Category Archives: photography

Gloomy Autumn Colors

Posted by Mike on

Whitestown Park

It was a nice October day and I needed a break from work. I finished off my lunch, grabbed the camera and drove the 1/4 mile up the road from the plant to the town park. There are a few trails through the woods for exploring and I just lost myself in the sound of the rustling leaves. It was exactly what I need! I really should be doing this more often as I was recharged and ready for the rest of the day. Today is suppose to be around 75 degrees, definitely feels like another lunch time exploration is in the cards for me… 🙂

Gloomy Autumn Colors Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200

Gloomy Autumn Colors
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200

Torii Gate Light Reflections

Posted by Mike on

Torii Gate, Japan Pavilion
Epcot, Walt Disney World

It is only a few days away from my planned (and then cancelled) fall trip to Walt Disney World. I am feeling a little home sick. LOL The autumn and Halloween time decorations, combined with the Food and Wine Festival, make this time of year my favorite time to visit. I had also planned on attending the Magic in Pixels – Pixelmania 2014 event but some required training for work interrupted my plans. It only delays the inevitable and allows me to save up for a more glorious spring trip. 😉

The Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of my favorite places to explore and photograph. The Imagineers went all in on this pavilion. There are numerous iconic features that draw my camera’s attention on every trip. The torii gate in the waters at the front of the pavilion has always been a challenge for me. I even make it more difficult be insisting on capturing it at night. I do like the light reflections though…

Torii Gate Light Reflections Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 80 & 106s bracket}, 17mm, f/16, ISO 400

Torii Gate Light Reflections
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 80 & 106s bracket}, 17mm, f/16, ISO 400

A Quiet Morning for Reflection

Posted by Mike on

Flame Tree Barbecue seating area
Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

One of the reasons I love going to Disney is for the exploration. There are the obvious attractions and experiences that Disney pushes at their guests but my greatest enjoyment comes from wandering around the parks and finding all the little details that enhance our experience. Most visitors will not make the time to actually see what has been built as they rush from one big event to the next. My initial visits were that way as I wasn’t sure if and when we would return. We dragged the kids through long days and tried to ‘see’ everything. What we missed were the quiet moments that become the memory makers.

I was in the Animal Kingdom last October for the early morning extra magic hour and wandered down to the seating area behind the Flame Tree Barbecue. This area has one of the best views of Expedition Everest but what I found was the detail and beauty built just so the guests have a nice place to eat lunch. I spent the whole hour in this area photographing the details. I don’t remember which attraction I rode first that day but I do remember how much fun I had exploring that morning.

Slow down and enjoy the little moments…

A Quiet Morning for Reflection Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {1/4, 1/10 & 1/25s bracket}, 24mm, f/16, ISO 200

A Quiet Morning for Reflection
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {1/4, 1/10 & 1/25s bracket}, 24mm, f/16, ISO 200

Wordless Wednesday: Washed Ashore

Posted by Mike on

Washed Ashore
Delta Lake State Park

Washed Ashore Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/160s, 21mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

Washed Ashore
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/160s, 21mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

Strike Up The Band!

Posted by Mike on

Fall Decorations
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Last year was the start of a whirlwind adventure between me and Walt Disney World. It started with the PhotoMagic meet in October, a few trips in the spring and was going to end with the Pixelmania meet this October. To be fair I didn’t really plan it that way but when the Pixelmania meet was scheduled I had hoped it would be the perfect end cap to my year. I will not be able to make it down this month but going over last year’s pictures reminded me how much I enjoy the Fall/Halloween season at Disney. I’m just going to have to plan better for next year… 🙂

Strike Up The Band! Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/125s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

Strike Up The Band!
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/125s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

Wordless Wednesday: Arms Wide Open

Posted by Mike on
Arms Wide Open Olympus Pen E-P3, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/200s, 14mm, f/8, ISO 200

Arms Wide Open
Olympus Pen E-P3, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/200s, 14mm, f/8, ISO 200