Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
It must be time to finally give you the image of Cinderella Castle I mentioned a few posts back. You remember, the one required if you are a Disney photographer. I’m sure you didn’t forget… right?
I left the Magic Kingdom around 11am that first morning. The long drive was starting to catch up with me and I really wanted to get to my room for a quick nap. I ended up returning about 4:30pm to ensure I had time to get some images before sunset and then get my required castle sunset image. So, ta da!
Cindy All Aglow Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.6s, 24mm, f/5.6, ISO 400
Yeah, that is what I thought too.
Meh…
So, I went back about twenty minutes and found another view of Cindy. Less lighting, more natural light. Also, looking east away from the sun. Granted, another view I have shown you way to many times, but maybe I can make it different.
I wish I had grabbed the artists card, or grabbed a phone pic of their name so I could give them credit, or at least a mention. The art was really cool. A little 50’s-ish in style but the choice of color palette stuck in my brain. The palette was only two dominate colors, bold and bright. The whole series used the same scheme. Damn, I’m kicking myself right now. I thought I could find them online but getting info out of Disney’s website is a test of one’s patience.
Anyway, back on topic. For this second image of the castle, I played with the hue values for orange and blue after I processed the image as I would normally. I think there is something here. I need to play more but I still wanted to share…
Cindy is Confused Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/15s, f/8, ISO 400
I had a good morning yesterday. I went back to the Animal Kingdom to grab images of the animals (hey, it’s in the name). Saturday evening was about the landscapes and finding the images after sunset. Sunday morning was all animals. I wish I had thought about, or maybe known, that the animals don’t start making their appearance “on stage” until almost 9am. Oh well, I couple lapse around Discovery Island never hurt anyone. (side note: early entry was at 7:30am, which most people use to run to their favorite rides)
Well, maybe me… my right knee started to hurt. It gave me a little limp that was endearing, right? Or is character? Yeah, probably more character. More likely, no one noticed, except me. Damn.
It wasn’t any worse than my sore feet from all the walking (averaging 28,000 steps a day). It was (is) annoying. It didn’t prevent me from accomplishing my goal.
I had to skip the Maharajah Trek trail in the Asia section of the park due to the line. That’s right, the line! Usually you encounter a few people but it is never what I would call crowded. The line was snaking throughout the entire section before getting in the exhibit. When I asked a cast member about it she informed me everyone was hoping to see the newborn tiger cub. I am not a fan of long lines that would end up frustrating me due to how some people behave. I called it a day…
I went back to my resort for a little break and then I would head back to Epcot for lunch. Good plan.
The knee was still a bother but not stopping me. Epcot was a little crowded but nothing like Saturday. There is an event food kiosk, Pop Eats!, that I wanted to visit. The tomato soup with grilled cheese (pimento cheese, bacon and fried green tomato) was on my radar. I got my food, found a bench in the shade and enjoyed this culinary creation.
OK, time for a few pictures. I brought the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens with me. As often as I use the 24-70mm zoom lens, I think it makes me a lazy photographer. Using a prime lens changes my thought process for compositions. I end up exploring a subject more and I think it helps me be more creative.
After an hour of hunting the monorail, the crowds were wearing me down. The struggle to navigate, the lack of social graces, and a growing feeling of “I’m repeating myself”, had me heading for the exit. I decided I would wait until almost sunset and explore around Crescent Lake again.
Stop!
What?
Why are you boring these readers with all this poor me stuff. They came for some pictures.
But I was sharing.
Share better.
There is a photographer I follow (not as often as I should) who had listed a few tips to improve your photography a few years ago. I wrote these down and read them every so often when I feel like I’m not being very creative. She is a street/landscape photographer. The banner on her website is simple but says volumes (at least to me), “Chasing Light. Telling Stories.”. I recommend checking out Valerie Jardin. Here are the tips I wrote down…
Slow down and see photographically…
shoot with more intent
know what you want to convey before you press the shutter
break rules as long as you know why
work your scene
get close – fill your frame
crop in camera
slow down
use a prime lens
These were running through my head yesterday afternoon.
