Picture This!

Hi everyone! My name is Barrie and I am a big Disney World fan. As a child I received a book about Disneyland from an aunt in California. It was a photo book of all the rides and attractions with small descriptions of each. I'm sure you've seen similar books for sale in the parks. I used to spend hours looking at that book and dream about being able to hang out in the Swiss Family Robinson tree house and ride on the monorail. But I lived in Ohio and California was a long way away. There wasn't much chance of me going there.

Disney World opened in Florida when I was in my twenties but by then I was, of course, way too cool for Disney. I was so cool in fact that I decided to move to Oregon to become one with nature. A few years later my mother moved to Florida, only two hours from Orlando. Oh my gosh, I could barely contain my excitement. I guess I wasn't so cool after all! That was about 17 or so years ago and since then I have lost count of how many times I have been a guest of the Mouse.

In the past few years I've become a bit of a photography buff as well. I've always been interested in photography. Now that I think of it, it's probably because of that book! Until recently I couldn't really afford it as a hobby though – it just cost too much to develop roll after roll of my not-so-great photos!

But once digital cameras came onto the scene I was bit by the photography bug. I started out with a cheap little 1.5 megapixel point and shoot camera. A little over a year ago I graduated to a Nikon D50, my first real dslr camera. Disney World is absolutely my favorite place to take pictures and when I am there I am rarely without my camera to my eye. I still consider myself a novice and as I learn more I like to share what I've learned with other Disney World fans. That's why I'm so excited that Deb asked me to join the AllEars® team of bloggers.

I hope you'll enjoy my view of Disney World. Along with sharing some of the Disney World photos I've taken, I plan to offer up some tips for taking great photos on your next trip. I will also share a few resources and fun photo projects I've discovered. We may even play some photo games. I'd love to hear from you if you've got comments or suggestions – just use the feedback form. And as I close this introduction I'd like to offer my gratitude to Deb for the opportunity to connect with you all – thanks again Deb, this is going to be fun!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 8s shutter, f4.6

Although many people will tell you what a great view there is while riding the Astro Orbiter, I think the best view is of the ride itself, especially at night. This retro looking rocket ship ride is located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.

I decided to start with this photo because it is one of my favorites. I just love all the bright colors against the night sky. In fact, I love night shots in general and will probably be posting many in the future. If you haven’t spent much time exploring Disney World after dark, I highly encourage it. They do such an incredible job with lighting. It's just beautiful at night. It can be a little challenging to capture it all on the camera just right, but what a great time I have practicing!

Quick Tip: Whether you are using your camera’s manual functions or you’re using an auto setting, the key to getting nice crisp night shots is to stabilize your camera.

A mini tripod works well at Disney World. It can sit on top of a trash can or bench – both of which are everywhere in the parks. A really cool gadget is a Gorilla Pod which is a small, bendy tripod that can be wrapped around fence posts and railings. You can even set your camera on a wall.

If you don’t have any of these things available, do your best to brace your body against something stationery before you click your shutter. The more stable your camera, the sharper your photo will turn out.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/200s shutter, f4.9

Say hi to Donald Duck, star of the new Mexico attraction “Gran Fiesta”. This was taken outside of the Mexico pavilion at Epcot where Donald was doing a meet and greet with park guests. In between posing with children Donald turned and gave me a quick wave. I was so glad I already had my camera focused on him.

Quick Tip: When taking photos of characters, be sure to get some close-up shots. Try to fill the bulk of your frame with the character’s face. Be careful with your zoom though. It’s easy to lose important detail if you get too close.

This picture of Captain Hook would have been much better if I had gotten his hook in the picture. The photo of Donald works because I got some of his sombrero and colorful tunic in the frame to give context to the shot. When in doubt, take your shot at a slightly longer distance. You can always crop it tighter later.

The magic is in the details.

A visit to Disney World is like no other experience. From the moment you arrive you are engulfed by the atmosphere. Seems like every step you take provides a new treat for your senses, from the sound of beating drums to the sight of spectacular colors in every direction. There's so much to absorb that your brain focuses on the big picture rather than on the details. And that's the plan - Imagineers don't just create a set for us to look at, they immerse us in the set so that we actually feel something magical. For them it's is all about the detail. It wasn't until I started photographing Disney World that I really began to see the amazing intricacies of their work.

