Category Archives: photography

Mornin’ Cindy

Posted by Mike on

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

When I was in Walt Disney World in October my most anticipated day was the Friday I was going to the Magic Kingdom once I realized it opened early and I would be in the park about thirty minutes before sunrise. I had visions of the sunrise over the castle as I stand on the bridge between the hub and Liberty Square. I’ve seen other photographer’s images of this view and I was excited to get my own version. It did not matter to me how early I would need to get up in order to be at the park for that opening.

It was a small shot to my overall mood to discover as I arrived at the park that an early morning fog had settled over my kingdom. I was a little upset but I can only complain slightly as the conditions did allow for one of my favorite castle pictures to date (Pre-Dawn Cindy). Another blow to my mood once I had captured this colorful front view of the castle was the realization that the bridge to Liberty Square was not open during the extra magic hour which granted me this pre-dawn access. Even though I might have been missing out on my castle sunrise due to the fog I thought a good consolation prize would be a reflected view of the colorful castle.

Not to be a big pouting baby, I ran around the park grabbing as many images as I could before sunrise. Eventually the sun managed to burn through the fog and by the normal park opening the bridge into Liberty Square was open. I was able to grab an image of the castle, not the one I envisioned but I think I made it work for me…

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Mornin' Cindy

Mornin’ Cindy
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, {1/40, 1/80 & 1/200s bracket}, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

In Like a Lion…

Posted by Mike on

Backyard

I realize the saying is usually attributed to the month of March but I am hoping that by using it for the first snow of winter it will apply to the whole season. Listening to the weather forecast for Sunday and Monday as I walked around on Saturday in 66 degree weather made me wonder what the heck is going on. Surely someone was trying to pull a HUGE practical joke. I guess Mother Nature managed a doozy…

As much as I was enjoying being snuggled under the blanket reading a good book I didn’t want to let the first snow go un-photographed. As soon as the wind died down and the light managed to find its way through the clouds I grabbed the camera and headed out into the backyard. The temperatures were warm enough for the snow to be the heavy, clingy snow that manages to hang on every surface. I wanted to capture that look. This series of images are from around the yard (I wanted some pics but was not brave enough to venture farther).

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; First Snow 1

First Snow – 1
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; First Snow 2

First Snow – 2
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/50s, 17mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; First Snow 3

First Snow – 3
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/50s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; First Snow 4

First Snow – 4
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/50s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

Reflected Dolphin

Posted by Mike on

Dolphin Resort, Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Normally I do not like having the Swan & Dolphin Resorts behind Crescent Lake and so close to Epcot. I think they interrupt the sight lines from various locations and detract from the visual settings so carefully crafted by the Imagineers. But on this particular evening I could not pass up the opportunity to capture this beautiful view. I will admit these hotels are a sight to behold, especially at night. I wish they were located in another area of the resort.

 

MLCreations Photography: Around WDW &emdash; Reflected Dolphin

Reflected Dolphin
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 10s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Everest of Light

Posted by Mike on

Rivers of Light seating, Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom

 

MLCreations Photography: Animal Kingdom &emdash; Everest of Light

Everest of Light
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 20s, 23mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

B-52 Rising

Posted by Mike on

Griffiss Industrial Park (Airbase), Rome, NY

I struggled with processing this image. I knew I needed to have separate exposures for the moon and the aircraft but I have not been able to combine the two. I still love the way the aircraft was captured so I am posting this ‘super moon’ image even though the moon is totally blown out.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; B-52 Rising

B-52 Rising
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 4s, 92mm, f/8, ISO 200

Centered Calm

Posted by Mike on

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, China Pavilion, Epcot

I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy photographing around World Showcase in Epcot at night. One of my favorite areas is the China Pavilion. The architecture and colors really pull my attention to this pavilion at all times during the day. But as soon as the sun goes down and the lights come on I am drawn even more to capture images within this beautifully detailed area.

This image is another result of me goofing up. I am not entirely positive what I did but I obviously moved the camera during this six second exposure. What fascinates me about this image is the area of clear, undisturbed focus in the bottom third of the image. I love the fact there is an individual standing at the entrance contemplating entering. Especially this week, this image represents a search for that calming center as the chaos still churns around me. It doesn’t hurt that this building is a representation of a Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest…

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Centered Calm

Centered Calm
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 6s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 400