{"id":40608,"date":"2017-12-04T17:15:57","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T17:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/?p=40608"},"modified":"2022-07-17T14:50:39","modified_gmt":"2022-07-17T13:50:39","slug":"christmas-photography-project-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Christmas photography project ideas to try"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, Chris Gatcum has rounded up a perfect list of\u00a0Christmas photography project ideas that you can try at home.<\/p>\n<p>Christmas is a great time for photography, but aside from all the food and family gatherings, it&#8217;s also a great opportunity to be creative.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re looking to make yourself some new photography kit or want to finally try out that editing trick you&#8217;ve been meaning to, here are 12 Christmas photography project ideas for you to try.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 1: Try Freelensing<\/h2>\n<p>Most new cameras have a \u2018miniature\u2019 mode, and most image-editing software now offers a tilt\/shift filter that will help give the impression that you are Gulliver looking down on Lilliput. However, these options typically work by blurring the top and bottom of the frame, whereas a genuine tilt-and-shift lens actually shifts the plane of focus.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Freelensing\u2019 bridges the gap between these two options by allowing you to change the plane of focus but without paying for a tilt\/shift lens. The principle is simple: set your camera to manual and hold your lens in front of the lens mount, rather than attaching it to the camera. Turning and tilting the lens will allow you to shift the plane of focus (and focus the lens), giving you the shifted plane of focus you want.<\/p>\n<p>However, it sounds easier than it is, as the slightest adjustment to the camera or lens can throw everything off. The lens you use will also determine the success of your results \u2013 longer focal lengths, manually selectable apertures and full-frame (or medium-format) lenses are all things to look for. You will need a fair amount of patience as well! Also, a word of warning &#8211; as\u00a0no lens is attached to your camera, if you are worried about getting dust on your sensor freelensing may not be a technique for you.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4571&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 574px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4571 \" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Freelensing.jpg\" alt=\"Freelensing\" width=\"554\" height=\"834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Freelensing.jpg 575w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Freelensing.jpg?resize=300,452 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Freelensing.jpg?resize=266,400 266w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Freelensing.jpg?resize=562,846 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">When you hold your lens away from the camera, flare is always likely, but here it adds to the dreamy nature of the shot<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 2: Levitation<\/h2>\n<p>In the pre-digital world, making something appear to \u2018float\u2019 in an image wasn\u2019t easy, but in the digital age we have software that enables us to create the impossible. The technique I\u2019m going to outline here will work regardless of the scale of your shot: you could use it to make an elephant levitate, or raise a compliant ant from the ground, the only difference is the support that will be needed. In this instance, I\u2019m working with a festive still life.<\/p>\n<p>The process is pretty simple, but you\u2019ll need two shots: the first is of the background without your subject in the frame and the second has your subject in their \u2018floating\u2019 pose, albeit with a rather obvious support to hold them up (be it a stepladder, chair or something else). Your shots need to be as similar as possible, so shoot with the camera on a tripod and keep the same camera settings. Switch to manual exposure, a specific ISO (rather than auto ISO), a preset or custom white balance (again, not auto) and set the focus manually as well, so this doesn\u2019t change, either.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019ve done shooting, open your &#8216;background&#8217; image in your editing program. Then add the add the photograph containing your would-be floating subject on a layer above it.\u00a0Because you used a tripod the images should align perfectly, so all you need to do now is \u2018rub out\u2019 the support that\u2019s holding your subject in the air. You can do this using your software\u2019s Eraser tool or by creating a mask.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of your method, as you remove the support the underlying layer will show through, filling the background and enabling your subject to \u2018levitate\u2019.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4577  aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/05-levitate-DONE.jpg\" alt=\"Add the photograph containing your would-be floating subject on a layer above it. \" width=\"580\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/05-levitate-DONE.jpg 580w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/05-levitate-DONE.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/05-levitate-DONE.jpg?resize=562,373 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 3: Make a Simple Beanbag<\/h2>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4581&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 643px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4581 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/beanbag04.jpg\" alt=\"beanbag04\" width=\"623\" height=\"447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag04.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag04.jpg?resize=300,215 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag04.jpg?resize=557,400 557w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">You don\u2019t need to go to a huge amount of expense to make yourself a smart-looking beanbag<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>A bag of rice or lentils makes a great beanbag, but it won\u2019t earn you any kudos when you\u2019re out and about. However, if you have some scraps of fabric and can sew (or know someone who can), a simple beanbag cover can cost nothing more than time.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4580&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4580 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/beanbag01.jpg\" alt=\"To make your beanbag cover, take your bag of rice or lentils, place it on your fabric and draw round it to create a rectangle. Move the bag and draw round it again to create two rectangles that are joined along the long edge. Add 2in (5cm) all the way round, cut out the fabric and fold it in half so it\u2019s inside out.