Let's see how well you focus on the details. Each week I'll post a photo of some small bit of Disney World. See if you can figure out where it comes from. The following week I'll let you know the answer. Let's start.

Where in the world is this?

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f5.6

I’ve had a wicked sweet tooth lately and I couldn’t resist posting this photo. These yummy looking treats are Cloudberry Horns. You can find them at the Kringla Bakery in Norway at Epcot. Those are Berry Tarts in the foreground. So far I’ve been satisfied to just photograph these pastries but I think I’m losing my will power. On my next trip I’m definitely going to have to see if they taste as good as they look.

Quick Tip: Some things just need to be photographed super close. I think food is one of those things. These pastries wouldn’t look nearly as tempting if you couldn’t see the sugar crystals and the lightness of the filling. Here’s a secret: My original photo was a bit bigger and further away from the goodies. I set my camera to the highest resolution possible. Then after taking the photo, I cropped it to get the look of a macro shot.

Answer to last week’s Where in the World challenge:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/1250s shutter, f4.6

If you guessed Asia in the Animal Kingdom you’re right! This string of lights crosses the path on the way past the restrooms disguised as a mountain trading post. That’s Expedition Everest in the background.

Quick Tip: Head to Asia in the afternoon to get good photos of Expedition Everest. Later in the day the sun will be at your back, shining brightly on the mountain.

This week’s challenge: Where in the world is this?

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 1/400s shutter, f4

Early evening is a great time to enjoy the Boardwalk in the Epcot resort area. I just love the feel of the area at that time of day. Whenever I go to Disney World, I always build in time to hang out there, even if I am staying somewhere else. I think what I like best is that people linger on the boardwalk throughout the late afternoon and well into the evening. Even though it's bustling with activity, it's a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. There are kids playing everywhere. Many people are out walking just for the pleasure of it. There’s always someone sitting in a rocker with a good book. Friends have a beer together at Big River Grille and laugh about the fun they had earlier in the day. The Boardwalk just feels good. I like the energy of it.

Quick Tip: The best photographic subject is not always in front of you. While waiting in line to ride the Friendship water taxi to Epcot I turned around and saw this scene. For me, it captured some of that lazy summer evening feeling that I love about the Boardwalk. When you’re walking around the parks and resorts remember to look at what you might be missing in the opposite direction.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 1/250s shutter, f5.1

I remember reading about DiVine on some of the Disney forums and I had no idea what people were talking about. People talked about how beautiful she is and how gracefully she moves. When I finally saw her last December I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was mesmerizing.

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, DiVine is a stilt figure who hangs out on the path to Asia in the Animal Kingdom. If you don’t know to look for her you may easily miss her because she blends in quite nicely with the vegetation along the path.

Quick Tip: When photographing the entertainers at Disney World, or anyone for that matter, be sure to focus your camera on their eyes. It sounds pretty simple but I can’t tell you how many pictures I have of people with perfectly focused noses and blurry eyes! To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, lock your focus before taking the photograph.

Here’s how: First, focus your camera directly on the person’s eyes. Then press your shutter halfway down. This will lock the focus on their eyes. With your shutter halfway pressed, move your camera to reframe your photo the way you want it. Now wait for the right moment and then press the shutter the rest of the way down to capture your perfect shot. As long as your subject doesn’t move closer or further away before you fully press your shutter, you should get a nicely focused picture.

Answer to Where in the World challenge #2:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 0.002s shutter, f5.3

This bronze sculpture of Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket is one of several character statues in the garden in front of the Cinderella’s castle at the Magic Kingdom.

Quick Tip: Giving a photo a shallow depth of field will really make your subject stand out from the background. I set my aperture to f/5.3 to make the flowers behind this statue look blurry. You can get a similar effect by using the portrait setting on your camera.

This week’s challenge: Where in the world is this?

