Picture This!

Early morning light casting shadows.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/50s, f/16, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 72mm focal length

As photographers, we all work with light and shadows to create our images. However, when I was looking for something with these two elements for this Disney Pic of the Week on my last trip to Walt Disney World, I had a hard time. While walking back from the Boardwalk Bakery early one morning I saw this composition without the person walking over the bridge to the Swan/Dolphin Resort area. That photo lacked something. Then, this person walked past me and I realized what was missing and quickly took this photo.

Perspective is defined as " to look through". For photographers, it means to look at something differently. To find new perspectives. At Walt Disney World, where people take millions of photographs each year, finding new perspectives can seem a daunting task. I look at it as finding "my" perspective and sometimes a little help can open up whole new ways of looking at things.

The photo below of Minnie Mouse's statuette was pointed out to me by another photographer. I have seen similar photos on flickr, too. But, I had never seen it at dusk with an orange castle softly focused in the background which turned out to be "my" perspective on this subject.

Minnie Mouse admiring Cinderella Castle.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/10s, f/4.8, ISO 1600, EV +0.3, 52mm Focal Length

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/15 sec, f/4.8, ISO 800

I really struggled to find any photos that I might have of shadows for this week’s Pic of the Week. This is definitely not one of my finest shots, but it does remind me of how amazed I was at the beautiful shadows this lamp was casting on the side of the Boardwalk Inn. I didn't come even close to showing how cool they looked. Now I know one thing I'll be looking for on my next trip. That’s what I love about photography at Walt Disney World – I'll never run out of subject matter.

If you caught my 3-part series recapping my recent trip to Walt Disney World then you may recall my mentioning that my Canon Powershot SX100 IS gave out during the vacation. Befuddled and sad, I knew it would need to be repaired and that getting it back in early November meant I couldn't take it to California.

Let's backtrack a tad. I'll go on record and tell you the necessary repair was entirely my fault by accident. The camera was sitting in it's case, turned off with 2 spare AA batteries in the front pocket. The whole thing fell about 1-2' to the carpeted floor. The batteries seem to have banged into the lens barrel leaving 2 small dents.

As with cars, digital cameras are now comprised of cheaper materials than when they were first born or even in their toddler years. Also, with computer parts that are itsy bitsy inside, there's more to go wrong than in a 35mm camera.

I've heard it a bazillion times before when I worked in a retail camera shop and tried selling service plans, "I'm very careful." Guess what? So am I. Life happens.

It had been imbedded into my brain that camera repairs take a minimum of 6-8 weeks by my previous employer which is why I thought my beloved Canon wouldn't come home for quite some time. What a bunch of hooey.

Here's the timeline for my camera repair.

Sat., September 26 - I ship the camera via USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance

Tues., September 29 - Canon in IL receives the package, assess the repair cost and e-mails me

Wed., September 30 - I pay for the repair online, late at night

Fri., October 2 - Canon e-mails me to say the camera has been fixed and shipped

Tues., October 6 - I receive my camera by FedEx

That's a total of 11 days from start to finish! Extraordinary service and at $89 plus $10 shipping, that's roughly 35% less than I would have charged my customers.

If your camera or camcorder needs servicce, contact the manufacturer by first visiting their website or check the info packet that came in the box.

A full moon on Halloween mixed with deep dark blue sky, white and gray layers of clouds swiftly passing and yet barely moving at all as viewed from below tree branches with but a mere few leaves left.

Light cast upon an object creates shadow.

Photography is dependant on light. It's as simple as that.

Barrie, Scott, and I bring you images of Light and Shadows for Disney Pic of the Week. Be sure to check back on Thursday and Saturday for their entries.

My image of a cruel, dark, and dangerous villain hiding in walls of Sleeping Beauty Castle is Maleficent!

Canon EOS 30D with Canon 17-40 USM L

Baw ha ha ha ha ha ha.

This was Challenge #107:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1.8s shutter, f/8

This statue of St. George and the dragon is in the center of Epcot's Germany pavilion, in front of the Biergarten.