About an hour and a half before sunset I set out for a walk around Crescent Lake. No purpose other than to look for the light. I left the 50mm prime on the camera. There were a few clouds in the sky and a gentle breeze. It was a beautiful evening. I resisted my normal counter clockwise travel around the lake and turned left out of the resort. Changing your perspective helps you see different things.
As I crossed the bridge near the Swan and Dolphin hotels I found what I was looking for…
Light Highlighted Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 100
I needed to explore this more. I increased my pace (as much as that darn knee would allow). Please clouds, don’t change this scene too much before I get closer.
Light Isolated Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 100
OK, a little more light on the resort in the background than I would have liked but this is working for me. What else is there?
Captured Light Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/100s, f/11, ISO 100
I played around this area for a little while, trying different things. I haven’t processed the other images yet, maybe I’ll save them for a follow on post, a part two, if you will.
My friend Karma over at Karma’s When I Feel Like It Blog linked to my post yesterday in her Finding Light post. I’m going to create a feedback loop by linking back to her, because the words in her post were on my mind as I walked around the lake. They contributed to these images, so, thank you Karma.
I suppose, based on yesterday’s opening comment, you were expecting to see the castle image today?
It probably should have been.
But, I decided to let the images speak, again.
I headed out pre-sunrise yesterday to get in my morning walk around the lake and grab a few images. I hadn’t seen the weather alert on my phone… heavy fog in the area. I walked out into air dripping with water. It felt like walking through sprinklers. I didn’t go very far before retreating back into the resort.
Yesterday was my morning at Hollywood Studios. Another benefit of staying at the Beach Club is that park is a short walk along the waterway used by the Friendship boats. Of course, you could ride the boat, but I like walking. Although the fog was still hanging in the air, the sun had started to burn some of it away. I thought I could find a few images as I made my way to the park.
These are what caught my eye, and I wanted to share. You are probably tired of my castle images anyway…
Opaque Sunrise Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/320s, 43mm, f/11, ISO 200
I know, that damn lighthouse again, but remember there is a resort across the lake. Can you see it?
I liked the portrait version of this view because of how it aligns with the lighthouse. I also wanted to keep the barely visible sun in the image and have a good portion of negative space. There is such a mood to this image. I wonder what the two ducks think of the guys in the boat?
Fishing Anyone? Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/250s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
I attempted a similar image the day before with this boat, but another had just traversed the lake and its wake produced enough ripples to cause this one to rock. With the almost mirror like surface I didn’t have to worry this time. The splash of color really stands out in this almost monochromatic scene.
The park could wait. Now I was determined to create a series of fog inspired images.
Vacation Club Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 200
An information cart and kiosk for Disney’s Vacation Club. These are situated opposite the preview suite. I’m practically in the patio of that room. I’ve had a room overlooking the boardwalk once and it was amazing. Not only for the view you get, but at night you can sit and watch the activity. You felt like you are in the middle of all the good stuff… oh, wait, you are.
Again, the color is what I was drawn to capture. These are not necessarily photogenic subjects but when combined with the foggy background, the muted atmosphere and the planks in the boardwalk, they become something more. They become a part of this story.
Hoop Toss Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/250s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 200
Again, it is all about the bits of color. I was very surprised getting this image. Normally, I’m very aware of myself as I use my camera. I try not to interfere with other guest experiences. Sometimes my approach frustrates me as it is not always returned in kind. But, this morning, even though it was not very crowded, I could time my shot between the people. There were a few people who kindly waited for me and allowed me to get this image. It made me smile.
Primary Colors Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
OK, no more bits of color, I’m hitting you full in the face with it… 🙂
I love these tables and chairs. They jump out at you and grab your attention. I have been photographing them for over a decade of Disney trips. It never gets old.
I eventually ran out of subjects, or more accurately, my subjects were obscured by the people starting to congregate on the boardwalk. It’s OK, I got what I hoped to find. Maybe even a little more.
I originally thought I would be posting an image of Cinderella Castle this morning. My first sunset at Disney was in the Magic Kingdom and obviously I captured the required castle view. It is written into the membership card for Disney photographers as a requirement on every visit. But, once I saw the images I captured yesterday morning, I needed to bring you for a walk around Crescent Lake.