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 0.002s shutter, f5.6

It doesn’t take many hamburgers, funnel cakes and chicken fingers for me to start craving the fresh “California Cuisine” offered at Wolfgang Puck Café at Downtown Disney’s Westside. I’ve never been disappointed with a meal that I’ve had there. On my last trip I had a very tasty broiled halibut that was cooked to perfection. I also like their pizzas and Sushi.

In addition to their regular dining room and outdoor seating, Wolfgang’s has an open kitchen with counter seating and a sushi bar. I often go to Disney World on solo trips to take photos and I find Wolfgang Puck’s a very comfortable place to dine alone. It’s also one of the restaurants on the Dining Plan.

For a more upscale experience, check out The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck’s (upstairs).

Quick Tip: This photo was taken just as the sun began to rise. The best light for taking photos is at sunrise and sunset. During the middle of the day the sun is often too harsh and can wash out the colors in your photograph. When the sun is low in the sky it gives a soft glow to your photos that is very pleasing. Even if you’re not really a morning person you can still get great morning shots at Disney World. This was taken from the balcony of my room at Saratoga Springs while I was still in my jammies!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 0.769s shutter, f4.8

No doubt you recognize the subject of this photo. Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom has got to be the most photographed subject in all of Disney World. In fact, I think I recently read that it is the most photographed subject in the entire world. I don’t know if that’s true or not but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Believe it or not, until my trip last December I didn’t have a single picture of this famous icon. I happened to be lingering in the park a little past closing and noticed that the castle was changing colors every 20 seconds or so. It looked so beautiful and, except for the lone Photopass photographer, there weren’t any other people around. I think I got a photo of nearly every color change. This stark white version ended up being my favorite.

Quick tip: Be careful when framing your photos, especially in the dark. I could just kick myself for cutting off the top spire of the castle in this photo. This was totally operator error on my part but I’ve also had cameras in the past that consistently produced photos that were cropped more tightly than I thought they were when I framed the shot. Now when I take photos I generally try to frame them so that my subject is just a touch further away from the edge than I really want it to be so that I’m not sorry later. It’s much easier to crop out a little extra sky than to try to manufacture something that isn’t there!

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200

With of all the amazing rides and attractions that fill the Disney Parks, it’s easy to miss some of the less spectacular displays. Here’s one that I always find myself stopping for. Just outside of Germany in the World Showcase area of Epcot is a really cute miniature train village. It’s easy to miss this sweet little display if you’re trying to fit in as much as you can. But outside of Disney, this village would be an attraction all on its own. The next time you visit Epcot check it out.

Quick Tip: When taking a photo of something close to ground level, including children, try to get as close to the level of your subject as possible. Your pictures will look better if you are not shooting down at your subject. I always find it better to rest one knee on the ground for added stability. Now, if anyone has tips for gracefully getting back up from this position, I’m all ears!

This was Challenge #3:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 1/1000s shutter, f4.0

This laundry line comes from the set of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney-MGM Studios. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this show. Having seen the Indiana Jones stunt show I wasn’t expecting to be wowed but was I ever wrong. I loved this show! Even though I’m not a big fan of car chase scenes in the movies, it was really fun to learn how those scenes are created. There are some fun surprises in the show. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, be sure catch it on your next trip. You won’t be sorry.
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Challenge #4: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2003 Barrie Brewer, Nikon E3100

One of the things Disney does best is put on a spectacular fireworks show. This photo, although not one of my best, has always been one of my favorites. It’s a photo of the Illuminations fireworks show at Epcot, taken from the upstairs deck outside of Teppanyaki restaurant. I took this with a point and shoot camera on the automatic/normal setting. I used the deck railing to steady the shot. At the time, I had no idea how to take good photos of fireworks. Basically I just clicked away, hoping something might come out. This was my one lucky shot out of about twenty.

One of the questions asked most often on photography forums is “How can I take great fireworks shots?” This summer I learned that it’s actually not that hard if you follow a few simple guidelines.

1. Pick a good location to shoot from. Choose a spot that is upwind from where the fireworks will be set off so that the smoke blows away from you and out of your photograph. Remember that the fireworks will explode high in the sky, so be sure to look up when choosing your spot. Make sure that your view will not be blocked by trees, buildings or giant torches – although thoughtfully incorporating some things (like the torii gate above or a child on dad’s shoulders) will create a nice composition.

