18 inches

When I began this process several weeks ago, I posted two parts (ISO and aperture) of the three-sided “exposure triangle” before moving on to other things. I dreaded the shutter speed post… but now I have a two-sided triangle on my blog. So last week I promised Christmas tree lights and hummingbird wings, hoping they would cover this topic.

What I discovered, though, was so much more fun than shutter speed!

In brief: To make Christmas tree lights sparkle or blur, aperture (not shutter speed) is the key.

I caught my daughter in a thoughtful moment, right before we had our family tree decorating party:

holiday peace

For bokeh (the background “circles”) the aperture is wide open (f/5.6 above, using what I have).

gift beneath the stars

For “sparkles,” the aperture is stopped way down (f/32, above). The starbursts are created by light leaking between the closed-down blades of the aperture.

I used a tripod for the above shot because of the slow shutter speed (2.5 seconds). A narrow aperture lets in little light, and the slow shutter speed compensates so the photo isn’t underexposed. Of course, while the shutter is open, every movement of camera or subject is recorded. These settings wouldn’t work well for portraits.

They would work, though, for “before” shots of the tree with presents, and then “after” shots of wrapping paper carnage!

Much as I love presents, I prefer – on Christmas morning – pictures with my family. I’ll take snapshots of people I love over starbursts any day. (We’re thinking of far-away family and friends… plus the loved ones we are missing.)

one for my niece - see you soon!

Before I move away from Christmas photos – a “self-portrait” from my parents’ house, for fun:

season's reflections

My other proposed nearby shutter speed opportunity (albeit in summertime) was hummingbirds. Come to find out, it really isn’t possible to get a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the action of hummingbird wings. I would need an external flash to capture a much shorter instant.

What I liked about the above (linked) site was that the author ends by asking (in essence), “Do you really even want to freeze wings?” Natural is good. I, of course, prefer my hummingbirds with blurred wings. 😉

a case for contentment

So there you have it – my reasons for leaving a two-sided triangle on my blog a little longer. I was happy to read (David Busch) that I’m not alone in sticking with aperture priority mode. Next time I have a chance to shoot ribbons of traffic headlights, a waterfall, or fast-action sports, I’ll revisit shutter speed.

For now, I have presents to wrap before people arrive – tonight! Wishing my family and friends a very Merry Christmas!

A Merry Christmas to you!