\" width=\"560\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag01.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag01.jpg?resize=300,243 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag01.jpg?resize=494,400 494w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag01.jpg?resize=180,145 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">To make your beanbag cover, take your bag of rice or lentils, place it on your fabric and draw round it to create a rectangle. Move the bag and draw round it again to create two rectangles that are joined along the long edge. Add 2in (5cm) all the way round, cut out the fabric and fold it in half so it\u2019s inside out.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4583&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4583 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/beanbag02.jpg\" alt=\"Sew along the lines you drew, or get some hemming tape (available from most supermarkets) that just needs a hot iron run over it to turn it into a strong fabric glue.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag02.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag02.jpg?resize=135,100 135w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag02.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag02.jpg?resize=533,400 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Sew along the lines you drew, or get some hemming tape (available from most supermarkets) that just needs a hot iron run over it to turn it into a strong fabric glue.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4582&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4582 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/beanbag03.jpg\" alt=\"Once it\u2019s stitched or stuck, turn the cover the right way round (so the outside is on the outside) and slip your bag of rice or lentils inside. \" width=\"560\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag03.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/beanbag03.jpg?resize=300,201 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Once it\u2019s stitched or stuck, turn the cover the right way round (so the outside is on the outside) and slip your bag of rice or lentils inside.\u00a0Adding a strip of Velcro will make a neat closure for the \u2018open\u2019 side and also allows you to replace your rice or lentils.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 4: Make a Quick-clamp<\/h2>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4640&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4640 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp1.jpg\" alt=\"A quick clamp makes a great alternative to a beanbag, especially if you\u2019re shooting in the urban jungle where there are usually plenty of rails and poles to clamp a camera to.\" width=\"560\" height=\"722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp1.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp1.jpg?resize=300,387 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp1.jpg?resize=310,400 310w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">A quick clamp makes a great alternative to a beanbag, especially if you\u2019re shooting in the urban jungle where there are usually plenty of rails and poles to clamp a camera to.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>All we\u2019re doing here is getting a heavy-duty plastic clamp, drilling a 1\u20444in (6.5mm) hole in the end of one of its \u2018arms\u2019 and then using a 1\u20442in (12mm) long, 1\/4-20 bolt to attach a small tripod head.\u00a0This creates an incredibly simple, yet wonderfully versatile and steady camera support that can be used to clamp your camera to a wide variety of objects.\u00a0I mounted a small tripod head to my clamp, but you could also mount your camera directly if you\u2019re willing to have it in a fixed position. This project comes with a warning, though \u2013 the heavier your camera, the stronger the clamp you will need, so a certain amount of common sense is required. This project is done entirely at your own risk!<\/p>\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4636 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp.jpg\" alt=\"Quick-clamp\" width=\"560\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Quick-clamp.jpg?resize=300,100 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 5: Shoot with a Lo-fi Lens<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4591 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/holga-lens.jpg\" alt=\"holga-lens\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-lens.jpg 280w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-lens.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-lens.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/>\n<p>If you\u2019ve toyed with the idea of playing with a plastic camera, such as a Lomo or a Holga, but have been put off by their reliance on film, a \u2018lo-fi lens\u2019 may be the answer. While Lomography offers an adapter for its Diana lenses, I much prefer the \u2018digital\u2019 Holga lenses. These lenses are designed specifically for digital cameras, but retain the classic plastic construction and design of their medium-format namesake, complete with four fixed-focus distances.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the term \u2018focus\u2019 is used in its loosest sense \u2013 as with a \u2018proper\u2019 Holga camera, nothing is going to be overly crisp. You can also expect strong and uneven focus fall-off at the edges of the frame (even on an APS sensor), plus heavy vignetting and chromatic aberration \u2013 everything a lo-fi lens should give you! A word of warning, though: although Holga lenses claim to have a (fixed) aperture of f\/8, they can be much slower. The Holga lens I use is in the region of f\/32\u2013f\/45.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4592&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 457px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4592 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/holga-shot.jpg\" alt=\"Shot taken with my Holga lens\" width=\"437\" height=\"658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-shot.jpg 372w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-shot.jpg?resize=300,452 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/holga-shot.jpg?resize=266,400 266w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 437px) 100vw, 437px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Shot taken with my Holga lens<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 6 \u2013 Try Silhouettes<\/h2>\n<p>A silhouette puts the &#8216;graphic&#8217; into &#8216;photographic&#8217;, reducing your subject to a featureless dark shape against a brighter background. There\u2019s no better time to hone your silhouette shooting skills than right now, when the sun is low in the sky for much of the day and both dawn and dusk are at a reasonable hour.However, don\u2019t limit yourself to the colours at the ends of the day \u2013 a black &amp; white silhouette can be just as striking, and ripe for a contrast-boosting lith effect.