2. Use a tripod. It’s the only way to be sure you will get a sharp picture. Even better, combine the tripod with a remote shutter release.

3. Turn your flash off. The only thing it's going to light is the back of the head of the person in front of you - not exactly the effect you're going for!

4. Use the right settings. If you have a point and shoot with a fireworks setting on your camera, use that. If not, set your camera to landscape. If you can manually set your camera, the following settings are a good place to start: ISO 100, 2-3 second shutter, aperture f8-f16.

5. Take lots of photos. After the first few, take a look to make sure you’re getting what you want. Now enjoy the show!

I used these guidelines to take photos of the fireworks on the 4th of July this year. I was so pleased with the results. Finally, I have fireworks shots that I'm proud of. I can’t wait for my next trip to Disney World to photograph Wishes and Illuminations.

This was Challenge #4:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 0.077s shutter, f4.5

Apparently, this wasn’t really a challenge after all! Nearly everyone got the answer correct. Congratulations go to Melissa N. Wheeler for being the first one to tell me that Challenge #4 comes from the teepee chandeliers in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge. OK, now that I know I’m not dealing with a bunch of novices here, you can bet I’m going to step up these challenges and make them a bit harder!
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Challenge #5: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 0.333s shutter, f4.2

Accidents happen! Here's one that was a nice surprise when I got home. I was practicing taking night photos of the Mad Tea Party ride and had way more than I actually wanted, but I didn’t want to take the time to delete any of the extras while I was in the park. When I got home I was glad I kept them all because I discovered this sweet couple when I was looking at the full size shots on my computer. I love how the all of the teacups are a total blur except theirs. It’s almost as if they were the only ones there. I’m sure they thought they were!

Quick Tip: Don’t delete your photos until you get a chance to see them in large format. Sometimes there may be a hidden gem that you’ll be glad you saved.

This was Challenge #5:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 0.006s shutter, f6.3

This challenge was a real stumper. Pretty much everyone guessed that it was part of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. That's not a bad guess given that it is a pile of canonballs, but it’s actually located off to the side of the Liberty Square Riverboat launch. What I find curious is that it is aimed directly at the people on Tom Sawyer Island. Watch out next time you’re there!

Now, I’m sure there’s someone out there who knows where this next challenge is located…
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Challenge #6: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200, 1/1000s shutter, f4.8

If you listen to our friends over at the WDW Today podcast, they’ll tell you that an hour or two is more than enough time to spend in the Animal Kingdom. They are exaggerating of course, but their point is that there just isn’t that much to “do” there. If it’s attractions you’re most interested in, then I’d have to agree. The only ones I make sure I never miss are Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Festival of the Lion King.

As a photographer though, I have to disagree. I think Animal Kingdom may be my new favorite park for taking pictures. I think Disney did a fabulous job on the theming in this park. The detail is incredible. At every turn there is something interesting to capture on camera. It’s also a very beautiful park. The landscaping is gorgeous and there’s water everywhere. Oh, and don’t forget the animals. Two hours may be enough time for the attractions, but I could easily fill two days with taking photos at Animal Kingdom.

Quick Tip: I spend a lot of time looking at other people’s photos. It’s a great way to learn about what kind of photos catch my interest. Once when looking at some Disney photos I came across a photo of the Yeti Shrine with Expedition Everest in the background. It wasn’t obvious, but as I studied it I noticed the shrine seemed to have a similar shape to the mountain. In that photo I couldn’t be sure so, on my next trip I made a point to check it out. Indeed, as you can see, if you stand in just the right spot you can line up the shrine and the mountain. That was a fun discovery.

This was Challenge #6:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f4.8

Many people guessed Small World for this challenge. I can see why, but it’s actually from the United Kingdom toy store in Epcot. Congratulations to Stacey Van Dyke for being the first to send in the correct answer.
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Challenge #7: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200, 1/500s shutter, f5.6

I happened upon this little guy having breakfast while walking on the path between Saratoga Springs and Downtown Disney. He was so intent on eating that he didn’t even mind me taking his picture. If you look really close you can see one of the buildings in the reflection in his eye.

