Snow + Sun = Happy Photographer!
The combination of a light snowfall this week, followed by bright blue skies the next day made for some spectacular photo opportunities. I enjoyed a couple of wonderful hours “getting lost” at a local park, immersed in the spectacle of light, refraction and shadow. Who needs Christmas lights with conditions like this?






About the Photography
For all of these photos, I used a 50 mm f/1.4 lens on my camera with a single extension tube. The lens allowed me to have very shallow depth of field which created the out of focus highlights (Christmas lights!) in the background. These highlights are known as bokeh.
The extension tube is a ring that is placed between the lens and camera body and allows me to get much closer to the subject. Without it, I would need to be about 30 cm from the subject to focus. With the extension tube, I was able to focus from only 10 cm away and this allowed me to fill the frame with the subject. Extension tubes usually come in sets of three and you can use one, two or all three together to get super close.
The combination of 50 mm lens and extension tube(s) is a great set up for macro photography. Instead of buying a dedicated macro lens, the 50 mm provides a versatile alternative, all for less money.
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Really enjoyed viewing both sets of images (gingerbread houses and light show). Merry Christmas to you and your family Dennis and a Happy healthy 2018.
Ernie, thank you so much for your good wishes! And I’m glad you enjoyed the images. All the best to you as well.
Hello Dennis,
Thank you for sharing a beautiful Christmas story. Your pictures added a special touch.
All the Best to you and your family during this holiday season.
Have a safe and Happy New Year.
Thank you, Kal. Really appreciate hearing from you. Merry Christmas to you.
Lovely photos Dennis, as always! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hey Forest, Great to hear from you. Thanks for looking. Merry Christmas to you and Maureen.
Wow!
Your Christmas event photo story was lovely which made me think about pulling my camera out for our traditions.
However, the snow/ light images are amazing! Thank you for the how to’s.
It’s so nice to hear from you, Vangie. And yes, do pull out your camera over Christmas and share your images. Thanks for keeping in touch. Merry Christmas to you!
Such a Master!!
Maybe … if I keep hanging out with you!