Picture This!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/320s shutter, f9

My example of selective focus is this photo of the marble stones outside of China’s Temple of Heaven in Epcot’s World Showcase. This type of photography works very well when you want to highlight the wonderful detail that makes Disney parks stand out from other theme parks.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/400s shutter, f5, ISO 400

Here’s Dinoland’s version of Whack a Mole. Can you pronounce “Packycephalosaur”? Don’t look at me, I’m still working on “Worcester"!

This was Challenge #101:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/30s shutter, f/3.5, ISO 1600

This is Pizzafari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Once again, I’m going to refer you to Jack’s blog. He shared some interesting details about Pizzafari that you might not have noticed.

Karrie Duffey was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Karrie and all the other readers who got the answer right: Lee Anastasi, Sharon Lee, Ken Maikowski, Krista Penno, Wade A. Williams, Alissa Ammons, Tiffany Wakefield, J-brizzle, Henrietta Porter, Amanda Perkins, Jeffrey Dunne, Baines Family, Ken Fischler, Dolores Riccio, Madison Meyer, K. Beasley, Tom Tom Auckland, Angela Johnson, Brian Yesutis, Matthew And Danielle Murgia, Jodi Cook, Theresa Rucando, James Berry, Kathy Berry and Lauren Thomas. Each of you will be entered in the September winners’ drawing.
_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #102: 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, September 24, 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!

The definition of a Nifty-Fifty is an inexpensive 50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 50mm f/1.8 both come in at under $140 and work on most Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras. Most other camera systems have this focal length in a prime lens also. A prime lens has a fixed focal length versus a zoom lens that has a variable focal length. My 18-200VR zoom lens, for example, goes from 18mm to 200mm and all focal lengths in between.

What makes these Fifty's so nifty? Because they are a fixed length lens, they tend to be much sharper, lighter in weight, smaller in size and FAST. Most consumer zoom lens' start at f/3.5 and vary up to f/6.3 extended to their full focal length depending on make and model. These 50mm lenses also makes you think when you are using them. If you want to fill your frame more with the subject, you have to move closer and visa versa. The depth of field is a lot more apparent when apertures are opened up to f/2.8 or f/1.8 so focus on your subject is very important.

A couple of notes on my camera with a 50mm lens. Since the Nikon body I use has a crop factor of 1.5, the 50mm is actually a 75mm lens in 35mm terms. I have used a 50mm on 35mm SLRs in the past and that's the only difference. The photos below are great examples of what this type of lens can do.

Using the hyperfocus setting at an aperture of f/22, the lens' smallest aperture, it brought the shutter speed down to 1/50th of a second even in the bright mid-day Sun of Florida. You can see how sharp and colorful the Innovention Fountain and Spaceship Earth are in this photo. When I first looked at this scene I was too close and had to do a Chris Berman and back, back, back up about 25 steps.

Innovention Fountain performing in Epcot's Innoventions Plaza.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/50s, f/22, ISO 200, EV +0.3

Selective focus is where you open the lens to it's largest aperture and the only thing in sharp focus is the subject. The rest of the objects in front of and behind are thrown out of focus. With an aperture of f1.8, a 50mm lens creates extreme selective focus images like this one. Notice how the guests in the background are totally out of focus and the Mickey shaped tomatoes which are in focus leave no doubt as to the subject of the photo.

Mickey shaped tomatos in Mickey's Country House garden in Toontown Fair.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/250s, f/1.8, ISO 200, EV +0.3

Look for more examples of selective focus next week on the Picture This! blog.

When someone says the lens if fast, they are referring to it's largest aperture. The smaller the number, the larger the aperture, the more light is allowed in by the lens to the digital camera's sensor. Even when the light is low, a 50mm lens at f/1.8 brings in four times the light as a zoom lens at f/3.5 and twice as much as an f/2.8 lens. The Nifty-Fifty lenses are a Disney photographers best friend for the dark rides at a Disney park. For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean is a ride I never even tried to photograph until I got a 50mm lens. Though I still had to use some noise reduction software at an ISO of 1600, the exposure and focus was right on for the auction scene.

Pirates of the Caribbean Auction Scene.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/25s, f/1.8, ISO 1600, EV +1.0

For more on using a Nifty-Fifty, click this link on You’re only 50mm Away from Becoming a Better Photographer.

Check out my flickr set called the Nifty-Fifty for more examples of the 50mm f/1.8 lens. Have fun!

This shot of Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom was taken from the seating area of Flame Tree BBQ. It was a postcard perfect day!

You will need to have Adobe Reader on your computer to download the calendar(s). Just click on the photo to download the calendar you want.

This one prints out at 8.5" x 11". It's handy if you need a calendar that you can write on.

This one prints out at 4.75" x 4.75", the perfect size for a CD Jewel Case frame.

This was Challenge #100:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, .0015s shutter, f/8

This tramp steamer, the S.S. Down the Hatch, houses Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Back in June, Jack Spence wrote a wonderful blog about the Dockside Diner. Given how many of you got this right, I bet a lot of you already saw it. If not, be sure to check it out for some interesting facts about this unusual eatery.

Louise Barton was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Louise and all the other readers who got the answer right: Chris Masse, Douglas Mcknight, Christine Holzman, Sharon Pierce, Jennifer Harmon, Belicia Dawson, Evelyn Wilson, Paula Massarelli, Scott Cullen, Jodi Cook, Robert Anderson , Berry Morris, Leslie Dameron, Michelle Raimist, Dave Cole, Brian Yesutis, Jaclyn Koller, Elizabeth Macgregor, Emily Currier, Mike Thomson, Marc Acosta, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Sharon Dale, Jennifer Kaufman, Neil Taylor, Denise Owen, Shannon Brueggemann, Ken Maikowski, Peggy Saeger, Monica Hatch, Stanley J Zajchowski, Amy Filliben, Jane Bradley, Deb Ragno, Michael Pyle, Kristen Mccoy, Misty Mehelic, Jennifer Tremley, Diane Ramos, Jerry Weldon, Hillary Waldroop, Melea Broekers, Teri Jo Fuson, Joann Albrecht, Christie Condit, Cassady Fudali, Debra Soley, Craig Canady, Amanda Campbell, Elizabeth & Anthony Collins, Anjanette Tournillon, Amanda Perkins, Michael Gainey, Mike Malampy, Scott Otis, Brian Haas, Sue Thompson, Chris J, Emma Ford, Ed Aleszczyk, Kris Nixon, Michelle Mcspadden, Donna Currier, Jen Cox, Lee Anastasi, Elizabeth, Matt Degrandis, Chris And Alison, Chloe, Nick Straka, Ellie Argaluza, Danielle Murgia, Penny, Bonnie Ford, Jay Bradford, James Greene, Kelly H, Karen Dresser-smith, David Wickware, Robert P. Flaherty, Keith Burwell, Tim Rachuba, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Sarah Smee, Leigh Mertz, Anne Hainsworth, Chris Miller, Jim, Christopher Hall, Wendy Snelgrove, Jeremy Reichelt, Blake Schmidt, Jake Christopher, Jim Finley, Kristen Gainey, Brian Gallant, Debbie Desimone, Bruce Arnold, Jamie Poynton, Liz Moreau, Tim Johansen, Melissa Kuehnle, Heather Coursen, Noreen Rachuba, Roye Ann Morris, Gary E Genteman, Joe S., Ssg, Sheila Saey, Mike Walter, Bryan Blochberger, Amanda Ober, Julie Fahrner, James Hickey, Christopher Barnes, Darrell Shortt, Alicia Henderson, Caroline Dupre, Lori Rienhardt, Karen Klein, Heidi Summers, Jen Cerce, Kevin Toomey, Alissa Ammons and Lynn Barber. Each of you will be entered in the September winners’ drawing.
_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #101: 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, September 17, 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!

Last week I gave you some of my favorite photography links, this week I want to talk about one of those links. Photofocus by photography Scott Bourne wrote an article entitled, "10 Ways to Know You Made a Good Picture". Most of them I have talked about here before like exposure, light, backgrounds, composition and some others.

Then I came upon number 7: Emotion. The photograph should evoke some emotion. Any emotion will do. But really good photographs cause an emotional reaction. When I am looking at photos by other photographers on flickr and Disney and photography forums, the ones that grab me have always evoked some sort of emotion. Many times it's "Wow! Wish I had taken that!". Others makes me smile, laugh, wonder, empathize, envy, mad, sad and a host of other emotions.

The photo I choose below of the two young princesses posing for a photograph for their parents in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, gave me two kinds of emotions. The first was when I took the photo. The girls looked so cute and I could not help but smile. Later, when I pulled the photo up on my computer, I laughed at their styling royal footwear. Just perfect for a day in a Magic Kingdom.

Two young princesses sporting the latest in royal footwear posing for a photo in front of Cinderella Castle.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/16, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 112mm Focal Length

Take a minute to read over Scott Bourne's article and try to keep them in mind as you are photographing not just at a Disney themepark but anytime.

Cast Member Anthony pilots a raft from Tom Sawyer Island back to the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal Length

There's only one way to get over to Tom Sawyer Island which is by free floating motorized rafts piloted by Cast Members trained to handle the tricky watercraft. On my last trip, Cast Member Andy was the very capable pilot who took me back to the Magic Kingdom dock and is my Disney Pic of the Week on Cast Members.

Once again, we are showcasing Disney Cast Members on Pic of the Week. It’s the Cast Members who make all the magic happen and therefore we felt it was only fitting that we should show them some love again. We only wish we had room to include all their photos!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, .0099s shutter, f5, ISO 640

Last September, my friend Linda and I had a great time on the Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was near the end of the day and not many people were in the queue so we were able to walk on three times in a row. This is Michael, the driver of the second truck we rode giving us a thumbs up for beating him to the station. I took this photo from the back of the third truck that we rode – that’s just how empty the queue was!

This was Challenge #99:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/15s shutter, f/22

It’s very hard to see because this photo is so small, but if you look closely where the smaller falls on the right pools on the rock, you will see the hiking boot floating in the pool. (You can see a larger version by clicking on the photo.) The first time I noticed this boot was a few years back. At that time a boot was on one of the ledges, but not in the water. Since then, I have always looked for it whenever I walk through the Canada pavilion at Epcot. Finally, I saw it again this past April.

Kathleen Harmon was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Kathleen and all the other readers who got the answer right: Shannon Brueggemann, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Ken Maikowski, Jennifer Tremley, Mark Brown, Alicia Henderson, Lisa Mccormack, Chris Miller, Sharon Lee, Kelly H and Larry Whiteman III. Each of you will be entered in the September winners’ drawing.

Wow, I can hardly believe we are at Challenge #100! Where did the time go?
_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #100: 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, September 10, 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!

The Rose and Crown PUb in the United Kingdom pavilion.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/160s, f/6.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

With it's warm and cozy indoor pub and dining area to it's sought after outdoor seating to view Illuminations in the evening the Rose and Crown Pub is a favorite of many Walt Disney World fans. For me, the extra charm is the cast members from England who serve the wonderful English food, ales and beer. Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week on the United Kingdom.