One of the benefits of staying at the Beach Club while I’m at Disney is the opportunity to enjoy the mile long path around Crescent Lake. It allows me to get great views of the resorts as well as the Boardwalk area. Oh, and there is the benefit of me not being so sedentary. I’ve been coming to this resort/area since 2008 and I am always amazed at what I find. To be fair, some of the charm has left due to Disney’s policies, i.e., less performers on the Boardwalk, less activities, etc., but I can still enjoy the scenery.
OK, let’s go for a walk. It was a little less than ideal as the sky was full of clouds with a hint of fog in some areas. I wasn’t going to get any of those picturesque sunrises but maybe I could use some of that creativity I think I have… 🙂
Frequent readers will know this lighthouse as I have shown its many sides throughout the years. I would have loved some sunrise color but I could not be happier with the calm, glass-like water. A good reflection is a very close second to a sunrise. With most of the scene grey and white it was any easy choice to convert this one to monochrome.
Looking at You Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 10s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 400
I am definitely a creature of habit. I walk the path around the lake in a counter-clockwise direction. I’m not sure why I do it this way, but hey, it works for me. After the lighthouse my next great view was of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Over in this area there was more morning fog (or maybe it was haze, unclear). I really liked how the Dolphin resort was crisp and clear, while the Swan Reserve resort was draped in mist. And who can resist the light reflections.
Obscured Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 6s, 32mm, f/11, ISO 800
Working my around the lake brings me to the Boardwalk. I’ve stayed at the resort here a couple of times and really enjoy being in the middle of all the nighttime activity. It is also one of the areas I have photographed consistently over the years. This morning I wasn’t looking for the big, beautiful landscape, I wanted to see some of the details. The boat launch for the Friendship boats fit the bill. From here you can get a ride to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or the other resorts. Highly recommended as it is a great way to see unique views of the area.
Magical Day Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 34mm, f/11, ISO 400
The boardwalk is full of restaurants, stores and a few clubs. There have been changes over the years but the front facades are always photogenic. I haven’t eaten as this restaurant but you can’t deny the signage. Throw in a bench, with water still dripping, and we have a winner.
Flying Fish Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 400
I have always enjoyed the Boardwalk Bakery. It is good for a morning coffee and croissant, or a sandwich for lunch. The red and white awnings have fascinated me, and have been the subject of more than one image. What did I find this time? Red and white umbrellas protecting white table and chairs. I practically ran as soon as I spied these treasures.
The hanging lights, the cloudy blue sky, the detail in the boardwalk itself… is giddy the right term? The darn tripod couldn’t get setup quick enough. Hey, other people out this early, pause your walking for a few minutes. I need to capture this.
Damn! This is the image that changed what I was going to post today.
Umbrellas Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 3s, 36mm, f/11, ISO 400
The last third of the trail back to the Beach Club doesn’t have as many opportunities for images. I tried a few but they weren’t doing it for me. Luckily, the beach area still has the swings. Next time I walk the the trail I think I’ll stop and enjoy the view from this swing.
Interesting tip, well, I think it is interesting. This is two images blended in Lightroom. For one image I focused on the swing and the other I focused on the resort in the background. Blending the two gives me an image that is in focus front to back.
Sit and Swing Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.4s, 46mm, f/11, ISO 400
Just about time to go for another walk around the lake. Looks like another overcast, foggy morning so I’m not sure what I’ll find. Doesn’t matter… it’s the walk that counts.
I’m home! As you have been warned, I am back in Walt Disney World. I left late Wednesday night and drove six hours in order to get to the resort bright and early. OK, I’ll admit I stopped after crossing the Florida state line and took an hour nap but driving down was definitely better than the fun that is air travel. Although, the last forty miles had me questioning my decision… 🙂
My room wouldn’t be ready for hours ,so I decided to grab a few sunrise images before heading to the bus for the Magic Kingdom. It was a great way to unwind after the drive. I could feel the tense muscles relaxing and my mind was getting into vacation mode.
Well, it is time to go walk around the lake and see what today’s sunrise will bring me…
Morning Reflected Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/10s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100
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