Rivers of America, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Disney started using fog machines during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. It definitely adds to the ‘spooky’ in some areas…
The Haunting of the River
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 13s, 15mm, f/11, ISO 200
Yacht & Beach Club, Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World
Yacht & Beach Colors
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 6s, 70mm, f/16, ISO 400
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
Oriskany Creek
Friday was another beautiful day here in Upstate NY. I don’t want to jinx us but we have been enjoying a string of beautiful days and I took full advantage of the one we had yesterday. Originally I had to take a half day off of work to help my daughter get to a meeting for her summer research position as well as her (what is now a second job!) scheduled shift at Price Chopper. There was a little mix-up with the times but everything worked out for the best. What it did allow is for me to go exploring on my way home before having to get her to work.
As much as I love the Autumn and the colors of the changing leaves, I think I love the new budding leaves in the Spring just as much. The new green leaves against the dark, winter worn limbs always looks great to me. Through in some water reflections and I will click the shutter release all day. The leaves hit that sweet spot on Friday so stopping at Oriskany Creek was now a must do as I worked my way home. Midday isn’t always the best time to capture a picture but I think this one turned out OK.
Peaceful Creek
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100
Delta Lake State Park
Sunset Through the Trees
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 1/15s, 20mm, f/16, ISO 100
Boardwalk, Crescent Lake,
Walt Disney World
Even when I am on vacation I am an early riser. It does have its advantages. When I stay at one of the resorts around Crescent Lake (behind Epcot) I always go exploring before most people are even considering waking up. I might meet the occasional jogger or maintenance worker but for the most part I have the lake to myself.
This is a 6 image HDR panorama of the Boardwalk from the pavilion between the Boardwalk and Epcot. Normally I use Photomatix to combine the exposures but this time I tried the ‘Merge to HDR Pro’ in Photoshop. I have to admit that for this image I really like the results. I had plenty of control for the merge and it was a little easier to use. With both merged images still open in Photoshop I used the Photomerge function to create the panorama. There was a little more adjusting in Photoshop to get to this final image.
Boardwalk at Night
Nikon D5100, Tokina 12-24mm f/4, {8, 15 & 30s brackets}, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100
Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C)
SUNY Polytech Institute Campus
Sunset Reflected
Olympus E-P3, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/160s, 22mm, f/8, ISO 400
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
MLCreations Photography 