What? Summer is over? The kids are back (or soon will be) in school. Labor Day is Monday. And, my blog vacation is over. In reflecting on all that I know many of you will start and/or return to exploring photography. I thought I'd help you out by giving you Five Great Photography Websites I visit frequently each week and why:

1. Digital Photography School - this website contains tutorials, equipment and software reviews, how-to's on taking photographs to post-processing, inspirational photo essays and hosts a wonderful community of photographers of all levels of experience.

2. The Pioneer Women: Photography - Looking for a fun way to learn about photography? This is the place. Ree is wonderful at taking any photography concept and easily explaining it in her Texas Down-to-Earth way. Some people might be interested in other parts of her website, too.

3. Photofocus - Scott Bourne is an accomplished professional photographer who has a mix of inspirational and equipment geek posts to satisfy both the right and left side of a photographer's brain.

4. Your Photo Tips - weekly and monthly postings showing some of the best photography found around the Internet along with monthly book reviews and photography tips.

5. Ken Rockwell - Ken Rockwell is a bit controversial mainly because he is a working photographer and doesn't have time to mince words. He is independent and says it the way he sees it. I find that refreshing and the guy knows his stuff. Want to know something about a Canon or Nikon camera? Ken's website is the place to go.

These five sites will give you plenty of reading and inspiration to go out and photograph the coming fall season and your next trip to a Disney resort or themepark!

This was Challenge #98:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/10s shutter, f/3.8

This week’s challenge photo shows part of the Gothic ceiling from inside Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

Brian Miller was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Brian and all the other readers who got the answer right: Deb Ragno, Rich Kacprowicz, Christine Holzman, Julie Wickware, Jessica Reed, Tim Johansen, Lynn Barber, Scott Otis, Brenda Mcguire, Kristen Mccoy, Berry Morris, Dennis Blackburn, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Vickie Scioneaux, Melissa Dye, Barclay Bakkum, Jamie Poynton and Lee Anastasi. Each of you will be entered in the August winners’ drawing.

It’s time for the monthly drawing. This month’s big winner is Dan Diehm! Congratulations Dan, 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…

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #99: 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, September 3, 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!

/>
Self Portrait in front of Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 8s, f/16, ISO 200, +1.0 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Still vacationing (not at Walt Disney World this time) and will return soon!

When I am in Walt Disney World, I am on vacation. I know others have a different view of vacation and I do realize not everyone is there on vacation. Especially in Disney's Boardwalk and Epcot resort area where the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht and Beach Club resorts host many business conventions and seminars. Yet, it still surprises when I am returning from the Boardwalk Bakery with freshly baked goodies to see people out for their morning runs like this gentleman. This is one Disney Pic of the Week about Resort Activities you will never see me doing. Look for Barrie and Lisa to present their ideas of Resort Activities on Thursday and Saturday.

Out for a morning run on Disney's Boardwalk.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/18, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

This was Challenge #97:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f/5.6

You can find this mountain climber looking out over the miniature trains in a little town just outside of Germany in Epcot.

Louise Barton was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Louise and all the other readers who got the answer right: Denise Owen, Jacquelyn Law, Amanda Campbell, Alison Rosenberger, Alicia Henderson, Michelle Mcspadden, Aruna, Caroline Dupre, Anna Mae Trievel, Baines Family, Brenda Van Hecke, Kristin Dormuth, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Curtis Bille, Bob Patterson, Natasha Bouchet, Bruce Arnold, Bryan Fencl, Brenda Strohmeyer, Nancy Bennett, Christian Baas, Christopher Hall, Chris Miller, Casey Sullivan, Rob Disanto, Daniel Record, Denise Dossat, Denise Cayz , Maryann Eckenrode, Kelly Zanauskas, Dan Mangini, Ashley, Kye Layton, Emily Wilburn, Ruth Cookson, Emily Currier, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Elizabeth Scarborough, Jim Felty, Phil Vickers, Jennifer Tremley, Gail Wuczynski, Allison Caputa, Greg Shukis, Heather Young, Dennis Blackburn, Harry Wilson, Lynn Barber, Ian Falk, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Danny Gleason Jr., Kristen Mccoy, Jared Orth, Jackson Hart, Jay Bradford, Christine And Erin Claeys, Jeanne Hartung, Jeremiah Good, Jessica Marcotte, Jaclyn Kelch, Jennifer Harmon, Joey Price, Kathryn Perkins, Vanessa Gordon, Jim Finley, Karrie, Matt Cofone, Kelly Taylor, Ken Fischler, Kirsty Butler, Kris Nixon, Kristen Baustert, Kelly H, Lee, Laney, Jenny Leek, Larry Sams, Karen Nelson, Jennifer Schwing, John Leach, Louise Maxwell, , Linda Scrivano, Joshua Swainston, Marie Phillips, Roy, Matt Degrandis, Matthew Brisbin, Margot Garofalo, The Chambers Family, Ben Dameron, Melody Salemi, Glenn Meyer, Brian Haas, Mike Fess, Misty Mehelic, Karen Hotchkiss, Amanda Penhale, Diane Ramos, Michelle Thompson, Paula Munson, Cara Richards, Nicole Lopresti, Noreen Rachuba, Donna Brandt, Duane Wisniewski, Patty Carty, Pete Haberman, Julie Ellis, Emma Poprock, Heather Coursen, Peggy Saeger, Betsey Whitehead, Robert Bostic, Robin Kennard, Paula Massarelli, Sarah Haas, April Tucker, Jodi Cook, Sharon Dale, Shane Stack, Bev Carson, Chloe, Amanda M., Michael Gainey, Bridgie Auckland, Ryan Ross, Tom Hermes, Danielle Murgia, Stacey Hutchinson, Tricia Gordon, Tricia Noble, Penny, Vickie Scioneaux, Wendy Snelgrove, Judy Koslowski, Dave Carriere and Matthew Ziegele. Each of you will be entered in the August winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #98: 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, August 27, 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!

White Stork portrait on Discovery Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 200mm Focal Length

Discovery Island Trails are one of those Over-Looked Attractions you hear about. With a 200mm lens, you can get beautiful portraits of the animals and birds along them. This White Stork was a willing model and is my Disney Pic of the Week on Discovery Island.

If you don't know the animal or bird along any of the trails in Disney's Animal Kingdom, look around for a sign (like the one below) which will identify the animal and give you information on where it lives. It's also a good idea to take a photo of the signs so you'll be able to add captions of your Animal Kingdom photos at a later time.

White Stork informational sign.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/7.1, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 34mm Focal Length

Discovery Island is the central hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and our theme for Pic of the Week this week. Here you’ll find the Tree of Life, It’s Tough to Be a Bug and the Discovery Island Trails. When you get hungry, check out Pizzafari or Flame Tree BBQ and then wander through the numerous shops to find a perfect souvenir.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 4.2s shutter, f9

My favorite thing to do on Discovery Island is to wander around admiring the amazing artwork. You’ll find it everywhere from inside the shops to the tops of the buildings, on the sides of carts and even tucked into the vegetation. There are beautiful carvings, colorful paintings and murals and gorgeous sculptures. One place I always take time to explore is the seating area behind Flame Tree BBQ. No need to worry about the ants getting your food when you eat in this pavilion – there are plenty of anteaters to keep them in check!

This was Challenge #96:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/125s shutter, f/18

Hi everyone! I’m back from vacation and so is the Where in the World Challenge. I left you a couple weeks ago with a photo I thought was a little challenging but I had no idea just how hard it was. Only one person sent in the right answer, the Earth Globe from Illuminations, and that was Kristin Dormuth. Congratulations to Kristin! I’ve entered your name in the August winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #97: 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, August 20, 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!

Cinderella Castle in blue as darkness falls over the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/50s, f/5.6, 1600 ISO, -0.6 EV, 130mm Focal Length

The Main Street WDW Railroad station gives a unique prespective of Cinderella Castle. Waiting until after the sun set, I captured Cinderella Castle in the Blue Fairy's favorite color for my Disney Pic of the Week for the Castle.

All Ears photographer Linda E pulls a lucky number with the help of Mary Poppins during the Meet Before the Magic reception the night before MagicMeets.

Surprise and surprised celebrity contestant, Jill, gets an assist from Deb Wills of AllEars.net during the Magic-Tunes game the night before MagicMeets.

All Ears founder, Deb Wills, poses next to her poster of the Flying Dutchman sold as a fund raiser at MagicMeets 2009.

Guests enter MagicMeets while Fred Block looks on.

A young MagicMeets attendee admires the Minnie and Me dress set during the Dream Team Auction.

A father helps his son draw Mickey Mouse in the Kid's Room at MagicMeets.

All Ears feature writer, Michelle, doing some audio tweeting at MagicMeets.

Hope you enjoyed this look at the 2009 MagicMeets weekend. I'll be taking the next couple of weeks off from blogging. As Mickey would say, "See ya real soon!".

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 2.5s shutter, f8

Here I go posting another winter photo in the middle of the summer. I can’t help it though. Our Pic of the Week topic is castles and I LOVE Cinderella’s castle when it is decked out in the Dream Lights for the winter holiday season. I hope Disney continues to decorate the castle in the Magic Kingdom this way for many seasons to come.

Hi everyone! Just a reminder... I'm still on vacation, but I'll be back next week with a new challenge. You have until Thursday to submit your answer to the July 26th challenge. See you soon.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/8s shutter, f4.5, ISO 400

Germany is eighth largest wine-producing country in the world. My Pic of the Week was taken inside Weinkeller, the wine shop in the Germany pavilion. You can sample the wines here and take home a souvenir glass after your tasting.

One of the first things you learn in any basic book or course on photography is to keep the Sun at your back when taking an outdoor photo. Yet, there at times when having the Sun in your photo creates interesting light patterns, flare and, when stopping down the lens, star effect. Remember NOT to look directly at the Sun as that will cause damage to your eyes. Very carefully put the sun in a corner, lower or upper half of the frame. Use a small aperture in the f/16, f/22 or f/32 range to cut down the amount of light entering the camera when the shutter is pressed.

This is what I did when heading towards the summit of Expedition EVEREST in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 ultra wide angle lens has a 9-bladed diaphragm and creates lovely stars of bright light sources at f/22 and you can't get much brighter than the Sun.

Sun near the summit of Everest.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/400s, f/22, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, 11mm Focal length

I found this link to 25 Excellent Sun Flare Photography Examples showing some outstanding photos featuring the Sun. Here's more tips for achieving artistic lens flare. Have fun and be careful!

In this week's Disney Pic of the Week, Barrie, Lisa and I will be showing you photos from Epcot's World Showcase's pavilion, Germany. Modeled after villages in Germany's Bavaria and Rhine regions, you get the feeling of being whisked to a quiet old-world place with friendly people and a unique culture. The shops are full of craftsmanship from Hummel collectibles, crystal to beer steins. The Volkskunst, where these guests are entering, features hand-painted eggs and ornate cuckoo clocks.

Guests entering a shop in Germany.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/13s, f/3.5, ISO 640, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Boo to you! It’s October and it’s time for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom.

