Back in January, as my Disney trip was approaching, I received an email about park hours changing at the Animal Kingdom. I got very excited as this change was an extension of the park closing. Rather than close before sunset, the park was staying open well past. I quickly re-arrange my plans in order to visit the park on one of those nights. The park is magical when it is lit up at night and I didn’t want this opportunity to escape me.
As I was running around trying to capture all the views I had in my head I was stopped by this scene…
Flight Night Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/20s, 24mm, f/5.6, ISO 8000
It wasn’t on my list but damn… luckily, there were few people in this area of the park and I was able to get an unobstructed view. I have more night scenes to process from the Animal Kingdom so I’ll warn everyone now. 🙂
My daughter came down for a visit this weekend. We had a good time. She had heard enough from me about the taqueria I tried a few weeks ago that she wanted to see what the hype was all about. Of course, we ate too much. I suggested we go for a walk at Flat Rock Park.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun as we attempted to work off our lunch. As we walked, me sans camera, I was making mental notes of images I saw that I would need to return to capture. I did stop and grab a couple with my phone but nothing worth mentioning.
Sunday wasn’t as warm as Saturday but still a great day to be out and exploring. This time, the camera was definitely with me. It was early afternoon which means direct, harsh light but I knew I could use that light for a few of the images in my head. Light, shadows and texture. You’ll see, as soon as I process them.
When my daughter and I were leaving the park I had pointed out a view of the pond/lake(?) that I always tell myself I need to capture. So, this time I made sure I stopped the car. No excuses! Take the damn picture.
Alright, don’t get so worked up about it.
I still believe this view at sunrise would be better and now that I mentally recorded that the park opens at 6am, I’ll be back. Anyway, here it is…
Isolated – B&W Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
I also had this running through my head…
Isolated
Stoic in nature Isolated and alone Standing with resolve
Now, I’m a fan of B&W images and I think it works for this one. I couldn’t leave it alone though, I wanted to play a little more with it. I tweaked the color version with a blue fade process.
Isolated – Blue Fade Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
And for those of you that prefer a good color image…
Isolated – Color Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
You’ll have to let me know which image you prefer…
Yacht Club Lighthouse Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World
Morning is my favorite time of the day. Maybe it’s because I’m an early riser. I’ve been getting up around 4am for years. Originally it was for necessity but now it’s habit. I can go to bed late and still I wake up early (I’ll admit a good nap might be needed later).
Maybe being a photographer is another reason I still get up early. Some of the best light is before the sun pops above the horizon to right after it makes its appearance. Same can be said for sunset but at sunset there are generally more people around. In the morning, most people are still sleeping. I guess I like having the light all to myself.
This penchant for the morning is even stronger when I’m on vacation, especially when I’m at Disney. This is definitely related to the “less people” comment above. When I stay at the Beach Club I get the added benefit of the walking/running trail around Crescent Lake and the amazing views to be found. Just look at this view…
Early Light Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/13s, 33mm, f/11, ISO 100
MLCreations Photography 