Category Archives: Walt Disney World

Relaxin’ Blues

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

When I stay at one of the resorts around Crescent Lake as I visit Walt Disney World, my favorite way to start the day is to walk around the lake before sunrise. The loop around the lake is shy of a mile so I definitely get warmed up for the day’s exploring in one of the parks. It is also a great location for sunrise images and pretty much any direction you point the camera is an amazing view.

On the side of the lake with the Yacht & Beach Club resorts there are plenty of areas of white sand beaches and lounge chairs. I don’t normally partake in the chairs as they are generally still covered in morning dew when I am out and about, but I would definitely sit in one of these to enjoy the sunrise. The view of the lighthouse with the Boardwalk resort in the background is a favorite of mine. You can see the start of the sunrise as the sky is barely turning pink on the left above the buildings.

Relaxin’ Blues
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 0.6s, 21mm, f/8, ISO 200

Adventure Awaits

Posted by Mike on

Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Adventure Awaits
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 1-100mm f/4, 1/125s, 41mm, f/11, ISO 200

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

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

Harambe Morning

Posted by Mike on

Africa, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

The morning of my Animal Kingdom day I decided to arrive early considering how Disney was letting guests into the parks before the official opening time. I knew I wouldn’t be able to experience any of the rides but I was hoping to get some nice images. My luck was further enhanced by most guest’s desire to run to the Pandora area of the park to get in line for the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. This left entire sections of the park virtually people free.

One of my favorite areas to photograph is the Africa section of the park. The details Disney built into this section are amazing. Being early morning the sun was rising over the Harambe Market and bathing the buildings across the walkway in golden light. I decided to turn the camera to portrait orientation and grab a four image series to create a panoramic view. I think it turned out quite well…

Harambe Morning
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/60s, 16mm, f/11, ISO 200

Floating Boardwalk

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

If I was asked what my favorite part of my trip to Walt Disney World was this time I would say it was the area around Crescent Lake. This is the resort area behind Epcot when you exit through the International Gateway. It is where the Yacht & Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts are located.

Each morning I would start my day with a walk around the lake to capture the sunrise and the resort areas still lit up for the night. If you are lucky enough to have the wind be non-existent and you are early enough before any activity starts on the lake you will be rewarded with mirror-like reflections. I was this fortunate on the last morning of my vacation. Add to this enough clouds in the sky to for some drama and you come home with a few amazing images.

This is the view of the Boardwalk resort from across the lake. I was in a second floor room facing the lake, one room to the right of the building with the Boardwalk sign on its roof. It was a great location for sunrise and sunsets.

Floating Boardwalk
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1.3s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200