You will need to have Adobe Reader on your computer to download the calendar(s). Just click on the photo to download the calendar you want.

This one prints out at 8.5" x 11". It's handy if you need a calendar that you can write on.

This one prints out at 4.75" x 4.75", the perfect size for a CD Jewel Case frame.

Hi everyone! In case you missed my note last week, I am on vacation and won't be posting a Where in the World challenge this week or next. That means you still have time to enter last week's challenge!

See you next on the 16th!

One of the great events at each year's MagicMeets is the silent auction for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America. This auction is run by Lou Mongello’s Dream Team Project volunteers and features hundreds of items for people to bid on. So far the auctions have raised $32,000 for Make-A-Wish. It's a beautiful way to share the Disney spirit!

Last year I was asked to donate something and I chose a professionally framed 16x20 inch print from one of my Animal Kingdom photos. This year I am again donating a framed print. A replica you can see below. This is a photo you may have seen here before as I used it when I talked about using tripods at Walt Disney World earlier this year.

Replica of framed Twilight Zone Tower of Terror print.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 25s, f/18, 200 ISO, EV +0.3, 80mm Focal length

When you decide to make a print of one of your digital images, you have to process it a bit differently than if you were going to display it in a digital frame or on the Internet. For instance, you must sharpen it differently and more aggressively. Have in mind the size you want to print it at and crop accordingly. For the Tower of Terror photo, I knew I was going to print it at 16x20 so I cropped it for an 8x10 (which is the same ratio as a 16x20). Set the DPI (dots per inch) at a minimum of 300. The human eye can not tell the difference beyond 300 DPI. As a comparison, most web images are at 72 DPI which create much smaller file sizes and load faster on our screens.

If you want to make sure what you see on your screen is what you'll see come out on your printer you should color calibrate both the computer's display screen and printer. You should check out your software's manual and supporting websites to get specific information regarding preparing your images for printing.

I use an online printer who color corrects and sharpens as needed before printing. For this year's auction print, I chose to use Kodak Professional Endura Metallic paper which is supposed to produce a striking, three-dimensional-like image. I'll let you know! I will have a local professional frame shop do the framing. What's nice about working with a local frame shop is you can bring the print in and match it up with a sample of hundreds of framing materials to find just the right one for the photo.

For those of you attending next week's MagicMeets, I'll be around photographing and helping out at the AllEars.net booth. Stop by and say "Hi!".

Pop Century resort's Bowling themed pool.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/60s, f/4, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

While many of my fellow guests were still sleeping, I got up early while staying at the Pop Century resort to take advantage of the cool morning light. As an avid bowler, I took great joy in finding the Bowling themed pool of the 1950's Classic Years area and makes for my Disney Pic of the Week on Swimming Pools.

With summer kicking into high gear, Scott and Lisa and I thought it might be nice to show you some of Disney’s swimming pools. As I type this, the temperature in Oregon (where I live) is creeping up to the 100 degree mark. What I wouldn’t give to jump into one of the many refreshing pools at Walt Disney World!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 4s shutter, f8

Surprise, surprise, my Pic of the Week is a night shot. Imagine that! I hope you all don’t get tired of these. This is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It is, hands down, the best resort pool on property.

This was Challenge #95:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 2.4s shutter, f/11

Ok, that was an easy one! The Partners statue in front of Cinderella’s Castle is a pretty recognizable image. This was taken during Hallowishes at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

As promised, I updated last week’s challenge to include the weekly winners, as well as the monthly winner. Here is a link to that post in case you want to see the names.

Theresa Rucando was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Theresa and all the other readers who got the answer right: Stephanie Visco, Sharon Pierce, Kelli Olthoff, John Lacasse, Julie Wickware, Valerie Gugala, John Agnew, Jen Cerce, Robert Anderson, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Michelle Raimist, Laurie, Karen Adamakis, Neil Taylor, Shannon Milair, Susan Pitts, Megan Krainski, Clarissa K, Cathy Skiba, Kathy Slomka, Cara Richards, Tim Johansen, Brian Gallant, Joy Johnston, Jaime Thomson, Dave Card, Stacey Amanda Wilson, Debbie Hudson, Erin Kubicki, Chris Masse, Mary Beth Tarbet, Linda Mac, Heather Young, Barbara Sims, Jacquelyn Law, Alan Law, Jennifer Harmon, Steven Long, Mike, Louise Barton, Sherry Klinefelter, Austin Oblenis, Jane Slee, Amy Rupp, Janet Chocky, Sandra Shaw, Matt Cofone, Vera Musella, Darlene Harmon, Monica, Alicia Roth, Clarence Diggles, David Coates, Teri Jo Fuson, Derek Carty, Jeffrey Dunne, Mary Brennan, Joanne O'brien, Amanda Marie Penhale, Marc Acosta, Kim, Cameron Love, Ramona, Lauri Phillips, Jaclyn Koller, Diane C., Deb Ragno, Jocelyn L., Evelyn Wilson, Rich Esker, Jeremy Hardy, Kendall Huffman, Kirsty Butler, Dylan Weidner, Jamie Difatta, Craig Canady, Jennifer Tremley, Sue Mcdonald, Matthew Brisbin, Chloe Williams, Sherry Trapp, Leah Nan Broussard, Mary Virginia Bartlett, Nancy Cole, Amie Mumpower, Gloria Martin, Joanna Snow, Tracy Discher, Robert Mcclean, Holley Blyler, Marc Lorenzo, Jennifer Horst, Harry Wilson, Kris Nixon, Chris J, Stephen Bieniek, Christine Dagney, Kristen Baustert, Maryann Eckenrode , Christy Gonzalez, Danusia Rogacki, Angie Young, Jeremy Coto, Dale Knight, Jared Orth, Courtney Crowe, Michelle Mcknight, Travis Grim, Bob Hendrix, Dwayne Fontenot, Emily Currier, Trish Babler, Heather Canevari, Devin Wisman, Laura Walker, Stephanie Servaites, Karen Hotchkiss, Sarah Haas, Ssg, Kris Kline, Brooke Stahl, Walter N Clark, Ken Jackson, Heidi Summers, Irene Kleintop, Denise Cayz , Rick Ivnik, Melesia Love, Wendy Ip, Karen Nelson, Kim Meyer, Leigh Mertz, Doug Mcknight, Brenda Mcguire, Tammie, Michael Gainey, Kristin Frascelli, Kelly, Mia W., Boris Beckert, Heather Baker, Suzanne Kennedy, Alicia Henderson, Angela Fennell, Mark Franklin, Mark Franklin, Robbie Olmedo, Ashley Pizzino, Michelle Mcspadden, Diane Ramos, Michelle Thompson, Chris Connors, Paula Munson, Christina Cella, April Ramey, Paul Knott, Chris Moore, Lee Anastasi, Michael U, Tim Rachuba, Damon Carter, Diana Fitzgerald, Christie Condit, Nick Straka, Kameo Crea, Double Family, Jeanine, Louise Maxwell, Jessica Folan, Ian Falk, Caitlin Burns, Bryan Timko, Aruna, Carri Marotto, Curtis Bille, Tina Santacroce, Bob Patterson, Pam Aug, Jessica Thompson, Christopher Hall, Paul Murray, Brittany Irish, Tom Hermes, Elizabeth, Rick Hemsley, Stephen Martin, Jaclyn Kelch, Gina Poulson, David And Angela Blevins, Sarah Connors, Erin Austin, Chris Miller, Brian Miller, Nancie, Jeff Brashear, Mike Mclucas, James Steele, Todd Ritter, Jackson Hart, Meagan Jarmuz, Chris G, Jerry Marceau, Stefanie Vandiver, Gabriella Rizzo, Jake Christopher, Kali Murry, Mike Venere, Rachel F., Paul Ignudo, Jr., Jodi K., Ginger E, Liz Weiter, Alison, Callum Lukey, Mary Tackett, Dana Grandinetti, Aj Perras, Lynn Barber, Shane Stack, Dan Diehm, Linda Abbate, Kelly Zanausaks, Mike Kaczanowski, Michael Fess, Kelley H, James Greene, Denise Owen, Samantha Levine, Loretta Vaughan, Karen Kristoff, Becky Norman, Jim, Kayla Anulies, Peggy Saeger, Jeremy Reichelt, Diana Mathis, Paula Bender, Brandon Joyce, Mike Bidwell, Debra Soley, Lisar, Danielle Aston, Hailey Sult, Amber Keen , Cindy Hershey, Debra Moscara, Anne Hainsworth, Douglas Beasock, Kirsten Stark, Jackie Purcell, Cari-ann, Matthew Jadro, Kimberly Kusser, Diane Furtado, Sharon Dale, Janice West, Brian Yesutis, Mike Malampy, Melissa Littman, Phil Vickers, Laura Pranaitis, Mike Gillardi, Misty Mehelic, Nicole Thompson, Gregg Mcglasson, Kelly Taylor, Terrie Collins, Jim Finley, Sandra Wieand, Berry Morris, Renato J Meneghello (sao Paulo, Brazil), Randy Emmons, Kristin Martin, Stuart Hale, Bruce Lawson, Mary Dannahey, Sherry White, Amy Schweizer, Linda Scrivano, Bill Fox, Kristen Mccoy, Donna Brandt, Steve Pocopanni, Melissa Rebelo, Samantha Holmgren, Theresa Maradei, Laney, Heidi Goodhue, Diane Peters, Liz Moreau, Dan Owens, Robert Bostic, Lauri Carr, Tom & Susan Linder, Mike O'brien, Allyson, Heather Mcfall, Margaret West, Sharon Leitgeb, Merrie Tesh, Jaron Goldberg, Luis Rodriguez, Maurice, Stacy L., Kelly Simms, Robina Rutherford, Carrie, Kathryn Hughes, Barclay Bakkum, Chris Forner, Thomas Higbee, Kristin Dormuth, Kate Fanning, Noreen Rachuba, Margaret Cerny, Georgette Mcevoy, Allison Dibiase, Candy Grasty, Lorna Goodnoh, Jennifer Bogdan, Nathan Andrews, Steve Knapp, Theresa Peake, Scott Olsen, Beth Seaver, Tracey Baird, Peter Skingle, Jerry Born, Maryann Daly, Dan Potts, Joseph M. Zafia, Ana Marlett, Tere Given, Julie Loiselle, Emily Dagney, Andrew Nicholson, Bunny Fabian, Bunny Fabian, Kristen Gainey, Nicole Lopresti, Lisa M Kaffenberger, Stacey Barboza, Spring Smith, Rebecca Smith, Laura Asplund, Leigh Hart, Sandy Kanigowski, Dave Kanigowski, Annette Nuenke, Meghan Parham, Ashley Deitchler, Katarina Whitmarsh, Todd Lane, Karen, Caitlin Rush, Betsey Whitehead, Chris Pirkl, James Berry, Kathy Berry, and Joan Mcquitty. Each of you will be entered in the August winners’ drawing.

It’s that time again, when I take a summer vacation, which means that the Where in the World Challenge is taking a vacation as well. It’s just for two weeks though. I’ll be back on August 16 with a new challenge for you. That means that you’ll have more time to figure out this week’s challenge so I am going to make a little more, well, challenging. Good luck everyone! See you all on the 16th.
_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #96: 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, August 13, 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!

