Photographing Chandeliers

[Kirislin]

has anyone got any advice, tips, camera settings, tricks etc. to get sparkly chandeliers without the lights blowing out all the other detail?

[Kirislin]

I thought some of "our" wedding photographers here might know.

[huga]

If you mean me, I don't really do anything other than try to expose correctly. I still get blown out bits though. I always expose for people, not lights. Although if I was shooting for a chandelier catalogue, I might put more effort in. Or real estate. But that ain't gonna happen ;)

I was reading something recently about dragging the shutter to expose for a chandelier:

The only time I drag the shutter is for dancefloor shots (to get cool light trails).

Not a chandelier, but blown out lights to expose for the bunting:

[Kirislin]

thanks, the 2nd pic is lovely. I dont even know what dragging the shutter is. :laugh: I'd better read up.

[huga]

Setting for dancefloor to get light trails:

F16

ISO 200

SS usually close to 1 second :)

Speedlight on manual, usually about 1/4

They're my go to settings anyway, adjusted for the amount of available light.

That's dragging the shutter (keeping in open for a longer time than normal).

[huga]

That second one is probably

F2

ISO 1600

125th

No flash, obviously.

[Kirislin]

I was just wondering how it was done, thanks