WANT to snap the definitive Christmas light-up picture? Straits Times senior executive photographer Alan Lim, 34, has this advice for those using a consumer digital camera:

1 Bring a tripod. The camera's going to work at a very slow shutter speed as it needs to absorb the ambience lighting. If you take a picture without a tripod, it will probably be blurred. If you don't have a tripod, hold the camera steady by tucking in your elbows. Lean on a lamp-post or wall if you can.

2 Look out for an icon or mode in your camera with a moon or star shape with a human figure. That usually stands for the night mode. Select that and turn on your flash before you take the picture.

3 Make sure the person you're shooting is not standing too far from the camera. If he stands too far away, the flash might not be able to illuminate him. Also, apply the rule of thirds: that is, when you look at a picture, divide it into three. Place the subject at either third at the end, and the photo will look nicer. A half-body shot is ideal.

4 If you're taking a pure landscape shot at night, you don't need your flash.

5 Don't press the shutter button. Squeeze it.