Jorodi Masks and Beads.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/4.5, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 24mm Focal Length

Waiting to enter the Tusker House restaurant for lunch, I spyed these JORODI Masks and Beads adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant and making an excellent Disney Pic of the Week in Africa.

I know, that is not a title to a Disney movie but Meet the Robinsons really did not fit for this article (see, I got a Disney movie reference in anyway!).

It's been over two years since I took the photo of Cinderella Castle from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and it's still one of my favorites. It's one of the first photos I shared here on the AllEars.net Picture This! blog. Even before Lisa came on board to help out Barrie and I. As much as I like this photo, I always thought the colors looked faded and there was too much clutter in the foreground and to both sides.

Original Photo of Cinderella Castle at Dusk.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/8, 400 ISO, EV -0.3, 80mm Focal length

Over this time, I have learned a lot about digital photo processing. I am sure you have or will do the same. It's a good exercise to return to some of your older work and look at it from the prospective of your new knowledege of post-processing. This is what I did with this photo.

Using Apple's Aperture 2 software, I first cropped it to eliminate what I considered clutter. In doing so I found I liked a portrait (more vertical) composition than the original landscape (horizontal) one. I, then, started to select different areas of the sky with the color dropper selection tool and enhanced them making them more vibrant. Your software may have a different way of doing this so consult the manual. I had to remove some sensor spots (I had not learned how to clean my camera's sensor yet) and adjusted the exposure to eliminate any overexposed areas. Lastly, I applied sharpening to clean up the edges. The result you see below.

Adjusted Photo of Cinderella Castle at Dusk.

When you are not able to go and create new images, look back at your photo archives and "see" the future. It's a lot of fun and a good way to learn the capabilities of your photo editing software.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/250s shutter, f8

Usually when I take the Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I am lucky if I get a small glimpse of one of the lions. You can imagine how great it was to turn the corner and see this beauty lounging on the rock. She’s my Pic of the Week for Africa.

This was Challenge #94:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/6s shutter, f/8, ISO 400

If you guessed the Grand Floridian, then right you are! This giant bird cage sits in the lobby of Disney’s ultimate deluxe resort.

Howard Schreiber was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Howard and all the other readers who got the answer right: Debbie Hudson, Jennifer Harmon, Stephanie Visco, Jennifer Snapp, Kirsty Butler, Gina Poulson, Kye Layton, Jane Rochefort, Barbara Meegan, Theresa Rucando, David Tarbet, Bryan Timko, Jennifer S., Chloe, Kendall Huffman, Christie Condit, Evelyn Wilson, Baines Family, Paul Moody, Amanda Campbell, Belicia Dawson, Julie Wickware, Scott Cullen, Krista Penno, Chloe Williams, Ed Aleszczyk, Joanna Snow, Cameron Love, Cindy Hershey, Dawn Bach, Kathryn Hughes, Christine, Megan Krainski, Monica Hatch, Tommy Carty, Derek Carty, Carolynn Gamill, Sherry Klinefelter, Alissa Ammons, Steve Thorpe, Linda Mac, Jill Fogg, Michelle Thompson, Emily Currier, Kristen Gainey, Jim Kayer, Hillary Waldroop, Boris Beckert, Valerie Gugala, Dominic Plavny, Tom Koval, Jeffrey Dunne, Darlene Harmon, Brandon Emerson, Robin Fitts, Karen Adamakis, Nicole, Bill Mckim, Ashley Ryan, David Coates, Brenda Mcguire, Tracy Discher, Donna Currier, Tiago De Oliveira, Dave Cole, Double Family, Irene Kleintop, Ali S., Scott Price, Chuck Sands, Wendy Ip, Barbara Sims, Lisa R, Keirsten Sangster, Sharon Pierce, Clarissa K, Louise Barton, Ivan Barton, Chloe Barton, Madeline Barton, Benjamin Barton, Susan Thompson, Ken Jackson, Karen Nelson, Ana Marlett, Wendy, Marina And Madison Crober, Jennifer Tremley, Ssg, Tina Santacroce, Deb Ragno, Kris Kline, Karen Hotchkiss, Vera Musella, Michelle Mcspadden, Rochelle, April Tucker, Kris Nixon, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Joy Johnston, Anjanette Tournillon, Michelle Roth-smoot, Brian Miller, Michael Gainey, Dylan Weidner, Deb Staples, Walter N Clark, Bruce Arnold, Melissa Littman, Lou Ann Davis, Melissa Hoekzema, Annette Nuenke, Hollie Hinton, Drew Deapo, Tommy Montgomery, Brian Haas, Kristin Frascelli, Jeremy Hardy, Duane Wisniewski, Rick Ivnik, Dawn Burns, Diane C., Kelley J, Angie Young, Brian Gallant, Scott Prewitt, Teresa Cole, Anne Hainsworth, Christopher Hall, Stephanie Servaites, James Greene, Karen Desantis, Dallas Hamilton, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Mike Cerce, Becky Skidmore, Dolores Riccio, Tricia Noble, Alison Rosenberger, Chris G, Noreen Rachuba, Jared Orth, Caroline Dupre, John Dupre, Cara Richards, Caitlin Rush, Tim Rachuba, Megan E., Blossom, Tony, Dwayne Fontenot, Jody Erdfarb, Cathy Skiba, Sandra Edwards, Brooke Stahl, Christina Cella, Kim Watson, Julie Morgan, Marie Phillips, Shiraz, Danusia Rogacki, Travis, Jake Christopher, Cindy Motta, Aubrey Cooper, G Evans, Shannon Brueggemann, Jen Cerce, Katy Robinson, Laura Pranaitis, Tere Given, Donna Brandt, Karen Schlumpf, Michelle Wilinski, Sue Mcdonald, Steven Long, Durant Charleroy, Dale Knight, Jodi K., Angie Schluter, Jessica Marcotte, Tim Johansen, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Carri Marotto, Lynn Barber, Kelly Zanauskas, Jamie Poynton, Kim Steiner, Chris Auckland, Casie, Kendra Galipeau, April Pangburn, Dan Hawkins, Jessica Thompson, Jessica Lingoni, Jen Cox, David And Angela Blevins, Clare Mcculloch, Terry King, Z. Cheven, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Marie Bertini, Debra Soley, Amy Filliben, Jonathan Thomas, Stacy Patterson, Clare C, Charlotte Ohare, Juliet O'hare, Harry Wilson, Kelly, Paula Munson, Debbie Poole, Rob Kowalski, Craig Canady, Mike Thomson, Paula Massarelli, Nicole Thompson, Paul Amico, Amy Schweizer, Jeff Brashear, Shane Stack, Ashley Pizzino, Kendra Hettel, Barb Decina, Joshua Swainston, George Enell, Nancy Cole, Todd Ritter, Mark Swayze, Jennifer Horst, Nicole Lopresti, Danielle Murgia, Dana Hall, Debbie Desimone, Vanessa Gordon, Jackie Callanan, Laney Wood, Jen Cerce, Jennifer Bogdan, Melissa Tabone, Mike Kaczanowski, Alicia Henderson, Margot Garofalo, Joan Delli Carpini, Katie Whitehurst, Bill Daniel, Karen Klein, Susan Jackson, Mike Parramore, Heather Pedulla, Margaret West, Mary Lou Lutri, Emily Nussbaum, Liz Moreau, Sharon Poinsett, Jeff Blank, Christi, Scott Otis, Eileen Monaghan, Lisa Honard, Chip Vermette, Terri Thornton, Angie Winter, Bruce Dormuth, Cheryl Costello, Amber Keen, Jill Saxe, Heather Coursen, Barclay Bakkum, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Sabrina Mcdonnell, Chris Moore, Bruce Lawson, Allison Dibiase, Tom Higbee, Al Desimone, Janine Currie, Jr Johnson, Catherine Chiarello, Katie Fry, Michelle Faustino, Katarina Whitmarsh, Todd Lane, Michelle B., Collette Beuther, Kathy Love, John Wolff, Linda Abbate, Theresa Maradei, Steve Dolan, Berry Morris, Jennifer Mcneill, Ginny Fazio, Erin Kubicki, Chris Forner, Lauri Phillips, Doug Brigger, Priscilla Sayward, Dave Carriere, Jorge Caso, Katie Olson, Aj Perras, Allison Lowry, and Kala Bieniek. Each of you were entered in the July winners’ drawing.

It’s time for the monthly drawing. This month’s big winner is Jeffrey Dunne ! Congratulations Jeffrey, 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…

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #95: 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, July 23, 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!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/1000s shutter, f8

Here’s my Pic of the Week for Tomorrowland. I took this while riding on the TTA one evening. What a lovely ride that was, a perfect time to be in the Magic Kingdom.

Entrance sign to Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200, 0 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Continuing on with our tour of Tom Sawyer Island, this week we'll explore the Fort Langhorn island. Fort Langhorn is a re-creation of a frontier fort found around the time of Mark Twain (aka Samuel Clemens). It used to be called Fort Sam Clemens. The name was changed in 1996 after the release of the Disney movie Tom and Huck, which featured a Fort Langhorn.

Rifle in one of Fort Langhorn's blockhouses.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/3.5, ISO 200, 0 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Each corner of Fort Langhorn has blockhouse with rifles at the ready to protect it from opposing forces. If you press the trigger of any of the rifles, you'll hear a gunshot sound. One of those little details Disney is famous for.

Unique view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Fort Langhorn.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/320s, f/9, ISO 200, -0.3 EV, 40mm Focal length, Tripod

I'm always looking for a way to use framing in my photography and the rifle locations in the blockhouses gives you lots of ways to practice framing and views of the Magic Kingdom you can't get anywhere else.

Fort Langhorn's stables on Tom Sawyer Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/10s, f/3.5, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Fort Langhorn's stables are filled with details. The horse's tails swish away flys, chickens cluck, and blacksmith tools are at the ready.

Sign outside the entrance to the Mystery Mine in Fort Langhorn.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, ISO 200, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

The Mystery Mine is another one of those dark and enclosed places you may want to avoid. For those of use who don't, there be treasures to be found. I bet even Snow White's dwarf friends would be impressed.

Gems found in the Mystery Mind.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/10s, f/3.5, ISO 1600, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

This concludes our tour of Tom Sawyer Island. Next time you're visiting the Magic Kingdom, take the time to hop a raft over and enjoy "a fun place to run and explore and blow off steam". Or, if you are like me, to find new things to photograph at Disney!

This photo of Stitch's Great Escape! all lit up in neon is an example of waiting for the right light. Us, photographers, should always keep tabs on when the sun will rise and set. I have a handy iPhone app which I use and there's lots of websites you can reference for this information. For this photo, my Disney Pic of the Week on Tomorrowland, I was watching both my watch and the sky waiting for the time the sky and the neon light would balance.

Stitch's Great Escape shows the neon used throughout Tomorrowland.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/13s, f/3.5, ISO 640, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Come back on Thursday and Saturday to see Tomorrowland photos from my blogmates, Barrie and Lisa.

