Tag Archives: walt disney world

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

Toward the Light

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Toward the Light
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 3.2s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 200

Dressing Up Cindy

Posted by Mike on

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

I’m not sure about the enhancements to Cinderella Castle. The initial thought upon seeing it in person was “why does Cindy look like Sleeping Beauty.” The color scheme is very similar to Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland. If the idea was to dress her up for the 50th anniversary, then at least stay true to her… at least it isn’t another cake motif…

Dressing Up Cindy
Olympus E-M! Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/8s, 15mm, f/8, ISO 800

Wake Up Beach Club

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Although I really wanted to sleep a little longer, I got moving early enough yesterday to walk around Crescent Lake for pictures. This is literally the first image I grabbed. As I was walking toward the Yacht Club, as soon as I crested on the bridge over the waterway I stopped and setup the tripod. I couldn’t resist that sky!

I spent the next 45 minutes before the sun showed itself photographing the area around the lake. It is generally a good time to be out. Only a few people are out and about this early. There is minimal activity on the lake and if the wind is low you can get great reflections. There will be more images coming…

Wake Up Beach Club
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 3.2s, 20MM, f/8, ISO 200