- 1). Buy a digital camera and tripod, if you don't already own them. For shooting a subject like Christmas lights, you're probably better off getting a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera than a standard point-and-shoot camera, as you'll have more control over things like the shutter speed and aperture setting. Review your owner's manual to learn how to use your camera.
- 2). Choose the lighting display that you're going to photograph and go there. Ideally, you want to take the picture before it gets completely dark--this way you can get the proper exposure for the lights and the surrounding area.
- 3). Put the camera on the tripod and compose your shot. Try to include as much of the sky as you can in your shot.
- 4). Use the camera's light meter to set your shutter speed and aperture. Take a test shot at that setting, as well as test shots one stop above and below the setting (one of the great things about digital photography is that you can see your work as you shoot it).
- 5). When you've found the right settings, shoot your pictures. Remember to keep checking the settings every few minutes, because the light conditions will change as the sun sets.
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