This was Challenge #93:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f/5.6

Either I stumped you good this week or everyone was having too much fun celebrating the Fourth of July to play. This is the waterwheel at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. This was the resort I stayed at the very first time I went to Disney World. I stayed in one of the mansions on Magnolia Bend and had the best time. I’d love to stay here again one day.

Wendy, Marina And Madison Crober were the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to the Crober family and the other two readers who got the answer right: Anne Hainsworth and Sarah Haas. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #94: 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, July 16, 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!

Tom Sawyer Island (or TSI for short) is billed as a giant-sized playground geared to youngsters. I would like to add it's a wonderful place for photographers. Many interesting and challenging subjects await you to capture, lots of activities for the kids and unique views of Frontierland and Liberty Square.

Tom Sawyer Island is actually two islands separated by a bridge which holds it's own surprise for those walking over it. The map below shows all the trails and activities to explore.

Map of Tom Sawyer Island greets guests arriving to explore it's secrets.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/8, 200 ISO, EV 0, 18mm Focal length, Flash used

In this week's Picture This! photo blog, I am going to show you Harper's Mill island. Harper's Mill is a very interesting structure with links to Walt Disney Animation and it's musical heritage. (Thanks to Jack Spence for uncovering these!)

Sign for Harper's Mill on Tom Sawyer Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

Are you scared of dark, enclosed places? Then you might want to skip going into Injun Joe's Cave though Tom Sawyer tells you he has not been seen lately. For those of you brave enough, there are lots to find from fossils to a lava lighted face. A steady hand is needed when photographing in the cave.

A lighted face found in Injun Joe's Cave.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/4s, f/3.5, 1600 ISO, EV -0.0, 18mm Focal length

Having survived Injun Joe's Cave, you come out on the other side of the island. Going right leads you to the barrel bridge which is great fun when open. I was not so lucky as the bridge was closed for repairs so I headed up the hill where I passed this brook running down to the Rivers of America which surrounds Tom Sawyer Island. When photographing moving water, you either want to freeze it like a crashing wave onto rocks or blur it's movement with a slow shutter speed like for a waterfall.

A Brook on Tom Sawyer Island using a slow shutter speed.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

Moving on, I came upon Aunt Polly's counter service location. Disney only runs Aunt Polly's during the busiest times of the year and was closed when I was there. There are snacks and drinks via machines, lots of picnic tables to relax on and even some rocking chairs to nap in.

Nap time at Aunt Polly's on Tom Sawyer Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/20, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 44mm Focal length

From Aunt Polly's you can view Liberty Square's Haunted Mansion in all it's spooky glory. Being in such a peaceful place away from the crowds, I was able to enjoy the many details of the Haunted Mansion and it's theming from the covered queue to the bat shaped wind vanes (doubling as lighting rods) on the roof.

The Haunted Mansion from Aunt Polly's.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/20, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

Leaving Aunt Polly's I came upon some unfinished work of Tom Sawyer's. A lovely sentiment but I doubt the owner of the fence was none to thrilled with Tom's work.

Some unfinished work by Tom and Huck.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/8, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

This concludes our tour of the first of two islands which make up Tom Sawyer Island. Next week, we'll explore a frontier fort, a mine and another unique view of the Magic Kingdom.

Japan's Goju-no-to Pagoda at Night.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/8s, f/3.5, 1400 ISO, +0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Last time I was in Epcot, the Goju-no-to Pagoda in Epcot's Japan pavilion was shrouded as Disney Imagineers were rehabbing it. I dug into my personal Walt Disney World photo archive and found this one I took back in 2007 for my Disney Pic of the Week on Japan.

Fun facts from AllEars.net: The five 5 levels of the Goju-no-to Pagoda, which is 85 feet tall, represent the elements from which Buddhists believe all things are created: earth, water, fire, wind and sky. Above the pagoda is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes and a water flame.

This week we’ll be visiting Japan with our Pics of the Week. I never get tired of touring the Japan pavilion. In fact, I think I spend more time there than in any other country in Epcot's World Showcase. I always enjoy the Taiko drummers and Miyuki, the candy artist. A walk through the hill garden is a nice way to slow down and enjoy a bit of quiet. And even though I’m not much of a shopper, going through the gift shop in Japan is really fun. There are so many beautiful and interesting things to look at.


Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 4/10s shutter, f8, ISO 640

Towards the back of the Japan pavilion, as you cross the bridge and enter the castle, you will see a Samurai warrior on each side of the entrance. I've chosen this sentry as my Pic of the Week for Japan. Come back later this week to see Lisa and Scott's picks.

I just love the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom. What an amazing collection of sculptures. I think it’s especially spectacular at night. I hope you enjoy this month’s calendar as much as I do.

You will need to have Adobe Reader on your computer to download the calendar(s). Just click on the photo to download the calendar you want.

This one prints out at 8.5" x 11". It's handy if you need a calendar that you can write on.

This one prints out at 4.75" x 4.75", the perfect size for a CD Jewel Case frame.

This was Challenge #92:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f/8

I thought this week was going to be a challenge, but it seems that there are many of you who are familiar with the Imagination Institute. There are a number of places in the Imagination Pavilion where you’ll see the emblem of the Imagination Institute. This particular one came from the sign outside of the pavilion.

Sharon Lee was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Sharon and all the other readers who got the answer right: Stephanie Visco, Sharon Pierce, Emma Poprock, Stacey Van Dyke, April Pangburn, Erica Sipich, Elaine Johnson, Frank Pierce, Kirsty Butler, Kye Layton, Chloe Williams , Jodi Cook, Andrew Weed, Chuck Sands, Jennifer S., Caryn Schill, Lee, Ken Jackson, Shannon Milair, Sherry Klinefelter, Jamie Difatta, Dawn Bach, Amy Schweizer, Courtney Crowe & Maryann Eckenrode, Darlene Harmon, Amanda Gagnon, Bonnie Cola, John Lacasse, Christy Gonzalez, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Mary Beth Tarbet, Nicole W, Karen S. Nelson, Tom Koval, Chris Masse, Denise Owen, Emily Currier, Baines Family, Linda Scrivano, Jen Cerce, Clarissa K, Jennifer Kaufman, Brian Haas, Brian Yesutis, Jeffrey Dunne, Ken Maikowski, Christine Benoit, Jonathan Walker, Derek Carty, Gail Robinson, Anjanette Tournillon, Katie Fry, Tommy Carty, Pasquale Crea, Danielle Murgia, Danielle Berkovitz, Joseph Tortorici, Debbie Poole, Kendall Huffman, Daniel Recod, Megan Krainski, Susan Flebotte, Deborah J. Ragno, Melody Salemi, Sarah-jane Dunhill, Dave Cole, Jennifer Tremley, Ashley Mayer, Kayla Brackley, Michael Gainey, Vera Musella, Sabrina Bogart, Craig Canady, Paula Munson, Jackie Purcell, Christine Dagney, Emily Dagney, Erin Dagney, Joyce Tofflemire, Joy Palmer, Clarence Diggles, Kristen Gainey, Tommy Montgomery, Chloe, Hillary Waldroop, Karen Schlumpf, Amy Martel, Berry Morris, Julia Wickware, Jeremy Coto, Tim And Brendan Wingfield, Sarah Haas, Donna Currier, Hollie Hinton, Chris And Alison, Jennifer Harmon, Barbara Sims, Mike O'brien, Kelly Scola, Christie Condit, Jeffrey Munger, Kim Riley, Ed Aleszczyk, Robin Wilson, Z. Cheven, Michele Delorenzo, Bruce Hinterleitner, Tina Santacroce, Alicia Henderson, Susan Stanley, Double Family, Christina Rotella, Scott Otis, Phil Vickers, Kris Nixon, Jen Cox, Brittany Irish, Vincent Maltese, Brian Miller, Emma Ford, Donnie Whiteman, Jaclyn Kelch, Chris Linscott, Tom & Susan Linder, Dominic Plavny, Dolores Riccio, Caitlin Rush, Caitlin Barringer, Steven Bowling, Tricia Noble, Bruce Arnold, Diane Ramos, Jaron Goldberg, Ashley Deitchler, Carri Marotto, Mike Venere, Lesley Strawderman, Rochelle, Deanna Simmons, Leigh Mertz, Jennifer Schwing, Amanda, Dallas Hamilton, Tere Given, Ann Fowler, Shane Stack, Rich Esker, Krista Penno, Kristin Frascelli, Katie , Cori Lehman, James Greene, Becky Terjung, Marshal K., Karen Dresser-smith, Drew Deapo, Kevin Lawrence, Caroline Dupre, Angela, Barry Gruber, Tammy Kallenbach, Christina Cella, Kelly Montgomery, Cheri Palmisano, Joyanne M Johnston, Brandon Joyce, Dee Dee Chapman, Heidi Goodhue, Amy Kent, Amy Filliben, Teri Jo Fuson, Allie, Charlotte Ohare, Jessica Reed, Becky, Sharon L., Ken Fischler, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Melissa Dye, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Ronnie Lane, Jorge Caso, Sarah Connors, Marie Phillips, Heather Barilla, Noreen Rachuba, Steve Toponak, Joshua Thorne, Mindy Marinelli, Ken Rhinehart, Chris Moore, Tyra Trueblood, Robin Mcconnell, Ssg, Callie Marcotte, Carrie Kenney, Liz Weiter, Jamie Poynton, Nicole Lopresti, Julia Walsh, Susie Howard, Mickey Eckert, Sharon Dale, John Dupre, Margot Garofalo, Jennifer Bogdan, Emily Nussbaum, Theresa Rucando, Theresa Maradei, Cathy Ames, Sharon Bailey, Nicole Shuler, Kirsten Stark, Jeff Blank, Rebecca Smith, Jenifer Hughey, Gerry Smith, Scott Junkin, Debbie Lamd, Robert Dean Bostic, Bruce Dormuth, Heather Coursen, Jackson Hart, Julie Ellis, Mark Franklin, Donna Leto, Joshua Swainston, Elaine S. Puckett, Daria Hagemeyer, Thomas Auckland, Lisa M Kaffenberger, Jim, Joseph M. Zafia, Jim Finley, Kim Steiner, Bob Patterson, Aruna, Dave Kanigowski, Sandy Kanigowski, Carinne Kight, Ashley Pizzino, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Jo Ann Bailey, Ashley B, Walter N Clark, Stephanie Price, Michelle Mcknight and Aj Perras. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #93: 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, July 9, 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!

White Rhinoceros fills the frame.
Nikon D70/70-200VR, 1/5000s, f/4, 400 ISO, -0.3 EV, 200mm focal length

One of the first things I remember when having my photos critiqued during a beginner's course in photography was to get in close and FILL THE FRAME! To this day, when someone asks me how to improve their photos, that is the first thing I tell them. It wasn't hard to get my Disney Pic of the Week Fill the Frame photo with this White Rhinoceros on the Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom. White Rhinoceros can weigh in between 1 and 4 tons with horns as long as 59 inches in the wild. Remember that when looking through your viewfinder on your next safari.

