December 2025, Tree Lighting Redux (Again) News about happenings at Deliberate Light and photography instruction (see Digital Photo Academy). This month’s photography topic: Tree Lighting Redux (Again). NEWS Upcoming Workshops. I am next scheduled to teach workshops for Digital Photo Academy on January 3rd at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. You can sign up here. · Mastering Your Camera Controls (1.5 hours) – intended for DSLR/Mirrorless/Compact cameras (smartphone tutorial available separately) · Composition in the Field (3 hours) – walking tour around the venue with instruction and hands-on practice composing photos (bring any camera) New Photo. Gathering to Sing The Dark Away. What can be better for a child or for the child in all of us to gather together to sing in the dark holding candles? Real candles in hand and alight on the tree. For a magical moment we share pure peace and joy. They did this in Rose Valley almost 125 years ago and I like to think we will still be doing this 125 years from now. I answer my own question: no, nothing can be better. The world now can be a very dark place, but hey, we've got candles! (Rose Valley, 2025) For a more detailed, enlarged view, see it on my website. VIEWS Tree Lighting Redux (Again) It is December yet again and my mental balance that needed soothing last year has not improved much, so, like last year, immersing myself in my communities is essential. Once again, I am grateful for the annual Tree Lighting at the Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge, a simple ceremony that brings us together for the joy of it. As last year, no photography lessons this month, just images that celebrate our being together to light candles and sing in the dark. The tree we light candles on is an evergreen, as potent a primeval symbol of hope and rebirth as there is. As last year, no children were immolated in lighting this tree, though I must admit, it was not for lack of trying. Browse these images of a few moments from this celebration. They begin with the doors of the museum and end with a parade inside for hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies – joy made tangible. Take it easy and find some joy wherever you are. Carl Finkbeiner Mobile: 610-551-3349 website instagram facebook linkedin digitalphotoacademy

This is a post.  Here is an image:   Here is another one. This image was generated when I decided, finally, to leave my cardboard box under a bridge and move into a mansion occipied by a former member of the royal family and her ferret. This was an awkward situation asa you might imagine, and it took me many months to get used to the fact that the ferret was in charge.    After all the excitement I decided to go back to my box and make a tepid cuip of tea. Well I call it tea. It was the drippings from the bats that hung upsdie down above my head under the overpass. Night night.  best, Matt   Matt Clifton Loki Consulting | Hudson Valley and NYC 646 724 2657 https://lokimac.com

December brings a clear shift into winter. Cold air, short days, and early sunsets shape the mood of the month. For photographers, it’s a great time to capture crisp skies, glowing holiday lights, and the peaceful stillness that settles over the season.

NEWS: Upcoming workshops; new photo; get enlarged view; buying options. VIEWS: Nature Closeups by Great Photographers; Èduard (Edward) Steichen, Robert Weston, Imogen Cunningham.

November settles the season into calm. The last leaves linger, daylight fades faster, and the air takes on a quiet chill. For photographers, it’s a time to capture the subtle beauty of transition—bare branches against soft skies, warm light on cool days, and the quiet textures that hint at winter’s approach.

NEWS: Upcoming workshops; new photo; get enlarged view; buying options. VIEWS: about being close

October brings autumn into focus. Leaves reach their brightest colors, pumpkins and decorations appear, and cooler days shift the mood. For photographers, it’s a chance to capture bold fall landscapes, festive details, and the softer light of shorter days.

NEWS: Upcoming workshops; new photo; get enlarged view; buying options. VIEWS: Great new photographers; Adeolu Osibodu; Greg Gulbransen; Alex Almeida

September brings crisp air, warm sunlight, and the first hints of autumn. Leaves turn, shadows lengthen, and scenes glow golden—perfect for photographers capturing fiery foliage, morning mist, and golden-hour portraits. As summer fades, it’s a time to slow down, explore, and celebrate the season’s subtle magic.

NEWS: Upcoming workshops; old photo; get enlarged view; buying options. VIEWS: Depth of field; what it is; what difference it makes; how to do it