Category Archives: photography

Peter Pan

Posted by Mike on

England Pavilion, Epcot, Walt Disney World

From the beginning of this photographic journey I have been a sucker for flower images. I can only name a handful of actual flowers but I love capturing the intricacies of all the varieties. I suppose that is why I am drawn to Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival, well for the flowers and of course because it is Disney.

As always there were plenty of beautiful flowers for me to photograph. I also love capturing all the Disney inspired topiaries throughout Epcot. I did get the impression this year that Disney did not put out as many as I have experienced in the past. I hope this isn’t a trend that continues into the future.

We’ll start the flower flood in England this year with the Peter Pan inspired topiaries…

Neverland? Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/640s, 19mm, f/8, ISO 400

Neverland?
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/640s, 19mm, f/8, ISO 400

Adversaries Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/200s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 125

Adversaries
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/200s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 125

The Captain Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/100s, 42mm, f/11, ISO 125

The Captain
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/100s, 42mm, f/11, ISO 125

Tick Tock Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/320s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 125

Tick Tock
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/320s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 125

Fireworks Friday: Crossroads Symphony

Posted by Mike on

Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

I feel I should apologize now for the constant barrage of Disney pictures but I have never shied away from my love of it so everyone has had plenty of warnings. On Flickr in the Disney photography community, Friday is typically fireworks day. Never been to sure why themed days all have to have alliteration or maybe it is a coincidence but it does help me to remember which day is what theme. 🙂

One of the reasons for the timing of my trip was to catch the end of Epcot’s Flower & Garden show and the first Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios. During each SWW, Hollywood Studios ends each night with a wonderful fireworks show called Symphony in the Stars. Last year a captured the show from behind Echo Lake and this year I wanted to try something different. The general consensus would have been to setup at the end of Hollywood Boulevard but that seemed to predictable to me. I have always loved the Crossroads of the World stand at the front of the park and I was hoping I could incorporate it into the pictures.

My concept was a little off. The fireworks didn’t materialize where I thought they would so my composition for the image in my hard didn’t work. I’m including the best of my pictures anyway. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off for me but I like that I was thinking outside the box.

Crossroads Symphony Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 2.5s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100

Crossroads Symphony
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 2.5s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100

The Beach Club

Posted by Mike on

The Beach Club, Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

I have the luxury of being a Disney Vacation Club member. It is Disney’s version of a timeshare that allows me to stay at the deluxe resorts on property. Now how long I can stay at these resorts always depends on the time of year and how many points I have left. My home resort is The Beach Club which is situated on Crescent Lake across from the Boardwalk and directly behind the International Gateway entrance for Epcot.

I love staying at this resort. I can walk to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios. If I walk to the front of Epcot I can ride the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. I really only have to ride the bus to Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney. I also can enjoy the almost 1 mile trail around the lake that will get me to the Boardwalk Bakery for some nice breakfast choices.

Last night on my way back to the room from getting dinner at Downtown Disney I just had to grab some more images of my home away from home. I didn’t have the tripod with me so I pushed the ISO as high as I dared and hoped for the best (I know a little lazy of me but my feet were tired). The first image is the entrance that greets you as you arrive. The next two are a portion of the Villas at the Beach Club (the DVC rooms). Look close at the third image and find the room just left of the light pole on the fifth floor, that one was mine. And the last image was the view from my room.

OK, if you hear me complaining about anything during the next few months you can remind me of this post to straighten me out… 🙂

The Beach Club Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 20mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The Beach Club
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 20mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The Beach Club Villas Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 16mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The Beach Club Villas
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 16mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The Beach Club Villas - 2 Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The Beach Club Villas – 2
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

Room View Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

Room View
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/25s, 12mm, f/5.6, ISO 3200

Boba Fett & Lord Vader

Posted by Mike on

Star Wars Breakfast
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

Boba Fett & Lord Vader Nikon D7100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/250s, f/1.8, ISO 200, flash

Boba Fett & Lord Vader
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/250s, f/1.8, ISO 200, flash

Sunset Over the Yacht Club

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Sunset Over the Yacht Club Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/4s, 26mm, f/16, ISOO 100

Sunset Over the Yacht Club
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/4s, 26mm, f/16, ISOO 100

Sassagoula Steamboat Company

Posted by Mike on

Port Orleans – Riverside
Walt Disney World

Sassagoula Steamboat Company Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Sassagoula Steamboat Company
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

The Riverside Mill & Marketplace Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 200

The Riverside Mill & Marketplace
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 200

…and Beyond

Posted by Mike on

International Flower & Garden Festival
Future World, Epcot, Walt Disney World

...and Beyond Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 200

…and Beyond
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 200

An Icon

Posted by Mike on

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

It might seem a little silly but I always start my trips to Walt Disney World by visiting the Magic Kingdom first. A few years ago I arrived at 9:30pm but the park was open until 1:00am so I jumped on the bus and made it home that first day. This trip was no different even though my reasons for coming down would have me at other parks most of the time. Here is a different view (although one I have probably shared before) of the Magic Kingdom’s larger than life icon… Cinderella Castle.

An Icon Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200

An Icon
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200