It is not a coincidence that I am featuring a photo of The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps as Deb Wills did early this month. With this post happening the day before America celebrates it's 233rd birthday on July 4th, 2009, I wanted to add on to Deb's excellent post (psst, Deb I think this is called "synergy") and show you something which surprised me.

I've seen the Fife and Drum Corps on several of my visits yet never had I stopped to watch them. I made it a point to do so on my last trip and enjoyed their preformance immensely. I believe they do several different routines. The one I had the pleasure of seeing included a salute to each of the United States Armed Forces. They played each theme song for the Air Force, Army, Navy and the Marines. It was during their salute to the Marines that they took the formation of the raising of the flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Everyone applauded and it gave me patriotic goose-bumps to hear and see this as I had no idea that was coming.

The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performing outside the American Adventure.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/18, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm focal length

Can't end a post without a little tip. You'll notice I used a small aperture of f/18 (remember the larger the f-number, the smaller the opening of the aperture), this was to make sure I'd have a large plane of focus or depth of field. Most good travel photos will use this technique. Another tip, when shooting in bright Florida sunshine, use fill flash. I didn't here and it would have helped to fill in the dark shadows. Next time!

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July holiday to everyone in the United States of America!

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50mm lens, 1/8s shutter, f1.4, ISO 400

This is a picture of a sculpture at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But you knew that already, didn’t you? Filling the frame is the number one way to make your photos more interesting. Ever have someone look at one of your pictures and ask, “What is this picture of?” or say, “Nice building”, when what you really wanted them to notice was the fountain in front of the building? In most cases, you don’t want to have to explain your photos. The photo should speak for itself. When you fill the frame with your subject, there will be no question as to what it was that you were trying to capture.

This was Challenge #91:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/320s shutter, f/9

In the mood for pasta? This is the sign outside Tony's Town Square Restaurant on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. Tony's restaurant is inspired by the Italian trattoria where Lady and the Tramp shared spaghetti and a kiss.

Susan Pitts was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Susan and all the other readers who got the answer right: Danusia Rogacki, Sharon Pierce, Kris Nixon, Tiago De Oliveira, Chris And Alison, Jonathan Walker, Brandy White, Anne Hainsworth, Jessica Folan, Rebekah Anguish, Julie Wickware, Brian Yesutis, Leslie Dameron, Chris Masse, Jared Orth, Dylan Weidner, Ronnie Lane, Ashley Mayer, Jamie Difatta, Scott Otis, Jen Cox, Tim Locklair, Pollyanna Buff, Steve Toponak, Sherry Klinefelter, Kye Layton, Spring Smith, Emma Poprock, Louise Barton, Brittany Irish, Heather Barilla, Cori Lehman, Kevin Toomey, Christine Dagney, Hayley Lawson, Amy Rupp, Sharon Stuart, Anjanette Tournillon, James Berry, Emily Currier, Kathy Berry, Erin Kubicki, Elizabeth Macgregor, Austin O'blenis, Brendan Burke, Melissa Dye, Rich Esker, Derek Mullins, Elainejohnson, Alicia Henderson, Chloe Williams, Jen Cerce, Stephanie Visco, Barbara Sims, Jaime Thomson, Rochelle, Krista Penno, David Coates, Sharon Lee, Denise Owen, Dave Cole, Brooke Stahl, Marc Lorenzo, Penny Urell, Michael Gainey, Steven Bowling, Amanda Marie Penhale, Kendall Huffman, Scott Price, Jessica Reed, Derek Carty, Karen Schlumpf, Bonnie & Kristin Cola, Kathryn Hughes, Vicki Vaught, Bill Mckim, Tom Koval, Clarence Diggles, Maryann Eckenrode, Nicole Cyr, Bob Green, Jessica Gruhlke, Carinne Kight, Jackie Purcell, Debbie Poole, Diane Furtado, Wendy And Marina Crober, Doug Brigger, Marian Leafblad, Hillary Waldroop, Z. Cheven, Allison , Paula Munson, Heather Mcfall, Alissa Ammons, Tom Hermes, Michelle Mcspadden, Craig Canady, Melesia Love, Laurie Walker, Dawn Burns, Joshua Swainston, Tricia Noble, Jaclyn Kelch, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Sarah Connors, Marie Phillips, Brian Gallant, Kayla Anulies, Christina Cella, Kim Steiner, Meagan Jarmuz, Sandra Edwards, Chris Linscott, Brian Miller, Lesley Strawderman, Meghan Parham, Teri Jo Fuson, Katie Fry, Betsey Whitehead, Michele Delorenzo, Jen Schultz, Erica Adkins, Jessica Norman, Laura Pranaitis, Mike Walter, Erin Ballou, Nathan Firth, Heather Stevens, Carrie Kenney, Shane Stack, Robin Mcconnell, Kelley H, Carolyn Como, Heidi Goodhue, Matt Cofone, Susie Howard, Sharon Blickensderfer, Christi Ison, Mary Brennan, Tim Rachuba, Lisa R, Catherine Chiarello, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Phil Vickers, Kristen Carde, Wendy Snelgrove, Tere Given, Richard Caprio, Kelly Zanauskas, Liz Weiter, Caitlin Rush, Kalin Johnson, Jennifer S., Allie Reckendorf, Dana Hall, Dale Knudsen, Nikki Powell, Janet Larson, Becky Duncan, Margot Garofalo, Marianne Swan, Jerry Joyner, Amy Miller, Brooke Riley, Dominick, Juliet Ohare, Kate Melody, Clare Mcculloch, Jennifer Mcneill, Theresa Rucando, Jeanne Cundiff, Katie Olson, Tom Higbee, Jackson Hart, Aj Perras, Heather Coursen, Carol Donoghue, Allison Dibiase, Jocelyn Lafavers, Cam Lange, Ken Dipietro, Nicole Lopresti, Danielle Murgia, Trish Babler, Berry Morris, Roye Ann Morris, Larry Heidenberg, Bob D. , Chris J, Robert Anderson, Jeremiah Good, Sue Mcdonald, Ssg, Jamie Poynton and Kelly Montgomery. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #92: 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, July 2, 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!

_______________________________________________________________________

Here's a tip from Helene M. for anyone interested in the license plate map that I featured a few weeks ago.

comments: About the "Where in The World" picture of the license plate map, I'm sure someone has already said this but you can find almost the exact same piece of art at Target stores for $40 for a 24"x18" and $200 for a 35"x23"... Just thought some people might like to know how to get a little piece of the World in their home for much cheaper than a few thousand dollars :)

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/15s shutter, f22

Here’s my photo for the Tree of Life Pic of the Week. I took this on my last trip to Disney World in April (oh so long ago, she whimpers…). This size photo really does not do the tree justice. It appears much smaller here than it actually is. If you want to see more of the detail, like the carvings or a tiny bit of the waterfall, just click on the photo for a larger version. If you’re a fan of the Tree of Life, be sure to come back for a night time view on the September calendar. It’ll be posted on July 6.

Photos like the one below, taken in the Beauty and the Beast Meet and Greet Library in Epcot's France pavilion showing some of the famous Disney detail, used to come out blurry and underexposed back in the days I shot film on my trips to Walt Disney World. I either didn't have a fast film of ISO 400 or better in my camera or a "slow" lens. With today's digital cameras allowing ISO settings up to 6400 and Image Stabilized lenses, I can now enjoy photographing in low light situations in all the Disney parks and resorts when needed.

Book shelf in Belle's Library inside the France pavilion. See text below for details.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/3.5, ISO 1600, EV +0.3, 18mm focal length

Books from left to right are Little Red Riding Hood, Grimm (as in the Brothers Grimm), Perrault (Charles Perrault, the Frenchman who wrote many French fairy tales including Cinderella - he's the reason we have the glass slipper - it's actually a mistranslation from the old French) and King Arthur. Research done by my Disney trivia lovng and French honor student daughter, Krystal.

It doesn't hurt that I've learned to hold my camera very steady, too.

There are over 320 animals carved into the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not all of them can be found on the massive trunk and limbs of the tree itself. Many can be found along the trails which serpentine around the tree’s roots like this beautiful giraffe carving and makes a suitable start to this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on The Tree of Life.

Giraffe carving amongst the Tree of Life's roots.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/25s, f/11, 250 ISO, EV +0.3, 62mm Focal Length

Barrie and Lisa will be investigating other wonders of the Tree of Life on Thursday and Saturday.

This was Challenge #90:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f/16

I took this photo of Buzz Lightyear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, during the Stars and Motorcars parade. Buzz travels around the world quite a bit. There was really no way to tell from my clue exactly where he might have been when I snapped the picture so I counted everyone who had his name in their answer, no matter where you thought he might have been at the time.

Robert Anderson was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Robert and all the other readers who got the answer right: Jennifer Snapp, Kirsty Butler, Shannon Milair, Cara Richards, Chris And Alison, Denise Owen, Kye Layton, Sherry Trapp, Benjamin Dameron, Jamie Difatta, Elizabeth Macgregor, Elizabeth Collins, Kameo Crea, Melissa Dye, Tim W, Joy Johnston, Tim Johansen, Vicki Vaught, Diane Leclercq, Jackson Hart, Susan Thompson, Wendy And Marina Crober, Louise Barton, Ivan Barton, Benjamin Barton, Jennifer S., Michelle Thompson, Heather Young, Kevin Toomey, Megan Krainski, Jeremy Finke, Evelyn Wilson, Stephanie Mendoff, Hayley Lawson, Stephanie Visco, Mindy Marinelli, Danielle Murgia, Karen Pizzuta, April Baker, Diane, Natalie Ashton, Ashley Pizzino, Kelly Torch, Jeremy Hardy, Hillary Waldroop, Tamara Lasher, Marc Acosta, Kristen Gainey, Heather Stanley, David Coates, Robb Fluet, Richard Uhler, Christopher Jackson, Scott Otis, Jennifer Shelor, Marietta Falk, Diana Salisbury, Scott O'donnell, Alex Karr, Angie Young, Clay Anthony, Jodi Cook, Stephanie Hardhouse, Abbie Newsome, Jen Cerce, Christina Rotella, Tina Santacroce, Will Bennett, Carinne Kight, Denise Cayz , Aly Nichting, Paula Massarelli, Brenda Mcguire, Olivia Lobaugh, Hailey S, Anjanette Tournillon, Barbara Sims, Rich Esker, Jen Murphy, Laurie Jensen, Alicia Roth, Douglas Mcknight, Michelle Mcknight, Nancy Merritt, April Pangburn, Paula Munson, Louise Maxwell, Chris Bourassa, Joy Palmer, Teresa Cole, Becky Terjung, Jared Orth, Jude Toups, Jay Kerznowski, Anne Hainsworth, Bruce Lawson, Irene Kleintop, Kelly Zanauskas, Sarah Connors, Dale Knight, Tom Hermes, Cara Arnold, Brian Yesutis, Melissa Jennings, Laura Pranaitis, Tere Given, Carri Marotto, Brittany Irish, Daniel Meagher, Jessica Marcotte, Christine Paniccia, Kristin Mayotte, Elaine Mazzara, Laurie Walker, Heather Stoskopf, Lesley Strawderman, Nikki Powell, Shane Stack, Carrie Kenney, Aubrey Cooper, Virginia Mackenzie, Darrell Shortt, Aruna, John Arena, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Robert Acosta, Leigh M, Jennifer Schwing, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Paul Knott, Elaine Leviner, Christie Condit, Susan & Tom Linder, Aj Perras, Devin Wisman, Marie Phillips, Elisa Dillon, Christi Ison, Amy Whitmire, Heather Mcfall, Kala Miller, Margot Garofalo, Anna Burch, Bridgie Auckland, Katie Fry, Mickey Eckert, Tiago De Oliveira, Barclay Bakkum, Heather Coursen, Candace Dadswell, Willie Tople, Dave Carriere, Sandra Edwards, Allison Dibiase, Amy Miller, Stacey Hutchinson, Sharon Blickensderfer, Maureen Ohare, Juliet O'hare, Roye Ann Morris, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Linda Scrivano, Carolyn Como, Sydney Walker, Mike O'brien, Sherrie Weber, Krista Penno, Tom Carty and Ssg. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

This month’s big winner is Kalin Johnson! Congratulations Kalin, 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…

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #91: 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, June 25, 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!

