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.

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!

The Morocco pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase is the only one sponored by its country's government. When it was being constructed, the King of Morocco sent his royal craftsmen to lay all the tile work, carvings and paintings you see in the pavilion. This northern African country makes for a beautiful Disney Pic of the Week.

Tangier Traders sells traditional Moroccan clothing.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/13s, f/4.5, 1600 ISO, +0.3 EV, 36mm Focal Length

Barrie and Lisa will be here on Thursday and Saturday with their favorite photos from Morocco.

This was Challenge #106:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1.6s shutter, f/11

Starabilias was a really fun store to browse when it was open. I always gave myself lots of time because it was full of interesting music, movie, history and sports memorabilia. It was located at Downtown Disney - Westside.

Robin Mcconnell was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Robin and all the other readers who got the answer right: Sharon Pierce, Scott Otis, Vincent Maltese, Charles Wright, Travis, Sarah Haas, Tim Rachuba, Chad Ryan, Sharon Dale, Jon Solomonson, Linda Mac, Chris Nash, Vittoria Vignone and Kristen Gainey. Each of you were entered in the October winners’ drawing.

It’s time for the monthly drawing. This month’s big winner is Carri Marotto! Congratulations Carri, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

Good luck to everyone as we begin another month! Here we go…

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Challenge #107: 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, October 29, 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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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!

Princess Fantasy Faire in Disneyland hosts a variety of activities including a meet and greet with princesses. For a while they held a coronation ceremony which was very cute and got the kids involved. This photo of Mulan is from that ceremony. You never knew which three princesses would attend until they made their grand entrance.

Canon EOS A2 with Canon 70-300mm USM, Fujifilm

Disney Pic of the Week - Fantasyland

Mistakes. We all make them. Most of the time when we make a mistake, it doesn't work out to good. Sometimes you get a pleasant surprise. Such as the case in the photo below of Expedition EVEREST taken from the bridge between Africa and Discovery Island. I had just finished walking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and had my camera in Aperture Priority mode and set to it's largest f-stop of f/2.8. That is best for taking animal portraits with and not landscapes. Well, I forgot and took this photo. I didn't realize what I had done until later when I was on the other side of the park. What do you think? Ideally, I would have used f/11 to f/16.

Expedition Everest Telephoto Landscape.
Nikon D70/70-200VR, 1/3200s, f/2.8, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 70mm Focal Length

Using a telephoto lens, even a short one, compresses the image captured by the camera's sensor. The compression worked here to keep the depth of field small enough to keep the image in focus almost from front to back. Remember, with my camera crop of 1.5x, this is the equivalent to a 105mm telephoto lens (70mm x 1.5). There is softness in the extreme areas and I wouldn't want to print this any bigger than an 8" x 12".

Cinderella Fountain Statue.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/20s, f/5.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 80mm Focal Length

For my Disney Pic of the Week on Fantasyland, I have chosen a different angle of this lovely Cinderella Fountain statue I showed previously as Queen Cinderella. Here she is her step-family's maid holding one of her woodland friends with the shoppes of Fantasyland softly focused behind her. Tells a completely different story.

This photo and others are featured on the AllEars.net Disney Desktops page. Download them for your computer's screensavers and desktop wallpapers today!