The festive season is well underway with Christmas trees and lights decorating streets and stores, but taking photos of said Christmas lights is an entirely different matter. This inspired us to write blog in the hopes to preserve the Christmas spirit.

Three different photography styles we’re taking a look at include:

Bokeh
A very popular stylistic technique loved by photographers and videographers alike, this striking effect puts emphasis on a delicate out-of-focus background, or lights, in this specific case. To create this effect, you’d have to use a fast lens with a wide aperture such as f/2.8 and wider.

Suggested camera settings

  • Mode: Aperture Priority (A/Av) or Manual (M)
  • Aperture: f/1.2 to f/2.8 (wider equals smoother bokeh)
  • Shutter Speed: Adjust according to lighting (start around 1/60 sec or slower if using a tripod)
  • ISO: 100 to 800 (low ISO for less noise, higher in low light)
Festive lights captured with the beautiful bokeh technique

Bokeh

Festive lights captured with the beautiful bokeh technique

Bokeh

Starburst effect
The starburst effect in photography happens when a bright light source, like the sun or Christmas lights, is captured with a small aperture setting (high f-stop), usually between f/11 and f/16. This causes the light to spread into star-shaped beams, creating a stunning, radiant effect.

Suggested camera settings

  • Mode: Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A/Av)
  • Aperture: f/16 to f/22 (smaller aperture creates stronger starbursts)
  • Shutter Speed: Adjust based on lighting (use slower shutter speeds for low light)
  • ISO: 100 to 200 (low ISO minimises noise)
Festive lights captured with the starburst style

Starburst

Sparklers captured with the beautiful long exposure technique to look like a Christmas tree

Long exposure

Long exposure
Slow shutter speeds give you the ability to brighten a dark scene, due to more light entering through the lens. This technique is fun and allows for lots of creative freedom! It enhances the sparkle and brilliance of festive decorations by transforming static lights into dreamy, artistic streaks or soft, glowing patterns.

Suggested camera settings

  • Mode: Manual (M) or Shutter Priority (S/TV)
  • Shutter Speed: 5 to 30 seconds (longer for more light trails or glow)
  • Aperture: f/8 to f/16 (for better depth of field and starburst effects)
  • ISO: 100 to 400 (keep ISO low to reduce noise)

Must-see Christmas lights in Pretoria (and beyond)

Jakaranda Kinderhuis LiggieFees
1 Talitha Kumi St, Derdepoort 326-Jr, Pretoria
29 November – 23 December 2024

The Grove Mall
Cnr of Lynnwood and Simon Vermooten Roads, Pretoria
1 – 31 December 2024

Lawley Street
Lawley Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
1 – 31 December 2024

Malrose Arch
60 Melrose Blvd, Melrose North, Johannesburg
15 November – 31 December 2024

We’ve rounded up the perfect Christmas gifts for photographers and videographers, so if you need a little inspiration, take a look at our Festive gift guide.

Beautiful Christmas tree being decorated by a little girl