Here's a "Did You Know?" featuring a unique photo you can create in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. There is a Cinderella fountain near the back of Cinderella Castle (as you look at the Castle from Cinderella's Golden Carrousel you'll see it on the right just before the path to Liberty Square). If you stand directly in front of the Cinderella statue and bend down, you'll see a painted crown on the wall behind her line up with her head. Whalla! You've given Cinderella her crown and she is now a Queen. Imagine a trumpet fanfare being played and white doves being released as you do this.

Giving Cinderella her Crown.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV -0.6, 130mm focal length

Great White Egret near Arusha Rock.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 200mm Focal Length

From Arusha Rock, the Animal Kingdom Lodge's elevated viewing area, you can see Giraffes, Zebras, Gazelles and other African animals was well many birds species which are both African and Flordian. The animals can be easily photographed with a good zoom lens/camera of at least 200mm in length. Birds like pelicans and egrets are even easier. This Great White Egret was only eight feet from me when I took this photo which is my Disney Pic of the Week for the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

One of the most impressive resorts at Walt Disney World is the Animal Kingdom Lodge, our subject for Pic of the Week this week. From the grand lobby to the savannahs, this resort is absolutely amazing. I always make time to visit, even when I’m staying elsewhere.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/13s shutter, f3.5

I know it’s not Christmastime, but this is my favorite shot of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The lobby is truly beautiful. If you’re looking for something fun to do on your first or last day and don’t want to waste a park ticket on a half day, check out this resort. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around, watching the animals, checking out the art, eating great food, and talking to the Cast Members. There’s a terrific playground for the little ones too. Oh, and there are lots of Hidden Mickeys to find!

This was Challenge #89:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 0.0166s shutter, f/5.6, ISO 800

This is the head of the Dreaded LEGO Dude (my own personal pet name for him) at LEGO Imagination Center in Downtown Disney. You can find him inside the store.

Derek Mullins was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Derek and all of the other readers who got the answer right: Neil Taylor, Jodi Cook, Sharon Pierce, Vicki Vaught, Heather Young, Nathan Cripe, April Ramey, Brian Yesutis, Betsey Whitehead, Dylan Weidner, Robin Fitts, Sharon Dale, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Sandra Shaw, Elizabeth Scarborough, Douglas Mcknight, Lee Anastasi, Louise Barton, Walter Fletcher, Jacquelyn Law, Ashley, Kameo Crea, Michael Dameron, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Hollie Hinton, Caroline, Sherri Pell, Jennifer Tremley, Kris Nixon, Cindy Dore', Marc Lorenzo, Paul Knott, Michelle Mcknight, Nancy Merritt, Maria M, Tim And Brendan Wingfield, Trish Babler, Lynn Barber, Melissa Dye, Russell Wurr, Debbie Hicks, Mike Cerce, Jen Cerce, Christi Ison, Scott Otis, Jessica Marcotte, Kelly Zanauskas, Christy Gattis, Jeremiah Good, John Foggo, Roye Ann Morris, Duane Wisniewski, Jennifer Mcneill, Carinne Kight, Ed, Ssg, Sam I, Diane Ramos, Chloe, Allison Ulery, Jamie Poynton, Thomas Auckland, Richard Nussbaum, Casey Sullivan, Elizabeth Macbon, Karen Pizzuta, Nicole Amidon, Barclay Bakkum, Tom Hermes, Jared Orth, Noreen Rachuba, Tim Rachuba, Christie Condit, Jessica Reed, Regina Reed, Carrie Kenney, Jeremy Coto and Mandy Youngblood. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #90: 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, June 18, 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!

Members of the EPCOT Sombrero Club.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/3.8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 22mm Focal Length, Flash Used

Are you a member of the EPCOT Sombrero Club? Admit it. Who hasn't put a sombrero on their head when walking around the market inside the Mexico pavilion. They are big and brightly colored. Just perfect for a fun photo of yourself and members of your family. This is my daughter and her boyfriend. He's very tall but reminds me of a Disney character. Can you guess which one? Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week for Mexico.

Walt Disney World hosts millions of visitors each year. There are always people about even during a slow period. Yet, you can take photographs without people in them. One way is to get low and shoot at an angle to eliminate people around you or find a way to elevate yourself over people's heads. Another way is to find scenes where people can not get to like the photo of the ceremonial canoe I found in Disney's Animal Kingdom near the Yeti Shrine.

Ceremonial Canoe near the Yeti Shrine.
Nikon D70/18-200VR 1/400s, f/16, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 150mm Focal length

I am a lightweight when it comes to getting truly empty photos of a Walt Disney World park. Let me introduce you to a true heavyweight, Tom Bricker (aka WDWFigment) has perfected empty Disney park photography. What he does is stay late at one of the parks...say, the Magic Kingdom until all the guests have left. He has seen the second Kiss Goodnight more times than I've been to Orlando (did you know there was a second one? Have you ever seen the first one?). Long after most guests are sleeping back at their resorts, Tom is getting photos only a paid Disney photographer normally gets a chance to shoot. Here are a couple of his favorites from the Magic Kingdom.

An empty Main Street USA during the Christmas holiday season by Tom Bricker.
Nikon D40, 5s, f/20, 200 ISO, +0.6 EV, 26mm Focal length

Tom talked about this photo, "Although the rain dampened the mood on portions of the (Mickey's Very Merry) Christmas Party, it sure did make for some pretty after hours shots (my first with "rain reflections"!)."

In this very unique photograph of the castle below, Tom explains why it is often overlooked. "Most people stop in awe when they first see the Castle on the other side of Main Street, USA. By the time they walk through the Castle to Fantasyland, a little of the amazement has worn off, and they are scurrying off to get in line at their favorite attractions. However, the back of the Castle shouldn't be overlooked. With its nuances and beautiful architecture, it is unique and awe-inspiring in its own right."

Cinderella Castle from Fantasyland by Tom Bricker.
Nikon D40, 1.3s, f/3.8, 200 ISO, +0.6 EV, 22mm Focal length

Tom uses a tripod to obtain these fantastic photos. He freely admits breakfast is something he seldom eats when visiting Walt Disney World. So, are you up to the challenge of photographing an empty Disney park?

I would like to thank, Tom, for letting me share some of his wonderful Walt Disney World photography!

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 1/8s shutter, f/8, ISO 800

My Pic of the Week for Mexico is a picture of a young Cast Member painting an Oaxacan woodcarving. This display is one of my favorite parts of the Mexico pavilion. I love the intricate and colorful designs on these wooden animals. The artists seem so calm and peaceful sitting there amongst all the bustling tourists. I always wish I could sit and paint with them.

The Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my choice for the August calendar. I think it looks best at night with the search lights fanned out behind it.

You will need to have Adobe Reader on your computer to download the calendar(s). Just click on the photo to download the calendar you want.

This one prints out at 8.5" x 11". It's handy if you need a calendar that you can write on.

This one prints out at 4.75" x 4.75", the perfect size for a CD Jewel Case frame.

This was Challenge #88:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/8s shutter, f/8, ISO 400

Well, this proved to be one of the hardest weeks ever. Only three people knew that this license plate map can be found in the American Adventure store at Epcot. It’s hanging on the wall in the back of the store. Although I didn’t see it, a Cast Member did tell me that they have it for sale too. Hopefully it doesn’t cost as much as the one I saw online. Craig sent me a link to one that was $3900!

Bob Green was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Bob and the other two readers who got the answer right: Darlene Harmon and Caroline Dupre. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #89: 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, June 11, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Comment 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!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/40s shutter, f3.8

My Pic of the Week is the Kidcot Station in Innoventions West, where kids get to learn about gadgets, satellites and robotics with Josh. He was feeling a little camera shy around me but he totally came out of his shell later on when he was helping the kids decorate their lanyards.

I do and I'm sure many of you do it. Using our cameras while on a Disney ride or attraction. In the past I've shared one on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Test Track. Please, if you attempt ride photography do not endanger yourself or anyone riding with you. I make sure I am securely in my ride vehicle and my camera is not going to leave my hands. I wrap my strap about my arms and neck to make sure.

It is a challenge. Rides are fast and bumpy or slow and dark or a combination of the two. People who enjoy Disney themepark photography try to outdo each other on flickr and many Disney boards as to who can get the best ride shots. Many openly admit that it takes some luck to get a good ride photo. Just as the one I took on Expedition EVEREST. This is a fast ride which is half done inside a dark mountain with a Yeti chasing you. I thought it would be fun to see what a wide angle lens could do on this ride. The result you see below.

A Yeti mural found in one of the caves of Expedition EVEREST.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/15s, f/9, ISO 400, EV -0.3, 11mm focal length

If you look at the shutter speed, you can see why I was lucky. There is a lot of motion blur in this photo but the mural of the Yeti is fairly steady even with the large contrast of the bright light coming from the cave opening. By the way, anyone know where on Expediton EVEREST this was taken? Leave a comment.

When I first visited Epcot back in 1983 (then known as EPCOT Center), I was thrilled with the Communicores as they had many displays featuring the most modern products and technologies of the day. Most seem silly now 26 years later but part of the charm that is Walt Disney World of the past.

The Communicores where re-invented as Innoventions in 1994 and now feature displays which are more interactive and entertaining yet still present the best in modern technologies by some of the world's most future thinking corporations. This was one of Walt Disney's dreams for his EPCOT and I am happy today's Epcot keeps this dream alive. For this week's Disney Pic of the Week will feature Innoventions.

Innoventions is part of Epcot's Future World.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/20, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

This was Challenge #87:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/40s shutter, f/3.2, ISO 3200

When you take a spin through Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Dopey will be waiting to give you a wave as you exit the ride. This attraction can be found in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.

