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'Tis the Christmas season, the time of year when we see a myriad of lights glowing in most towns and cities, like on the main street of Banff.

2-C_06_0783Christmas lights Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square glistens on a rainy night. Rainy conditions are perfect for night photography.

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As in this photo of Zurich, rainy streets reflect all colours of the lights.

4-T_18_0088Christmas lights on Maria Theresa Street, Innsbruck, Austria One of the best times to photograph street scenes is during the blue hour, as in this photo in Innsbruck, Austria.

The blue hour is that time after the sun has set but the sky has not yet turned completely black. Much more detail is revealed here before complete darkness descends. So try photographing at night. Today's cameras and phones have made this quite simple.

4.5-960155 This is an early evening photo of the Advent House in Lucerne, Switzerland. Wait until dusk and the lights are turned on to add more drama to your images. Of course you should also photograph your own Christmas lights in the same way.

5-P_17_0201 Remember to take photographs of your various decorations to add variety to your photo album.

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What would Christmas be without a visit with Santa? Take your own photos even if you purchase some from the assigned photographer.

7-P_16_0340Meet Santa

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Santa is everywhere, willing to have his photo taken. Take advantage of these situations.

Then there are all the indoor celebrations to be recorded, beginning with cutting or buying up your Christmas tree.

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Decorating the tree is usually a family affair, so take photos as your tree ornaments are being put up.

10-P_11_0610Christmas 2011 11-P_18_0179 Once finished, take photos of your decorated tree. I have a collection of images of our trees over the years.

12-P_16_0356Christmas tree 2016

How do you get the tree lights to glow? For this you should have your camera on a tripod. Use a flash, but set your shutter speed to a longer exposure - ten seconds is a good starting point - which will record the lights after the flash has fired.

Then take various photos of the presents under the tree, and as the gifts are being opened.

13-P_12_0374 When there are many people there are many gifts!

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15-P_19_0356Christmas 2019 Photos of your Christmas brunch and dinner complement the event.

16-P_08_0135Harry at brunch table

17-P_08_0101Turkey chef Harry

Aside from your personal celebrations there are numerous other possibilities for photographs.

Look for other events in your town or on your travels. Carollers are often on street corners collecting for charitable organizations. Don't forget to leave a donation.

18-C_14_0173 On a street in Toronto, above, or in Zurich, below, in front of my favourite chocolate shop.

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This is the famous "Singing Christmas Tree" in Zurich, Switzerland.

21-T_18_0123 This brass trio was performing at the Advent Market in Kitzbuhl, Austria.

Christmas markets are provide fantastic photo opportunities. People are usually willing to have their photos taken.

22-M_17_0162 A stall at the Christmas Market in Toronto's Distillery District.

23-T_18_0097Christmas market on Maria Theresa Street, Innsbruck, Austria Christmas tree at the market in Innsbruck, Austria.

24-T_18_0069 Take photos that show the whole stall and details of the crafts, in Innsbruck above and Kitzbuhl below.

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Watch for any events that are taking place, as here Santa is offering rides on a trolley at Bellevue Market in Zurich.

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I also like to take photographs of funky decorations that I run across.

28-T_18_0154 29-T_19_0045 30-T_18_0229 I find it interesting how creative people are. Also check out the decorations in retail store windows.

31-T_18_0031 When I need a more creative approach, I will create abstract images of Christmas lights.

32-M_15_0232Christmas lights abstracts

33-M_08_0082Christmas lights at Science North These two photos were created using ICM - intentional camera movement.

34-_I7A1578 This is a double exposure, one in focus and the other out of focus, taken on my deck.

35-C_20_0025 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May we soon be Covid free.

Next blog post (shorter, I promise) will next year, on January 5.