Shooting Christmas Lights at Night

I'd like to shoot pictures of friends' homes (outside) in the

evening with Christmas lights on. I purchased 800 ASA film. I'm

guessing I'd want to use a tripod. Any other tips out there as far

as the speed and set up. Thanks much. Yes I'm a beginner.

Maureen, Try shooting them just at dusk , so you will be able to see the outline of the homes and details ,but the lights will show up clearly. I would also bracket your exposures ,or shoot them at the meter reading, and one stop over, and one stop under that reading. As you said, using a tripod is a good Idea.If you can use the camera self timer or a cable release to fire the camera will also give you sharper photos. If you have a flash ,and a camera where you can use rear curtain ,I would put the owners infront of the house have the camera take a long exposure and have the flash fire at the end of the exposure. This may be more than you can handle if you are new at this. The best thing is to take the photo while there is still a little light in the sky ,after the sun sets.

I usually shoot 100 speed slide film using an exposure of 1 sec @ f4 (1/8 sec with ISO 800). If you'd like to starburst the lights, close down your lens aperture. Definitely you'll want to use a tripod...have fun!

I would probably try it with a tungsten film, otherwise you might be disappointed with the yellow dominant in the colored light bulbs.