The Roanoke Times

Holiday lights

Submit your lights

• Submit your own holiday lights display to our guide

Holiday lights map

• See other displays across the Roanoke and New River valleys

Tips for the perfect photo

1. Be ready to take the picture close to dusk. The lights will seem brighter, but there will still be enough light to show some of the surrounding environment.

2. Turn off the flash and use a tripod. If you don't have a tripod, use something stable like a fence post or ladder. This will help to prevent motion blur.

3. Try shooting on the tungsten setting (the one with the light bulb icon).

4. Think about composition. Think dynamic instead of static. Try framing the image with an object in the foreground (perhaps a lit Santa) with lights in the background. Layers are more dynamic.

5. Your camera instruction manual might come in handy for this tip: If you can, set your f-stop manually. Try for F8 or higher. The higher the number, the greater the depth-of-field.

-- Eric Brady, staff photographer

Get in our guide

Do your neighbors call you Clark Griswold?

If so, you might consider sharing your decorating talents with all of Timesland.

Check out our online holiday lights guide, where you can add your address, a brief description of your home and even photos (hope those tips above will help). The guide, complete with searchable maps, will be available throughout the holidays.

If you want a chance to see to your address in print, act quickly. Entries received by Sunday, Dec. 7, will be considered for publication in Extra on Dec. 14. Fill out our brief entry form, and you'll be on your way.

Let the light untangling begin!