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. 🙂
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
Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
It must be time to finally give you the image of Cinderella Castle I mentioned a few posts back. You remember, the one required if you are a Disney photographer. I’m sure you didn’t forget… right?
I left the Magic Kingdom around 11am that first morning. The long drive was starting to catch up with me and I really wanted to get to my room for a quick nap. I ended up returning about 4:30pm to ensure I had time to get some images before sunset and then get my required castle sunset image. So, ta da!
Cindy All Aglow Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.6s, 24mm, f/5.6, ISO 400
Yeah, that is what I thought too.
Meh…
So, I went back about twenty minutes and found another view of Cindy. Less lighting, more natural light. Also, looking east away from the sun. Granted, another view I have shown you way to many times, but maybe I can make it different.
I wish I had grabbed the artists card, or grabbed a phone pic of their name so I could give them credit, or at least a mention. The art was really cool. A little 50’s-ish in style but the choice of color palette stuck in my brain. The palette was only two dominate colors, bold and bright. The whole series used the same scheme. Damn, I’m kicking myself right now. I thought I could find them online but getting info out of Disney’s website is a test of one’s patience.
Anyway, back on topic. For this second image of the castle, I played with the hue values for orange and blue after I processed the image as I would normally. I think there is something here. I need to play more but I still wanted to share…
Cindy is Confused Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/15s, f/8, ISO 400
I suppose, based on yesterday’s opening comment, you were expecting to see the castle image today?
It probably should have been.
But, I decided to let the images speak, again.
I headed out pre-sunrise yesterday to get in my morning walk around the lake and grab a few images. I hadn’t seen the weather alert on my phone… heavy fog in the area. I walked out into air dripping with water. It felt like walking through sprinklers. I didn’t go very far before retreating back into the resort.
Yesterday was my morning at Hollywood Studios. Another benefit of staying at the Beach Club is that park is a short walk along the waterway used by the Friendship boats. Of course, you could ride the boat, but I like walking. Although the fog was still hanging in the air, the sun had started to burn some of it away. I thought I could find a few images as I made my way to the park.
These are what caught my eye, and I wanted to share. You are probably tired of my castle images anyway…
Opaque Sunrise Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/320s, 43mm, f/11, ISO 200
I know, that damn lighthouse again, but remember there is a resort across the lake. Can you see it?
I liked the portrait version of this view because of how it aligns with the lighthouse. I also wanted to keep the barely visible sun in the image and have a good portion of negative space. There is such a mood to this image. I wonder what the two ducks think of the guys in the boat?
Fishing Anyone? Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/250s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
I attempted a similar image the day before with this boat, but another had just traversed the lake and its wake produced enough ripples to cause this one to rock. With the almost mirror like surface I didn’t have to worry this time. The splash of color really stands out in this almost monochromatic scene.
The park could wait. Now I was determined to create a series of fog inspired images.
Vacation Club Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 200
An information cart and kiosk for Disney’s Vacation Club. These are situated opposite the preview suite. I’m practically in the patio of that room. I’ve had a room overlooking the boardwalk once and it was amazing. Not only for the view you get, but at night you can sit and watch the activity. You felt like you are in the middle of all the good stuff… oh, wait, you are.
Again, the color is what I was drawn to capture. These are not necessarily photogenic subjects but when combined with the foggy background, the muted atmosphere and the planks in the boardwalk, they become something more. They become a part of this story.
Hoop Toss Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/250s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 200
Again, it is all about the bits of color. I was very surprised getting this image. Normally, I’m very aware of myself as I use my camera. I try not to interfere with other guest experiences. Sometimes my approach frustrates me as it is not always returned in kind. But, this morning, even though it was not very crowded, I could time my shot between the people. There were a few people who kindly waited for me and allowed me to get this image. It made me smile.
Primary Colors Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
OK, no more bits of color, I’m hitting you full in the face with it… 🙂
I love these tables and chairs. They jump out at you and grab your attention. I have been photographing them for over a decade of Disney trips. It never gets old.
