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Festive downtime is perfect for photography projects.

There are several of these, butSpectreis one of the most powerful.

Three phones on an orange background showing Christmas photo tricks for a tree, sunset and party

With AI assistance up its sleeve, it eliminates many of the restrictions usually associated with long-exposure photography.

With the free version, you’re free to capture 3-second exposures.

The possibilities for festive long-exposures are plentiful.

Two phones on an orange background showing long exposure photos taken on the Spectre app

Another option is a snap of traffic flowing alongside twinkly Christmas lights.

Completely free, the app lets you record objects or scenes in 3D to create lifelike virtual models.

you could then share these as interactive experiences for others to explore as if theyre standing there.

A gif showing a long exposure of fire

The results are significantly more immersive than a 360-degree photo.

Theres a handy walkthrough in the app to get you started.

Luma AI is ideal if you want to mix up your festive dispatches.

Two phones on an orange background showing a Santa photo and Christmas lights

Your future, VR headset-owning self might thank you in a decade or so.

NeuralCamoffers an instant upgrade for your festive portraits.

That might be relatives pulling a cracker, gleeful little-ones opening presents or grandma falling asleep on the sofa.

Two phones on an orange background showing double exposure photos of a Christmas tree

Create double exposures with Snapseed

Double exposures are one of the oldest photography projects.

But you dont need an analog camera to shoot one today.

Several iPhone apps allow you to create a double-exposure effect.Snapseedis one of our favorites.

Two phones on an orange background showing a sunset and milky way in the Photopills app

Open a photo in Snapseed, tap Tools at the bottom, then select Double exposure.

That might mean combining a portrait with a shot of tinsel to give a sparkly feel.

Or pairing a snap of festive snacks with a snowy scene for juxtaposition.

Half the magic of double exposures is having a go.

And unlike analog, it’s possible for you to change these overlays in an instant.

The hard part is knowing exactly where the Sun will be when, and setting up accordingly.

Yours for$10.99/10.99/AU$17.99, its the most expensive experiment in this list.

But its also up there with the coolest.

It will also forecast useful photographic moments, including golden hour.

Say you want to photograph the holiday decorations outside your house using your iPhones Night Mode.

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