by Kim
"Christmas waves a magic want over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful."
- Norman Vincent Peale
In the next town over is the most spectacular display of lights....really incredible. In fact, we probably spent (my hubby and I) three hours walking around. And, I'm pretty sure we were the only ones without kids, which meant we were able to pass the Santa line and go collect all ten halospex glasses.
I think I read on the sign that there were over 2 million tiny twinkling, white and colored lights. All for my photographic enjoyment. And seriously, if it weren't for those glasses I'm sure my other half wouldn't have wanted to stay that long.
And what's better than a free night of lights? Oh, the part where you park in a designated parking lot, load a bus and get driven to the festival!
Once we stepped off the bus the fun began.. I shook, rattled and rolled my camera. Put it on manual mode, manual focus and threw every single rule out the proverbial window. So liberating!
Oh, and those glasses aren't just for your eyes. They worked like a charm on not only my phone, but on my big girl camera as well.
Snowflake shaped bokeh, equals . . . pure magic.
The toy soldiers even came to life in 3D with the right movement of the camera.
And a little zooming in or out with the camera to pull the lights. People walking by always make it a little more interesting and I do love the partial silhouette effect.
Three hours seems like a long time to spend taking photos of lights, but I don't think I've had my fill of light fun quite yet. So many possibilities!
Like faux star trails . . .
This may not be your cup of photography tea, but I encourage you to find somewhere by you that has something similar and take your camera. Experiment, have fun, drink hot chocolate.
May your Christmas season be merry and bright, and this day . . . electrifying!
Peace, Kim
16 comments:
What a magical and fun way to spend an evening :-)
That looks like fun, Kim! Now I want to go to the Trail of Lights in Austin and just play! Just spend some time and forget the rules and play! Thanks Kim!
Oh, my, this looks like so much fun! That snowflake bokeh alone was worth the trip! I'm heading to the Luminaria festival at the Desert Botanical Gardens this weekend and I'm going to have to give this a try. This is the perfect post for our Season of Light theme!
these are such cool photos, kim! gonna have to try out these techniques at our own festival of lights!
What an awesome place - love these images!
Wow! Very creative twist on the Christmas lights. They look great!
What fabulously fun fotos! {Sorry --- couldn't resist!} I'm glad you had so much fun. We doing a light show this weekend in a cave underneath the city of Louisville. Yes, you read that correctly. We've never been so it will be a new adventure. You've inspired me!
Very fascinating shots! Love them!
what is it about twinkle lights that brings out the kids in us! :) awesome photos kim!
Wonderful series, Kim!
Oh my gosh, what fun! There is a festival of lights about an hour from me that I think about every year but never visit. You've got me thinking I will rectify that this year!
Oh how fun I know you had with all of those glorious lights. We are having a light show at the Morton Arboretum that I hope to get to this year!!
Kim, you know how much I love these photos! I love how you play with so much movement ( that I have been practicing with, trying to perfect). So glad you had fun!!
Great series of fun shots.
Very fun! I've already been playing around with the lights and reflections on my Christmas tree. We have a trip planned to a show of lights later this week - you've inspired me! Thanks, Kim! Merry Christmas!
These are amazing and so much fun!
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!