<\/p>\n<p>There are only two things to remember for successful silhouettes: expose for the background, not the subject (your camera\u2019s spot meter is good for this), and try to avoid having too many overlapping objects in the frame. Keeping things simple is the best option.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4595&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4595 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg\" alt=\"Exposing for the sky and having a subject that is clear to \u2018read\u2019 are the two key ingredients to a successful silhouette.\" width=\"560\" height=\"557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg?resize=300,298 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg?resize=402,400 402w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Pier-Silhouette.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Exposing for the sky and having a subject that is clear to \u2018read\u2019 are the two key ingredients to a successful silhouette.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Project #7: Make a Bottle Cap Camera Mount<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4598 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg\" alt=\"bottle03\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle03.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>With various family visits and parties, it\u2019s the time of year when a pocketable compact camera might take precedence over an SLR. If that\u2019s the plan, then a bottle-cap &#8216;pod will let you transform a drinks bottle into a camera stand, allowing you to use longer shutter speeds instead of cranking up the ISO (and noise).<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4597&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4597 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg\" alt=\"Having sourced a cap, drill a hole through it using a 1\u20444in (6.5mm) drill bit. \" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle01.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Having sourced a cap, drill a hole through it using a 1\u20444in (6.5mm) drill bit.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4599&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4599 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg\" alt=\"Slide a 3\u20444in (90mm) long, 1\/4-20-sized bolt through the hole from the inside of the cap, then fit a washer and a nut on the outside. \" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/bottle02.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Slide a 3\u20444in (90mm) long, 1\/4-20-sized bolt through the hole from the inside of the cap, then fit a washer and a nut on the outside.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 8: Single Camera Stereo<\/h2>\n<p>Stereo photography is often seen as being quite involved, with a need for specialist twin-lens cameras or two cameras mounted side-by-side. But it doesn\u2019t have to be that way: if you limit yourself to static subjects, it\u2019s possible to produce a stereo pair with just one camera and free software. The process starts with you shooting two images of the same subject, shifting the camera horizontally between exposures. Use aperture priority or manual exposure to ensure the depth of field doesn\u2019t change, and set the focus manually.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of &#8216;shift&#8217; you need between your shots depends on the subject distance, shift distance and a bit of geometry as well, so the easiest option is to shoot more images than you need, shifting the camera a little more each time. This means you have a number of potential combinations that can create your stereo pair. Once you\u2019ve shot your images, copy them onto your computer and use StereoPhoto Maker to combine them. This is a free Windows-only program that you can download from <a href=\"http:\/\/stereo.jpn.org\/eng\/stphmkr\/\">stereo.jpn.org\/eng\/stphmkr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Several guides are available via the website to get you started. In essence, though, you need to determine the pair of your exposures that will work best and the software will then align and optimise them for you, making them ready for printing or viewing on screen using the classic \u2018cross-eyed\u2019 method.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4602&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4602 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/stereo-pair-DONE.jpg\" alt=\"A finished stereo pair, complete with a narrow space between the images to aid cross-eyed viewing.\" width=\"560\" height=\"468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/stereo-pair-DONE.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/stereo-pair-DONE.jpg?resize=300,251 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/stereo-pair-DONE.jpg?resize=479,400 479w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">A finished stereo pair, complete with a narrow space between the images to aid cross-eyed viewing.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 9: Make a Macro Tube<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4607  aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-04.jpg\" alt=\"You can turn the metal and cardboard packaging from a crisps tube into a \u2018super\u2019 extension tube.\" width=\"560\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-04.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-04.jpg?resize=300,255 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-04.jpg?resize=471,400 471w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>You can turn the metal and cardboard packaging from a crisps tube into a \u2018super\u2019 extension tube.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4605&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4605 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg\" alt=\"The conversion starts with a spare body cap that will need its centre removed to create a crude lens mount. Use your modified cap to mark a circle on the metal base of your crisp can and (carefully) cut this out using a Dremel or other cutting tool. \" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-01.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">The conversion starts with a spare body cap that will need its centre removed to create a crude lens mount. Use your modified cap to mark a circle on the metal base of your crisp can and (carefully) cut this out using a Dremel or other cutting tool.