Lee Anastasi was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Lee and all the other readers who got the answer right: Scott Otis, Alissa Ammons, Louise Barton, Erica Sipich, Ashley Pizzino, Baines Family, Tim Wingfield, Jamie Kelly, Jeremy Coto, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Jennifer Otis, Jen Bruno, Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Mike Mecchi, Joanna Sng, Stephanie Visco, K.l. Beasley, Kevin Toomey, Maria M, Kathryn Perkins, Joshua Swainston, Phil Vickers, Ken Fischler, Brian Gallant, Kim Perry, Melea Broekers, Elizabeth Scarborough, Wendy Snelgrove, Marc S, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Teresa Cole, Jared Orth, Christopher Hall, J Brizzle, J Breezy, Karrie Duffey, Chris Forner, Chris Miller, Todd Ritter, Michael Joel Gainey, Michael Fitz, Cameron Lange, Mike Cerce, Megan Loftin, Stephanie Servaites, Angela Fennell, Michelle Roth-smoot, Julie Ellis, Kirsten Stark, Jay Reagan, Tim Rachuba, Evan Zanauskas, Cara Richards, Paula Bender, Kristen Gainey, Clarence Diggles, Jennifer Horst, Valencia Holliday, Quincy Delcolletti, Benjamin Dameron, Harry Wilson, Aruna, Berry Morris, Jen Cerce, Sharon Dale, Tracy Discher, Jennifer Schwing, Steve Jordan, Robert Anderson , Paul Newman, Diane Boorum, Debbie Poole, Jessica Deans, Lisa Cash, Rob Blundin, Jon Solomonson, Bill Monahan, Rochelle, Kye Layton, Shannon Milair, Barclay Bakkum, Donna Brandt, Mary Virginia Clause, Danielle And Matt Murgia and Diane Furtado. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.

Reminder: Don't forget to set the clock on your camera back today!
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Challenge #108: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 5, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/1250 sec, f/5.3

This belly dancer performs with MoRockin, an Arabic rock band that plays in Morocco. MoRockin is a very popular Epcot band and I suspect she may have just a little to do with that!

After riding the latest version of Spaceship Earth, I was pleased to see the exhibit area being used again. The new sponsor, Siemens AG, has created Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. As you enter the exhibit, you can not help but notice the huge Earth before you. In a bit of technological wizardry, the photo that was taken early in the ride of you has now appeared indicating the location where you live. Project Tomorrow houses interactive exhibits featuring various Siemens AG technology. These interactive displays and games allow guests to see the future of medicine, transportation and energy management.

Project Tomorrow exhibit area in Spaceship Earth.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1400, EV +0.3, 11mm Focal Length

How I took this photo: You will notice I was standing in the middle of the ramp from the ride exit (you can see the railings on the far left and right of the photo). As much as I would have liked to set up a tripod, I doubt Disney security would have approved. I had on a fast lens, the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, set to it's widest aperture of f/2.8 and focal length of 11mm. My camera, a Nikon D70, was set to Auto ISO which only allowed the shutter speed to go as slow as 1/30th of a second. At this exposure, the camera set the ISO at 1400. I took this hand held using Da Grip. This is one of several images I took in burst mode and the best of the lot. I had good timing as I did not get run over by any other guests coming off the ride.

As my submission for Disney Pic of the Week - Morocco, I offer this photograph of a stone prayer tower which is based on the Koutoubia Minaret.

Moroccan architecture has a great deal of texture whether it's brick or clay and a touch of painted ceramic tiling to add blues, greens, and yellows.

On Sunday, October 18, 2009 I participated in a 5K walk through Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure to raise funds and awareness for Children's Hospital of Orange County. Thanks to my family, friends, and readers like you, I was able to raise $880.00.

I'd like to share some photos of the event with you.

Thousands lined Main Street, USA pre-dawn ready to fulfill their promise.

The crowds were well-managed by only allowing a certain number of walkers out at a time.

Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and a Master of Ceremonies got us pumped up.

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from the upcoming movie, "The Princess and the Frog" made an appearance alongside a bluesy jazz band.

Jasmine and a few of the other princesses went for a ride on King Arthur Carrousel.

Informative signs regarding CHOC were scattered along the route as a terrific reminder of why we were all there.

My friend Lisa, her husband Jeffry and their son Logan were a part of Team Fairy Godmothers.

This little green army guy had the best job. He sat and told us to keep marching. LOL

Teams often have custom designed T-shirts made and this is just one example of how Lisa and I were nearly brought to tears over and over again.

The House of Blues had their Sunday gospel singers performing at the end of the walk. This woman had positive messages and blessings for everyone.

Canine Angels proved that it's not just us humans who care about kids.

Feeling inspired? This link will take you to a music player for my friend's band, HERE II HERE. Check out the first song, Waking Journey (Walk with Me). I think it fits the blog.

We have the Disneyland press release with a video about the walk!