Christmas Photos - Advice (photoshop, camera, shots, ISO)

[Hoosier]

Okay, took the advice on how to take night photos and here is my first attempt at changing the aperture...F stop or whatever the thing is called.

Please tell me how I can improve the photos. I did not have a tripod...Santa hasn't come yet. But I did have the camera sitting still.

[ShepsMom]

Well, they are not bad. But tripod would improve a lot of these shots!! See how you have your lights all blurry? Tripod will make them more crispier, better yet, put your camera on tripod and timer. Even slight press of shutter will create motion, thus making lights blurry.
Also, they look grainy, did you happen to use high ISO? That would make a difference also. If you're familiar with any noise reduction software, you can run that and eliminate grain in pictures.

I hope this helps!! However, very nice attempt!

[Hoosier]

Thanks! I did have a high ISO, 800 I believe. I did put the images through PhotoShop and reduced the noise as much as possible. I'll have to play with them some more. Thanks again.

[Hoosier]

Of course, that's okay. What did you do? I like what you've done!

[ShepsMom]

I can send you layers for that picture that i did, you can play with them if you'd like. Which CS do you have? Mine is CS2

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

I really like the 1st one, it is so sweet! In the second one you need to show more of her face. You will do better when Santa brings you a tripod

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by ShepsMom

I really liked the 3rd shot, i came back to look at it again. I hope you don't mind, i gave it a little fixing. It's not perfect in anyway, just a llittle attempt.


Original
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/233150942-O.jpg (broken link)


My version
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/233157628-M.jpg (broken link)

I prefer the original. I like the softness.

[MooksterL1]

What type of camera are you using? Sometimes it helps to take a variety of shots in different modes, writing each setting down, and then when you upload them you have an idea of which settings work for you. Also, if you want to learn more about editing, ilovephotography.com has a lot of helpful info.

[Tek_Freek]

Do you have any Beanie Babies? They make a great base for taking pictures. Keeps the camera steady. Bag full of Styrofoam beads? Anything of that nature. Needs a support under it, but it sure can help. Until Santa brings that tripod....

[Claire_F]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

Do you have any Beanie Babies? They make a great base for taking pictures. Keeps the camera steady. Bag full of Styrofoam beads? Anything of that nature. Needs a support under it, but it sure can help. Until Santa brings that tripod....

Good point. You can also use a bag of dried beans.