If you’ve ever tried snapping photos of holiday lights only to end up with blurry blobs or washed-out streaks, you’re not alone. The good news is that Novi, Michigan, offers plenty of opportunities to practice. With beautiful neighbourhoods and community displays lighting up the city, all you need are a few easy tips to turn those twinkling shows into frame-worthy shots. Let’s walk through how to get great photos and why Novi might be the place where your next best capture (and maybe new home) awaits.
Shoot During Twilight for Best Results
Holiday lights may shine brightest at night, but the ideal time to photograph them is during twilight, also known as blue hour. Begin taking photos about 15 minutes after sunset, then continue shooting every five minutes. At this moment, there’s still enough natural light to outline rooftops, trees, and homes while holiday lights glow at their best. Novi’s residential areas and shopping spots like Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk look especially impressive during this time.
Adjust Exposure to Prevent Overexposed Lights
Those brilliant LED lights can easily turn into bright white patches in your photo if overexposed. Try lowering your camera’s exposure settings, take a test shot, and adjust as needed. Some advanced cameras even let you monitor exposure in real time. Keep tweaking until the lights appear vivid without losing their colour. In a place like Downtown Novi during the holiday displays, getting the exposure right helps you capture both the lights and the surrounding buildings.
Use Stabilisation Techniques for Clear Shots
If you’re walking or driving through neighbourhoods to admire displays, make use of your camera’s image stabilisation setting. When planning stationary shots for low light, bring a tripod. If using a tripod, turn off stabilisation to avoid unwanted motion. You can even place your camera on a rail or bench if you’re catching displays near Lakeshore Park. Adding weight to your tripod, especially on windy December evenings, helps keep things steady.
Start With Low ISO and Adjust Carefully
For the best quality, set your ISO as low as possible and increase only if needed. Using a lower ISO reduces grain, but it means slower shutter speeds, which is why stability matters. If you’re taking photos without a tripod during late-night drives, using a higher ISO can help avoid blur. Test a variety of settings and choose the sharpest result. Just remember to lower your ISO afterwards so your daytime photos don’t suffer.
Focus on Composition to Make Photos Stand Out
Even with the best settings, a great shot comes down to how you frame it. Try wide shots to include more of the display. Look for leading lines such as string lights along fences or pathways. They draw the eye deeper into the image, creating a more dynamic effect. When photographing trees or large displays in Novi neighbourhoods, make sure the tree or main focal point appears in the frame. You’ll be surprised how much stronger your photo looks with a defined subject.
Combine All Techniques for Winning Shots
Ready to step up your holiday photography game? Set your camera to Manual Mode if available. Use a tripod, keep your ISO around 400, and set your aperture to f/8 for greater clarity. Turn off stabilisation when using a tripod, and use a remote or timer to avoid shutter shake. If you’re caught without a tripod, try using Hand Held Starlight or Night Scene Mode, depending on your camera features. Rest your elbows on a steady surface nearby.
Places like 12 Oaks Mall during December evenings, local neighbourhoods with festive setups, and seasonal community events in Novi can help you practice all these tips. The more you shoot, the better you’ll understand light, timing, and settings.
Why Novi Is the Perfect Place for Holiday Light Photography
Novi isn’t just photogenic during the holidays. With well-planned neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and community events year-round, it offers an inviting environment for photographers and residents alike.
Whether you’re trying to capture the sparkle of holiday lights in December, fall colours in October, or lake views in summer, Novi provides easy access to scenic spots, modern amenities, and a welcoming community. If you’re looking for a place that blends everyday convenience with small-town charm and seasonal photography opportunities, Novi might be calling your name.
Source: learnandsupport.getolympus.com
Header Image Source: Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