I eventually ran out of subjects, or more accurately, my subjects were obscured by the people starting to congregate on the boardwalk. It’s OK, I got what I hoped to find. Maybe even a little more.
I originally thought I would be posting an image of Cinderella Castle this morning. My first sunset at Disney was in the Magic Kingdom and obviously I captured the required castle view. It is written into the membership card for Disney photographers as a requirement on every visit. But, once I saw the images I captured yesterday morning, I needed to bring you for a walk around Crescent Lake.
One of the benefits of staying at the Beach Club while I’m at Disney is the opportunity to enjoy the mile long path around Crescent Lake. It allows me to get great views of the resorts as well as the Boardwalk area. Oh, and there is the benefit of me not being so sedentary. I’ve been coming to this resort/area since 2008 and I am always amazed at what I find. To be fair, some of the charm has left due to Disney’s policies, i.e., less performers on the Boardwalk, less activities, etc., but I can still enjoy the scenery.
OK, let’s go for a walk. It was a little less than ideal as the sky was full of clouds with a hint of fog in some areas. I wasn’t going to get any of those picturesque sunrises but maybe I could use some of that creativity I think I have… 🙂
Frequent readers will know this lighthouse as I have shown its many sides throughout the years. I would have loved some sunrise color but I could not be happier with the calm, glass-like water. A good reflection is a very close second to a sunrise. With most of the scene grey and white it was any easy choice to convert this one to monochrome.
Looking at You Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 10s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 400
I am definitely a creature of habit. I walk the path around the lake in a counter-clockwise direction. I’m not sure why I do it this way, but hey, it works for me. After the lighthouse my next great view was of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Over in this area there was more morning fog (or maybe it was haze, unclear). I really liked how the Dolphin resort was crisp and clear, while the Swan Reserve resort was draped in mist. And who can resist the light reflections.
Obscured Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 6s, 32mm, f/11, ISO 800
Working my around the lake brings me to the Boardwalk. I’ve stayed at the resort here a couple of times and really enjoy being in the middle of all the nighttime activity. It is also one of the areas I have photographed consistently over the years. This morning I wasn’t looking for the big, beautiful landscape, I wanted to see some of the details. The boat launch for the Friendship boats fit the bill. From here you can get a ride to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or the other resorts. Highly recommended as it is a great way to see unique views of the area.
Magical Day Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 34mm, f/11, ISO 400
The boardwalk is full of restaurants, stores and a few clubs. There have been changes over the years but the front facades are always photogenic. I haven’t eaten as this restaurant but you can’t deny the signage. Throw in a bench, with water still dripping, and we have a winner.
Flying Fish Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 400
I have always enjoyed the Boardwalk Bakery. It is good for a morning coffee and croissant, or a sandwich for lunch. The red and white awnings have fascinated me, and have been the subject of more than one image. What did I find this time? Red and white umbrellas protecting white table and chairs. I practically ran as soon as I spied these treasures.
The hanging lights, the cloudy blue sky, the detail in the boardwalk itself… is giddy the right term? The darn tripod couldn’t get setup quick enough. Hey, other people out this early, pause your walking for a few minutes. I need to capture this.
Damn! This is the image that changed what I was going to post today.
Umbrellas Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 3s, 36mm, f/11, ISO 400
The last third of the trail back to the Beach Club doesn’t have as many opportunities for images. I tried a few but they weren’t doing it for me. Luckily, the beach area still has the swings. Next time I walk the the trail I think I’ll stop and enjoy the view from this swing.
Interesting tip, well, I think it is interesting. This is two images blended in Lightroom. For one image I focused on the swing and the other I focused on the resort in the background. Blending the two gives me an image that is in focus front to back.
Sit and Swing Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.4s, 46mm, f/11, ISO 400
Just about time to go for another walk around the lake. Looks like another overcast, foggy morning so I’m not sure what I’ll find. Doesn’t matter… it’s the walk that counts.
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