Mary Beth Tarbet was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Mary Beth and all the readers who got the answer right: Robin Fitts, Sharon Lee, Kye Layton, Sandra Shaw, Jacquelyn Law, Alan Law, Denise Owen, Jennifer Tremley, Kameo Crea, Spring Smith, Chuck Sands, Damon Carter, Shannon Milair, Judy Koslowski, Caryn Schill, Jennifer R., Christinedagney, Emily Rennie, Michelle Thompson, Erin Hammer, Kirsty Butler, Emily Currier, Jeffrey Dunne, Jackie Purcell, Brandy White, Amy Sooy, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Christine Benoit, Sherrry Klinefelter, Angie Young, Kris Nixon, James Berry, Garrett Dunnewold, Kathy Berry, Walter Fletcher, Chloe Williams , Brenda Hawk, Marie Wolfe, Kelly Montgomery, Kerry Finnamore, Debbie Desimone, Brian Yesutis, Erica Adkins, Lyndsay, Hollie Hinton, Danielle Murgia, Chloe, Scott Otis, Lydia Griffin, Daniel Recod, Donna Currier, Ashley Pizzino, Chris Masse, Elizabeth Macgregor, Joshua Swainston, Amanda Campbell, Christie Condit, Heather Young, Sharon Dale, Dave Cole, Lou Baker, Aly Nichting, Will Bennett, Cari-ann , Jen Cerce, Baines Family, Lisa R, Quinn Urell, Robert Anderson, Kimberly Kusser, Larry Heidenberg, Susan Pitts, Veronica Schreyer, Debra Kuklinski, Courtney Allday, Tim And Brendan Wingfield, Curtis Bille, Nancy Cole, Melissa Dye, Rebekah Anguish, Dawn Radke, Tim Rachuba, Cindy Dore', Teri Jo Fuson, Becky Norman, John Arena Jr, Mike Malampy, Ann Fowler, Katie Olson, Louise Barton, Curtis Bille, Stephanie Visco, Matthew Waga, Brooke Stahl, Tiago De Oliveira, Tom Koval, Amanda Marie Penhale, Barbara Sims, Paula Massarelli, Heidi Goodhue, Amber Thrower, Jennifer Nicholson, Jen Fennell, Candy Walker, Mindy Marinelli, Kristin, Cheri Weitkamp, Matthew Carrera, Kim Davis, Carolyn Como, Jamie Dodson, Jennifer Wood, Debbie Glandon, Heather Keenan, Lisa Hoffman, Erin Kubicki, Tim Johansen, Maria M, Dawn Mccleave, Beth Moeller, Gary E Genteman, Cathleen King, Jessie, Allison Caputa, Jennifer Banks, Taricia , Karen Pizzuta, Glo Konsler, Laura Hohm, Melesia Love, Jeanne Miller, Leslee Rigoli, Brenda Hively, Jeremy Coto, Eric Hoffman, Wendy Hupp, Steven Bowling, Kevin Hobstetter, Jennifer Schwing, Lynn Barber, Scott Dickison, Brenda Mcguire, Chris Tampellini, Sharon Blickensderfer, April Ramey, Diane Furtado, Karen Ackerman, Andrew Weed, Amy Land, Ken Jackson, William Hechler, Derek Mullins, Lori Barth, Kelly Torch, Tyra Parillo, James Steele, Katarina Whitmarsh, Cori Lehman, Bill Frazier, Michelle Heisler, Paula Munson, Tara Whittaker, Nikki Powell, Sabrina Bogart, Robin Kennard, Brian Miller, Paul Moody, Kelly Zanauskas, Dawn Burns, Daniel Meagher, Jonathan Walker, Robin Wilson, Debbie Hudson, Brittany Irish, Tamara Lasher, Sherri Pell, Hillary Waldroop, Ronnie Lane, Katarina Whitmarsh, Susan Thompson, Sydney Chambers, Jared Orth, Marshal K., Jennifer Harmon, Christy Hunt, Bill Mckim, Dawn Bach, Amie Mumpower, Danusia Rogacki, Pollyanna Buff, Joy Palmer, Jess Batchelor, Dan Grote, Mike M. , Andrea Lott, Michael Schieber, Richard_uhler, Travis Grim, The Moores, Derek Carty, Kendall Huffman, Dale Knight, Emily Dagney, Karen Kristoff, M'shel Bowen, Jamie Difatta, Dawn Davis, Meghan Parham, Jackson Hart, Karen Hotchkiss, Alicia Henderson, Michele Delorenzo, John Leach, Nicole Cyr, Z Cheven, Valerie Spinello, Leah Nan Broussard, Louise Maxwell, Cameron Lange, Missy Munrow, Stephanie Servaites, Anne Hainsworth, Dolores Riccio, Sandra Edwards, Kristen C., Jaclyn Kelch, Diane Ramos, Sarah Connors, Jen Norris, Kristin Bourgeois, Matt Cofone, Elaine Johnson, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Christi Ison, Becky Sterusky, Brian Gallant, Scott Junkin, Gregg Mcglasson, Andrea Schnur, Debbie Hicks, Michelle Roth-smoot, Kayla Anulies, Jamie Poynton, Carri Marotto, Lesley Strawderman, Stephanie Hardhouse, Bruce Arnold, Karen Dresser-smith, Cheri Palmisano, Mark Franklin, Sherry White, Kirsten Cronebach, Dave Carriere, Gary E Genteman, Kalin Johnson, Lauri Uzee, Ray Vinciguerro, Ben Dameron, Alicia Roth, Steve Dolan, Laney Wood, Clarissa K, Bob Sertic, Becky Robinson, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Mary Brennan, Nicole Lopresti, Luis Rodriguez, Sharon Ray, Chris Auckland, Merrie Tesh, Drew Deapo, Jeremy Hardy, Rebecca Balber, Sheila Saey, Janet Theriault, Tom & Susan Linder, Walter N Clark, Lorraine Taylor, Robin Mcconnell, Christine And Erin Claeys, Scott Otis, Christopher Hall, Tom Hermes, Nicole Saraceno, Zachary Walzer, Heather Coursen, Kristin Dormuth, Barclay Bakkum, Sarah Biggs, Jessica Marcotte, Laurie Walker, Allison Dibiase, Ruth Cookson, Becky Bean, Ashley, Robert Bostic, Heather Mcfall, Bernie Blocchi, Emily Nussbaum, Becky Myers, Chris, Wendy And Marina, Dana Schirnhofer, Heather Harris, Jeff Finger, Shane Stack, Lauren, Suzanne Brown, Theresa Rucando, Sherree Coker, Katy Robinson, Double Family, Mickey Eckert and Allie Laguardia. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #88: 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, June 4, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Comment link at the bottom of this post.

_______________________________________________________________________

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!

Photography is all about capturing the light. Shadows in a photo help to create depth. Together, light and shadow can create a three dimensional look. In the photo below, the light entering from the upper left is an example of sidelighting. The shadows frame and mold Leota's face especially her eyes. Did you notice those eyes? Read the caption below to learn about some Disney Imagineering fun.

Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/9, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 200mm focal length

Tombstone which honors the late Walt Disney Imagineer Leota Thomas as seen in the Haunted Mansion's graveyard in the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Every few minutes, Loeta's eyes open and look around as shown in this photograph.

Cameras Up! AllEars.Net 2008 Photowalk Group Photo.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/10, 200 ISO, -0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length, Tripod, Flash Used

For my Disney Pic of the Week on Groups, I present to you the group photo from the AllEars.Net 2008 Photowalk. This was a lot of fun to do and hope we can do this again. Of the half dozen photos I took, this one with the cameras up was the best. Of course, since my camera was on the tripod taking this photo, I only have the small remote in my hand.

Pretty much everyone finds themselves needing to take a group photo at one time or another when in Walt Disney World. This week, Scott, Lisa and I are going to share some that we’ve taken – along a few tips.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/25s shutter, f22

This lovely group of people was kind enough to stop and pose for me in Italy at Epcot as the sun was setting on the day. I actually picked them out of the crowd because of the clothing they were wearing. We couldn’t have coordinated this better if we had tried! Unfortunately, I do not have their names. I explained that I was taking a photo for this blog and they were very nice to take time out of their vacation to oblige me, but they were off and running as soon as I was done.

To create a nice backdrop, make sure you have some distance between your subject and the background object. Then zoom in on your subjects. You want to fill your frame with them as much as possible, while still getting in some of the background to give your photo a sense of place. And don't worry about getting in their whole bodies, it's their faces you want to see.

Then position yourself just a wee bit lower than your subjects to keep other people out of the shot. If you are too low, the people you are photographing will look like they are looking at the ground, which is generally not a very flattering angle. If you can incorporate something into the foreground to tie it all together, you will have an even better shot.

The bridge across from Italy is a great place for a group photo. As the photographer, you stand on the level below the bridge which gives you a nice backdrop of the Italy pavilion in the background and the bridge railing in the foreground. At this angle you won’t end up with a bunch of unknown guests in your shot. Just before sunset, this spot will provide you with some very nice warm light.

This was Challenge #86:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/125s shutter, f/11

For this week’s answer, if you knew this photo was from Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park then you are winners – nice going! These two chairs are actually sitting on the roof of the Dawa Bar in Africa. Some folks knew that, some said they were on the roof of Tusker House and some knew it was Africa, but didn’t give me anymore detail than that. All of those answers made it into the drawing. For all of you who thought they were above Restaurantasaurus in Dinoland… sorry, better luck next time. Great guess, but not quite close enough. And although the chairs are indeed in Animal Kingdom, I am definitely always looking for a bit more detail than just the name of the park. Make sure you give me some idea of where in the park a photo was taken if you want a chance at the fabulous prize package.

Tiago De Oliveira was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Tiago and all the readers who got the answer right: Kye Layton, Ken Jackson, Ann Fowler, Dawn Burns, Matt Cofone, Shannon Milair, Danusia Rogacki, Dawn, Krystal Thomas, April Ramey, Amy Rupp, David Coates, Melody Salemi, Jeremy Coto, Lee Anastasi, Denise Owen, Joy Johnston, Cameron Love, Michelle Thompson, Susan Thompson, Michael Joel Gainey, Kelley H, Scott Otis, Craig Canady, Karen Hotchkiss, Mary Mchenry, Michelle Roth-smoot, Lynn Barber, Bryan Fencl, Kathy Berry, James Berry, Kris Nixon, Tim Rachuba, Paul Moody, Mark Wagner, Brenda Baines, Marie Phillips, Aruna, Patrick Riley, Krista Penno, Ben Dameron, Becky Bean, Richard Nussbaum, Katie, Wendy Snelgrove, Heidi Summers, Bonnie Smith, Jennifer Schwing, Amy Smith, Sharon Dale and Brian Miller. Each of you were entered in the May winners’ drawing.

In case some of you have been wondering how the monthly prize winner is chosen - it is totally random. I assign each winning entry a number based on the order in which the winning entries are submitted. The person who is the first to send in the correct answer each week gets their name entered into the drawing twice that week. At the end of the fourth week I enter the total number of entries into a random number generator and let the computer choose the winner for the month. This month’s big winner is Melody Salemi! Congratulations Melody, 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…

_______________________________________________________________________

Challenge #87: 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, May 28, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Comment link at the bottom of this post.

_______________________________________________________________________

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!