Christmas Photo Tutorial

 Canon Rebel T3,  18-55mm lens, 4.0 f-stop, 50 shutter speed, Auto ISO

Natural light from window (Light fabric curtain)

Distance from tree: ~3 feet

Canon Rebel T3, 50 mm lens, 1.8 f-stop, 15 shutter speed, Auto ISO

Natural light from window (light, sheer white curtain).

Distance from tree: ~6 feet.

(No tripod, though I'd recommend one.)

So this is a super quick tutorial:
Note: Most of these I used a Canon 50mm fixed lens.
Fixed meaning you can't adjust the zoom.
The 50mm lens is a great lens, gets clear images and can get a low f-stop, 
you just have to move back and adjust your self to fill your frame rather than zoom in and out with the lens. 
  

 Canon Rebel T3, 50mm lens, 1.8 f-stop, 50 shutter speed, Auto ISO

Natural light from window with light curtains.

Distance from tree: ~4 feet.

Closer vs. Farther:

Canon Rebel T3, 50mm lens, 1.8 f-stop,  60 shutter speed, Auto ISO

Again natural light from window.
Distance from tree: ~5ft.

For the white background:

I positioned the chair just inches from the window and a few feet from the tree.
The light weight fabric allowed light in without it casting harsh shadows. 

 How far away/close your subject is to the lights will make your Light Blur different. 
You can see the size of halos the light gives off changes.
 

THE FURTHER AWAY:

the bigger the blur!

(Like the one above.)
(Make sure your f-stop is set at the lowest.)

THE CLOSER SUBJECT IS:

the smaller the blur!

(Like the one below.) 

Canon Rebel T3, 50mm lens, 1.8 f-stop,  60 shutter speed,, Auto ISO

Again natural light from window.
Distance from tree: ~6 inches.

Remember the basics:
Low shutter speed=more light
Low f-stop=more blur in back/foreground and light.

A lower shutter speed can be tricky when it gets below 30.
A tripod can help keep it steady and try to have your subject hold still.
If you aren't familiar with your manual settings:
I suggest looking here.
She has some great explanations and tutorials! 

AND AGAIN:

 FAR AWAY.

CLOSE.

(The two above where without curtains, hence the harsh light.)

These are easy, quick photos to capture at home.

You can see the difference the dark vs. white tree makes in the over all appearance, as well as the distance.  

It is so fun to play with and figure out the distance and blur. 

*TIP*

To save your sanity, practice with an object before going for it with the kiddos!   
 

Part 2: Christmas Tree Photos

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