Forgotten Icon

Posted by Mike on May 5, 2018

WDW in B&W – WBW18
Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

I’m back home now. My Spring trip to WDW is over. I had a good time up until Wednesday night. I’m not sure if it was something I ate or a quick hit of something but I did not enjoy my last day. I spent the entire day curled up in my room. Finally around 6pm I ventured out to attempt to eat some solid food. That whole adventure is the reason I have been quiet on my blog for the last few days.

I had been posting pics from each of the parks as I explored them throughout the week. Wednesday was my Hollywood Studios day. The park is undergoing a major renovation with the addition of Star Wars and Pixar Place areas. When it is done it will definitely be a park to spend the day at. For now though I was able to get most of my rides in by noon. I grabbed a quick bite at the Brown Derby Lounge and then headed over to Epcot to explore more of the Flower & Garden Festival. My plan was to return at sunset to grab more images around the Studios. It worked out well, I had a great day.

Right around sunset the park moves a stage and video screens from in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre replica. This building originally housed The Great Movie ride but is currently under renovations to a Mickey & Minnie ride. I was never a fan of the big Sorcerer’s hat placed in front of this theatre. I understood way it had to be there but I was happy to see it go. Once the “junk” in front was moved I raced over to grab a few images. I always think of old Hollywood when I see this building. I guess that is why I processed this one as B&W…

MLCreations Photography: WDW in B&W &emdash; Forgotten Icon

Forgotten Icon
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

Tree of Life

Posted by Mike on May 2, 2018

Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

As much as I wanted to stay in bed, I knew my opportunity for early morning pics at the Animal Kingdom park would be worth dragging my butt out into the day. The park has been having Extra Magic Hours one hour before the normal park opening. Anyone staying at a WDW resort can enter the park during the extra time.

Either, not many people were taking advantage of this hour or I was incredibly lucky. I arrived right at 8am, and was through security and into the park by 8:05am. I ran around Discovery Island, as the majority of guests scrambled to Pandora and the Flight of Passage ride, grabbing as many images as I could with barely another person in sight. It was glorious…

MLCreations Photography: Animal Kingdom &emdash; Tree of Life

Tree of Life
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Figment Garden

Posted by Mike on May 1, 2018

International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot

I spent a beautiful Monday running around Epcot during the International Flower & Garden Festival. I think I walked around World Showcase at least three complete times. I was smart and brought my 60mm macro lens. I had such a great time photographing the flowers. The colors were really “popping” yesterday.

My original plan was to post a picture from the entrance to the park. There is always a wonderful topiary display there and with Spaceship Earth in the background it ends up being a great image. I forgot how busy that area can be, especially in the mornings. Plus, I’m not positive everyone understands how to wait their turn for a photo opportunity. I’ll be going back to Epcot so maybe the next visit I’ll find that picture.

I did find Figment at the opposite location to the entrance. There is always a corresponding topiary display “behind” Spaceship Earth and the Fountain of Nations. This year the topiary was Figment from the Imagination Pavilion. This display is never as busy, or maybe by the time most people get to this location they have figured out how to share…

MLCreations Photography: Epcot &emdash; Figment Garden

Figment Garden
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 30mm, f/11, ISO 200

Cindy’s Home

Posted by Mike on April 30, 2018

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

First picture from the trip. Going with a classic… Cinderella Castle.

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Cindy's Home

Cindy’s Home
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

A Haze Toward the Night

Posted by Mike on April 26, 2018

In The Yard – ITY41

Technically it is more from the yard than in the yard but I’ll keep it with this series. Last night between the raindrops I ventured outside in an attempt to grab some images of the fog settling in after sunset. At least I’ll assume after sunset since there was no visible sky… 🙂

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; A Haze Toward the Night

A Haze Toward the Night
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/4s, 40mm, f/8, ISO 800

Floaties

Posted by Mike on April 25, 2018

Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA

Whenever I travel to California for business I try not to waste too much of the company’s time. I also do not want to be rushed in what I have to do so I try to plan for the best case with a little cushion on the side. Some times it works out in my favor and some times I end up working until the last possible moment. The last couple of times it has worked in my favor (so maybe I need to rethink my calculation).

On my previous trip my “extra” time afforded me the opportunity to visit the Griffith Observatory. By the way, it is a must see location if you find yourself in the LA area. On the trip I took last week I ended up in Long Beach. There was no clear objective other than to see the ocean, check out a very busy port, maybe see the Queen Mary and the Spruce Goose (BTW, no longer in Long Beach. I should have Googled it!). I didn’t know about the Aquarium of the Pacific! I only regret that it was under construction. When it is complete, I will have to make the effort to visit again!

Once again I found myself in a great location without my trusty camera. This has really started me to think I need to invest in a good, small travel camera. Something I can fit in a pocket but still lets me take images the way I have learned how to do with my trusty companion camera. 🙂

Anyway, my phone (a Google Pixel) does a fairly good job in the picture department but I think I pushed it to the limit with these indoor, low light pictures. I have more to process but the variety of jelly fish absolutely fascinated me. These five turned out the best. I wish I had been smart enough to grab a picture of each of their names. For now, I hope you will be satisfied with the pictures…