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4609&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4609\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg\" alt=\"Line up the holes in the body cap and the crisp can, and glue the two parts together with a glue gun or epoxy resin.\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-02.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Line up the holes in the body cap and the crisp can, and glue the two parts together with a glue gun or epoxy resin.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>Once the glue has dried, cut your crisp can to length. The longer the tube, the greater the magnification, but the more light will be lost (requiring a longer shutter speed or higher ISO). With your tube cut to size, it\u2019s time to mount your lens. A 50mm prime lens is ideal, and as you aren\u2019t actually \u2018mounting\u2019 the lens it doesn\u2019t need to match your camera mount \u2013 a manual-focus lens with a manual aperture is ideal &#8211; the same lens can also be used for freelensing.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4608&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4608\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-03.jpg\" alt=\"To fit the lens, wrap it in cloth (I chose an old black sock) and wedge it in the end of your tube to create a light-tight seal. \" width=\"560\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-03.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-03.jpg?resize=300,285 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/macro-tube-03.jpg?resize=421,400 421w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">To fit the lens, wrap it in cloth (I chose an old black sock) and wedge it in the end of your tube to create a light-tight seal.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>Your exposures will have to be set manually and you will have to focus by moving the camera backwards and forwards, but despite these limitations it\u2019s still possible to produce some striking results \u2013 you can even turn the lens slightly to create a \u2018tilt\u2019 effect.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 10: Create a Photo Cube<\/h2>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4614&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4614\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg\" alt=\" A photo cube serves no practical purpose, but it is a great way to display six festive photographs as you enter the New Year.\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-04-cut.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">A photo cube serves no practical purpose, but it is a great way to display six festive photographs as you enter the New Year.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>To start with, you\u2019ll need to find a cube template \u2013 if you search online you\u2019ll find dozens that fit the bill and are free to use.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4613&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4613\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/cube-01.jpg\" alt=\"Open the template in your editing program, followed by the images that you want to put on your cube. If your images aren\u2019t square, use your software\u2019s Crop tool to change their shape, then drag the images one at a time onto your cube template. \" width=\"560\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-01.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-01.jpg?resize=300,234 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-01.jpg?resize=513,400 513w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Open the template in your editing program, followed by the images that you want to put on your cube. If your images aren\u2019t square, use your software\u2019s Crop tool to change their shape, then drag the images one at a time onto your cube template.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4616&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4616\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/cube-02.jpg\" alt=\"Position an image on each of the six faces, resizing them as necessary so they fit the template. Each image will be on its own layer, so at this stage you can edit them individually or use adjustment layers (if your software has this feature) to make universal changes \u2013 to convert them to black &amp; white, for example.\" width=\"560\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-02.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-02.jpg?resize=300,234 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-02.jpg?resize=513,400 513w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Position an image on each of the six faces, resizing them as necessary so they fit the template. Each image will be on its own layer, so at this stage you can edit them individually or use adjustment layers (if your software has this feature) to make universal changes \u2013 to convert them to black &amp; white, for example.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4615&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4615\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/cube-03.jpg\" alt=\"When you\u2019re done editing, flatten the layers and print the template onto thick photo paper, or mount your print on thin card. Cut the template out, score along the lines, then fold and glue the tabs to finish your cube construction.\" width=\"560\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-03.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/cube-03.jpg?resize=300,213 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">When you\u2019re done editing, flatten the layers and print the template onto thick photo paper, or mount your print on thin card. Cut the template out, score along the lines, then fold and glue the tabs to finish your cube construction.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 11: Make a Panning Device for Time-lapse<\/h2>\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4620 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse.jpg\" alt=\"Time lapse\" width=\"560\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse.jpg?resize=300,275 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse.jpg?resize=436,400 436w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>If you want to add a panning movement to time-lapse videos this is a simple solution. You need a 60min kitchen timer with a hole drilled in the top that is large enough to fit a 1\u20444in tripod screw. Be careful when drilling as there may be some mechanical parts inside the timer that could be damaged. With most timers it is fairly easy to pull them apart so you can see what you are doing.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4622 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse-image.jpg\" alt=\"Time-lapse-image\" width=\"560\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse-image.