I’ve been wanting to get this shot for months. Since the days began getting shorter, and I began noticing the lights on my drive home from work. I love that “Books” sign with all of those books in the window! Usually there are cars parked on the street in front and three lanes of traffic passing by, so I knew I was going to have to make a special trip to capture it. I was going to have to be out some time when people were home in bed. When the streets were quiet.
4am on a Saturday should have done the trick. It was perfect… the streets were slightly damp, reflecting the red glow. The bicycle that’s usually there was still parked on the bike rack – score! There were no cars, except mine parked across the street. Just me and the shot I had been wanting.
Tripod, ISO100, 82mm, f/18, 25s
I set up, framed, captured… and then noticed the reflected Christmas lights. Argh! This store is across from our county courthouse, which was all done up in its holiday light finery. The lights were reflecting in the window, ruining my otherwise perfect shot. Just a reminder that you can’t get everything you want, especially when you are working with the Lights of Night.
Oh well. I guess I’ll just have to go out again, once the holiday lights come down. I hope the bicycle will be there next time! Has this ever happened to you?
Hi Kat, I actually loved the reflected lights like magical sparkles coming from the stories in the books! Sparkling stories to discover! Sandra
Hmmmm… I might have to look at this differently.
I’m with Sandra…the refglected lights add sparkle to the shot.
You and Sandra are making me rethink this one!
Kat. Beautiful post, well done for capturing moment so well and well done for waiting and patience too. It must have been an amazing night. An amazing colors, light and composition. Thank you so much for sharing it.
I like the image-it’s like mini fireworks. The red glow, especially with we streets is awesome. I can see why you’d prefer it without the sparkles. I suppose there’s no photoshopping them out. I guess you’ll just have to wake up at 4 a.m. AGAIN when the holiday lights have been put away for the season.
Love it! The red “books” , the bike, even the Christmas lights are okay. Totally Thumbs up!
Did you really say 4am? That’s why your photos are way better than mine. You’re a much more dedicated photographer! =)
Great composition! I can understand why you weren’t pleased with the reflected lights – I’ve oten had an idea of what I wanted to capture and then felt frustrated when somethinig got in the way. However, I really like the lights. It’s a bit of unexpected holiday cheer. I’d be interested to see this shot compared with the one you take when the holiday lights are down. I wonder which one will be more appealing?
Kat,
I have to agree with everyone else…the reflected lights give the image magical depth and perfect for the holiday!
Four o’clock!!!! Deep bow to your dedication!!
Have you tried the healing brush in photoshop or content aware feature?
Nope. Honestly, I would rather just go out and shoot it again, than do the work to remove the lights. 🙂
What a gorgeous festive holiday glow! The reflected red on the street adds such depth and sheen to the image. Normally, I love the surprise of reflections but in this case, I agree with you that the Christmas lights are a distraction. But not so much that this isn’t a wonderful image, with all the right elements working together.
I love the sparkly reflected lights, Kat. I thought you’d done that on purpose!