Category Archives: photography

Suspended

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

I suppose you cannot escape what you like. You are drawn to it through an unconscious process. You might not see it until after further introspection…

For me, with my photography, it is a good reflection. Maybe it is a result of a fascination with water. Whatever the reason, I will stop to capture a reflection, heck, I’ll re-compose an image to improve a reflection if it is within the frame.

Walt Disney World is no exception to this proclivity. I can admit a good percentage of my favoritism for the Crescent Lake area is the draw of the water and the chance for including a reflection in my photography. The last morning of my recent trip resulted in ideal conditions to highlight this quirk in my nature. A long exposure combined with fast moving clouds allowed me to create this unique view of the Yacht & Beach Club resorts.

Suspended Yacht & Beach Clubs
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 20s, 21mm, f/16, ISO 100

Port of East Africa

Posted by Mike on

WDW in B&W – WBW39
Africa, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

As colorful and visually stimulating as Walt Disney World can be, there is something special about a black and white image of the park. The removal of color allows the eye to focus on the details and textures of a scene. The gentle balance between shadow and light. Converting an image to monochrome does not lessen it at all.

This view of the port in the village of Harambe in the Africa section of the Animal Kingdom is a favorite view of mine. The amount of detail created by the Imagineers for nothing more than visual decoration is incredible to me. The guests can not walk down to the water nor is there a boat ride that passes by the port. It is the introduction to an area, the tone setter, the preamble for a whole section of a park.

I probably capture a dozen images of this view throughout the course of my day at Animal Kingdom. Actually, both views from the bridge into the village are as photogenic as hell. When the season is right, the sunset will occur over the building for the Festival of the Lion King and adds even more punch to my images.

But this one is an early morning capture with the sun rising over the Tree of Life behind me. I would have liked a few clouds in the sky but who is going to argue with a perfect Florida blue sky. The almost mirror-like surface of the water only “plusses” this view with detailed reflections.

This one definitely belongs in my WDW in B&W series…

Port of East Africa
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/100s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

Corner Light

Posted by Mike on

China Pavilion, World Showcase, Epcot

I typically spend extra time in the China Pavilion at Epcot. There are photographic opportunities throughout the area. I was fortunate to have the place to myself the first night at Walt Disney World. I’m sure it had nothing to do to the fact it was after the official closing hours and there were no fireworks.

I have attempted to capture this corner numerous times but have not been happy with previous results. Everything clicked this time. No wind to disturb the scene which allowed for an easy four image bracket to capture the dynamic range. Combining the images was simple in Aurora HDR and then processing in Luminar to help me tone down the colors. I think it turned out pretty good…

Corner Light
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, {6, 10, 15 & 25s bracket}, 21mm, f/11, ISO 400