Shutter Mike Photography

There are many Christmas light displays, both public and private, in the Phoenix area.  Some of those are stand out opportunities to capture some Christmas spirit with your camera.  As Christmas fast approaches there is still time to get out and see and photograph some of these beautiful displays.  Here are some of the more colorful and well done displays around the valley.

1. Mill Ave – The APS Fantasy of Lights displays 1000’s of lights in the Mill Ave. District in Tempe.  The combination of the historic buildings and the bustling atmosphere of Mill Ave. with the Christmas lights make for some ideal photograph opportunities.  With a tripod and proper exposure settings you should be able to create some great holiday images.
2. Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa – The Biltmore’s Christmas decorations are very classic which is appropriate for this classic Frank Lloyd Wright influenced historic resort.  From the enormous live tree towering over the hotel to the collection of ginger bread houses these Christmas decorations and the architecture and furnishings of the resort make for a great setting for photography.

Arizona Biltmore Resort Lobby

f/1.7 – 1/8 sec – ISO 200 – Focal Length 50 mm

Arizona Biltmore Resort

f/1.7 – 1/15 sec – ISO 400 – Focal Length 50 mm

3. LDS Temple – Mesa, AZ – The Mormon Temple in Mesa does a fantastic job of stringing up the Christmas lights.  The large temple complex is decorated with traditional Christmas lights and biblical scenes.  Set against the backdrop of the monolithic stone temple this makes for a chance to capture some beautiful images.  Be sure to take the time to explore the details of the temple grounds; particularly the reflecting pools that bring a very different perspective to the building and Christmas lights.

Mormon Temple Christmas Display

f/4.5 – 1/8 sec – ISO 400 – Focal Length 50 mm

LDS Mormon Temple – Mesa, AZ

f/2.2 – 1/30 sec – ISO 400 – Focal Length 50 mm

4. McCormick Railroad Park – Scottsdale, AZ – The McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale drapes most every surface of the trains in Christmas lights.  There is also a carousal and miniature trains on display which both make great subjects for holiday images.

5. Desert Botanical Garden – Los Noches de Las Luminarias – I wrote about the garden’s holiday display in the past and the garden generally makes most of my top photography lists for Phoenix.  This display is much more of a traditional Southwest Christmas than the flashy bright lights of the others.  But it is ideal for exploring with your camera and capturing some brilliant images.