If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram during the holiday season, you’ve probably seen those dreamy photos with twinkling lights and perfectly lit subjects. Maybe it’s a couple wrapped in fairy lights or a child marvelling at a glowing display. They look magical, but capturing that magic on camera is a little trickier than it seems.
The key is knowing how to balance the lights around you with your subject so everything looks natural yet festive. Don’t worry, though, Bellevue, Washington, has plenty of opportunities to get those perfect holiday shots. With a few simple tips, you can make your photos shine brighter than the holiday lights themselves.
Find the Right Spot for Your Shots
Bellevue comes alive during the holidays. Streets, parks, and shopping areas are lit up, making the city feel like a winter wonderland. Places like Downtown Bellevue Park and Bellevue Square are famous for their seasonal displays, and each location offers a unique atmosphere to capture. When choosing a spot, look for areas with a mix of ambient and decorative lighting. Natural light from nearby windows or streetlamps can give your subject a gentle glow while letting the background lights pop.
Arrive early to scout locations and experiment with different perspectives before the crowds arrive. Early evening or twilight is often the best time to shoot because the soft fading daylight adds warmth without overpowering the holiday glow.
Use Your Camera Settings Wisely
Holiday lights can be tricky because they create strong contrasts between dark shadows and bright bulbs. To capture them properly, adjust your camera settings for low-light situations. Use a low aperture, like f/2.8 or f/3.5, to let in more light and create a soft background blur that emphasises your subject. Keep your shutter speed around 1/125 or 1/60 to freeze your subject while still letting in enough light.
Adjust ISO as needed; starting around ISO 400 works well, but a higher ISO may be needed if it gets darker. Avoid using your camera’s flash, which can flatten your subject and make the lights appear washed out. Learning to balance these settings will give your photos a professional, warm holiday feel.
Maximise Your Fairy Lights
If you’re photographing people with holiday lights, the number of lights matters more than you might think. Using 3 to 4 strands of safe, cool LED lights creates a rich and magical glow in your photos. More lights mean more sparkle, but safety is key. Make sure your lights don’t overheat, especially when photographing children or pets.
Position the lights around your subject in layers, draping some closer to the face and others in the background to create depth. Proper use of fairy lights can transform a simple shot into a magical holiday memory that feels alive.
Keep Your Subjects Engaged
Low light can make photos blurry if your subject moves, so keeping them engaged is important. Encourage them to stay still by giving them something to interact with, like a small ornament, a cup of hot cocoa, or a cosy blanket. Capture natural expressions by talking to your subject, telling a funny story, or asking them to react to the lights. A relaxed and happy subject will make your photos feel alive and authentic. Remember, the best holiday photos are not stiff portraits—they are moments that tell a story.
Experiment With Angles and Focus
Try shooting from different angles to add variety and interest to your photos. Shooting slightly from above can make your subject appear cosy in their setting, while a low angle can emphasise the size and brightness of the lights around them. Use selective focus to highlight your subject while letting the background lights blur softly into a bokeh effect.
Changing your perspective can create dynamic compositions, making each shot unique. Don’t be afraid to walk around your subject or even crouch down—sometimes the best angle is the one you didn’t expect.
Take Advantage of Bellevue’s Holiday Events
Bellevue hosts numerous holiday events. These events are perfect for photographers looking to capture a festive atmosphere. Arriving early lets you find the best vantage points without crowds, and nighttime events offer striking contrasts of light against dark skies. The combination of community energy and elaborate decorations gives you endless opportunities to practice and improve your photography skills while enjoying the holiday spirit.
Bring a Tripod for Stability
If you want the sharpest shots, especially at slower shutter speeds, a tripod is essential. Even a small, portable tripod can prevent blur and allow you to experiment with longer exposures. Pair this with a timer or remote shutter to eliminate camera shake and get crisp images every time. Using a tripod also allows you to try creative techniques such as light trails, long-exposure shots of moving lights, or multiple exposures for more complex compositions. This extra step ensures your holiday photos look professional and polished.
Make Bellevue Your Holiday Photography Playground
Bellevue is not only a great place for photography but also a wonderful place to live. Its lively neighbourhoods, holiday events, and beautiful parks make it ideal for anyone who loves festive seasons and capturing them. Whether you’re strolling through the sparkling lights at Bellevue Square or finding a quiet street to photograph illuminated homes, Bellevue offers a mix of charm and opportunity for photographers.
The city’s safe and walkable neighbourhoods also make it easy to explore and discover new angles, so you can make holiday memories while enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Capture the Season Like a Pro
With the right settings, a few strands of fairy lights, and a little creativity, you can capture stunning holiday photos in Bellevue. Keep experimenting with angles, light sources, and subjects until you find the perfect balance. Your holiday photos don’t have to look like Pinterest fails—they can be beautiful, bright, and full of life.
Bellevue makes it easy to find the perfect backdrop, from sparkling downtown displays to quiet residential streets, so grab your camera, bundle up, and get ready to make the season unforgettable through your lens. Happy shooting, and may your holiday photos sparkle as much as the city lights!
Source: katiedonnellyphotography.com
Header Image Source: Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash