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/Time-lapse-image.jpg?resize=300,161 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>With the hole drilled, fix the tripod screw into place. For added rigidity, you may want to secure it in place by using some epoxy resin and a rubber washer. A small compact camera or even a mobile phone in a tripod case can then be attached to the timer. Turning the timer all the way round will allow the camera to rotate 360\u00b0 over the course of one hour. Using the camera\u2019s intervalometer, you can set it to take pictures every few seconds to create a time-lapse video. The more frequent the images, the longer the time-lapse video will be. For example, one image every second would create 3,600 images, which would be a 120sec video at 30fps. One image every 3secs for 30mins would create 600 images and a 20sec video at 30fps. As an optional extra, drill a second larger hole at the bottom and fit a 3\u20448in to 1\u20444in tripod thread adapter to allow you to mount the panning device to a tripod.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Christmas Photography Project 12: Make a Movie Grip<\/h2>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_4625&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 580px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4625\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/grip-03-cut.jpg\" alt=\"grip-03-cut\" width=\"560\" height=\"609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-03-cut.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-03-cut.jpg?resize=300,326 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-03-cut.jpg?resize=368,400 368w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">This DIY movie grip may look rudimentary, but it makes a huge difference when filming \u2013 especially if shooting from a low angle<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>The quality of the video that can be shot using a DSLR or CSC has increased rapidly in the past years, resulting in a bewildering array of video-orientated grips being sold. However, you don\u2019t need to spend a huge amount to make your camera more video friendly, as this DIY grip proves.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4624 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/grip-01.jpg\" alt=\"grip-01\" width=\"560\" height=\"419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-01.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-01.jpg?resize=135,100 135w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-01.jpg?resize=300,224 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-01.jpg?resize=535,400 535w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>The key ingredients are: plastic pipe (you will need roughly 60cm of 20\u201325mm diameter tube); two right-angle adapters to fit the pipe; and some sort of flat \u2018plate\u2019 to mount the camera on. I used 20mm conduit pipe with an inspection box for the camera base, and came home with change from \u00a310 from the hardware shop.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4626 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amateurphotographer.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg\" alt=\"grip-02\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg 560w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg?resize=170,170 170w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2013\/12\/grip-02.jpg?resize=150,150 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/>\n<p>The aim is to create a rough \u2018C\u2019 shape, so you need to cut your pipe into three lengths. The lengths don\u2019t have to be equal as they will depend largely on the size and shape of your camera \u2013 about 10\u201320cm will be about right, but there are no hard and fast rules. Use the right-angle adapters to connect the pipes and form your \u2018C\u2019, gluing them together and possibly screwing or bolting them for added security (remember, you\u2019ll be attaching your camera to this bracket).<\/p>\n<p>For the base, I drilled a hole through the inspection box so I could fit a 1\u20442in (12.7mm) long, 1\/4-20 bolt to attach the camera, and the finishing touch came in the form of a spare motorcycle handlebar grip I had kicking around my garage (foam pipe insulation, grip tape for bicycle handlebars or tennis rackets, or just the bare pipe would work just as well). It may look fairly rudimentary, but it makes a huge difference when you\u2019re filming \u2013 especially if you\u2019re shooting from a low angle.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>If you attempt any of these Christmas photography project ideas this festive period be sure to share the results with us on Twitter and Facebook<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stuck for photo ideas over the holidays? Chris Gatcum suggests twelve Christmas photography projects you can try at home<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":114533,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[311],"tags":[1013],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-40608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-photography-project"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>12 Christmas photography project ideas to try - Amateur Photographer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, Chris Gatcum rounded up a perfect list of\u00a0Christmas photography project ideas you can try\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"12 Christmas photography project ideas to try\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, Chris Gatcum rounded up a perfect list of\u00a0Christmas photography project ideas you can try\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Amateur Photographer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Amateur.photographer.magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-12-04T17:15:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-07-17T13:50:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2014\/12\/projects.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AP_Magazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AP_Magazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\",\"@id\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"12 Christmas photography project ideas to try\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-12-04T17:15:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-07-17T13:50:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\"},\"wordCount\":2938,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2014\/12\/projects.png\",\"keywords\":[\"photography project\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Latest articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/christmas-photography-project-ideas\/\",\"name\":\"12 Christmas photography project ideas to try - 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