The Christmas Gazebo

While driving back from Thanksgiving,

I noticed this pretty gazebo in a park along the way.

I really wanted to make my hubby stop the car

so I could take a picture, but we were both

weary from the day.

I tucked the idea away,

thinking I could always go back.

The next day, my husband surprised me.

We're leaving early tomorrow morning

to spend the weekend in Chicago!

I have never been in that grand city at Christmas.

We're going with another family

to shop, eat, view the lights and eat.

I am excited to try shooting some

Christmas light pictures, and this evening

I thought, "I'd better practice."

That's when the pretty gazebo flashed back in my mind.

I drove to the little town at twilight...just after the sun set.

My photography teacher told us this is the best time

to shoot Christmas lights because the sky will be a deep blue

and you can still see surrounding details.

I always thought it was better to shoot against a black sky,

but the teacher was SO RIGHT!

Thought I'd share these with you,

so you can try shooting Christmas lights, too.

I arrived at the gazebo at 5pm Eastern Time.

It seemed like night, yet with a slow shutter speed,

the sky WAS a deep blue and it looks much lighter in the pictures.

One bit of enchantment...

Remember that dusting of snow we got yesterday?

This little town got a smidge more...enough to cover

the ground and create a magical atmosphere.

I hurried around trying to capture various angles

because the sky was darkening by the minute.

It's fun to experiment with the various light levels.

By 5:40, the sky was black.

I stopped on the drive home when I saw

the lit trees in the picture below.

Thought I'd test the black sky.

It's definitely a different effect.

 I like the twilight pictures better.

I hope I can capture some great pictures in Chicago.

I hope this helps with YOUR outdoor pictures this season.

Have a great weekend and keep your camera handy!