm

[…] took these pictures for our Christmas cards that year. (You can learn more about how I did them here and […]

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Episode 38 - Perfect Holiday Cards With Adam Cohen - Dad Spotlight December 3, 2015 - 11:52 pm

[…] holiday cards such as he did in the below picture (He learned about this from reading about it on a BabyRabies.com post). While it may seem hard, Adam mentioned that it was actually quite […]

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Mom 2.0 Summit Holiday: Tips for Taking Great Holiday Photos - Mom 2.0 Summit | Moms + Marketers + Media June 2, 2016 - 12:41 am

[…] you’ll end up with great shots like the one of her kids above. Promise. (Stick around for her twinkle lights backdrop how-to. This may be the year I give that one a […]

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Tips for Taking Great Holiday Photos - MOM 2.0MOM 2.0 December 20, 2016 - 2:51 pm

[…] you’ll end up with great shots like the one of her kids above. Promise. (Stick around for her twinkle lights backdrop how-to. This may be the year I give that one a […]

Reply

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