I always like the winter holidays. In the past, I have volunteered taking Santa photos to see the wonder and excitement of young children.

As we approach the holiday season, I’m reminded of the magic that happens when daylight turns to darkness and twinkling lights illuminate our streets. As a kid at heart, I love the magic around this time of year.. As a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of capturing this enchantment through night photography.

With modern cameras capable of handling high ISOs above 10,000 (yes, it’s possible!), we can now shoot in conditions previously thought impossible. The result? Breathtaking images that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.

I had the chance to test these capabilities recently at the Victoria Santa Claus parade, where I captured festive floats, sparkling costumes, and even some creative low-light portraits. My camera’s advanced autofocus system locked onto subjects very well, making it easier to get sharp photos in the low light. I also am getting used to the EVF that boosts low light making composition easier in some ways compared to a optical viewfinder. I do still notice a bit of lag, and l still miss putting the camera to my eye and seeing the scene before me, even if the camera is off.

But night photography isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s also an exercise in patience and creativity. As I wandered through my city’s decorated streets, camera in hand, I began to see the world anew. A streetlamp became a miniature spotlight for passersby, while a shop window’s colorful display was transformed into a kaleidoscope of hues.

The art of night photography is not just about capturing images; it’s an invitation to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us – even in the darkest of times. As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to join me on this photographic journey through the twinkling lights and festive decorations that bring joy to our lives.

Tips for Taking Your Own Night Photos:

• Play with exposure compensation: Experimenting with different exposures can add drama and interest to your night photos.
• Experiment with long exposures: If you can’t freeze motion, create abstract images using intentional camera movement.
• Use a tripod or image stabilization: A stable camera is essential for capturing sharp images in low light conditions. I was amazed by how well the in body image stabilization actually works.
• Shoot in RAW format: This will give you more flexibility when editing and post-processing your images.
• Get creative with composition: Don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual perspectives and angles.

So, grab your camera and join me on this photographic holiday adventure! Together, let’s capture the magic of Christmas through the lens of our cameras.