Quick Tip: My tip for today really is a quickie - take time to notice the little things. Yup, that's it. So often we are trying to cram in as much as we possibly can at Disney World. If you're anything like me, you need a vacation from your vacation! Many of my favorite shots were taken when I slowed down and really paid attention to what was around me. And, come to think of it, those are some of my favorite memories as well.

This was Challenge #7:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f5.7

And the winner is… Marie Bertini! Marie was the first to correctly identify this photo as the Zendrum played by the Village Beatniks in Animal Kingdom. You can usually find them rocking out near the Flame Tree BBQ on Discovery Island.
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Challenge #8: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f5.7

Most of us take a lot of snapshots when we are on vacation – quick photos of our traveling companions standing in front of their favorite attractions. We’re happy when we catch them with their eyes open or a smile on their face. Then we get home and realize that all of our photos look pretty much the same: there’s Barb and the kids in front of the castle… there’s Barb and the kids in front of Morocco… that’s the kids with Barb in front of Star Tours… oh, there’s me and the kids in front of Expedition Everest… hmmm, what’s that… I can’t quite tell, but it must be Barb and the kids!

Have you ever looked at some people’s vacation photos and felt like you could just walk right into the picture, almost as if you were there yourself? How is it that some pictures are so fun and interesting to look at? Some people seem to have a real knack for taking great photos. Well, you don’t have to be a professional photographer or have any fancy equipment to take photos that stand out from the typical tourist shots. People who take good photos just know how to compose them in a way that makes them interesting for others to view. There are people for whom this comes naturally, but for most of us it’s a simple matter of knowing a few composition techniques.

Over the next few weeks I’ll show you how, with very little effort, you can take photos that look like they were taken by a pro. You won't necessarily want to use these tips on every photo you take. After all, those fuzzy, crooked pix of droopy-eyed relatives in front of Tower of Terror make us smile! But it is fun to experiment and it doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve to mix things up a bit.

Quick Tip: Although there are many techniques for composing a photo, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Don’t get too caught up in trying to follow the rules of composition. The photo above was taken at the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot last May. I didn’t use any particular technique to take it. All I did to compose this shot was move around, looking through my viewfinder until I liked what I saw. I wanted to capture the contrast between the circles created by the flower pots and the stripes created by the light in the water. When I got those two things lined up in a way that was pleasing to my eye, I snapped the photo.

This was Challenge #8:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f4.8

The best resort pool on property, hands down, is Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Clubs. This beached pirate ship, named the Albatross, is the pool’s slide.

Darn - no winners this week. I guess this one was kind of hard. The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse was the most popular guess. This next one will be easy for you Hidden Mickey buffs - better get your answers in early!
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Challenge #9: Where in the world is this?

Do you know where to find this Hidden Mickey? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 0.8s shutter, f4.8

I think I’ve mentioned this before - night photos are my favorite, especially from Disney World. This is Germany from the World Showcase in Epcot. I think Epcot is the most beautiful place after dark. I always try to make sure I am as far from the exit as possible at closing time!

Quick Tip: I recently heard someone say that they know their camera so well that they are able to use every function in the dark. I’m working on it but I’m a long way from being able to do that! In the meantime, I carry a small LED flashlight in my camera bag to help me see the controls on my camera at night.

I’ve been through three different flashlights and finally found one that works for me. The first two had buttons on the side of the flashlight that kept turning on by themselves. The one I have now has a button on the end, similar to a click type pen. It takes a bit of effort to press it on so I don’t have to worry about it illuminating the inside of my camera bag.

This was Challenge #9:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 10/5000s shutter, f5.6

This Hidden Mickey is on one of the totem poles outside of Canada in the World Showcase area of Epcot. Do you see it? Jacquelyn Law did and she was first to let me know. Congratulations Jacquelyn, you're this week's winner!

For more Hidden Mickey fun be sure to check out Steve Barrett’s blog here on AllEarsNet.
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Challenge #10: Where in the world is this?

Do you know where this is? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/5s shutter, f4.8

Using objects in the foreground of your shot to frame your subject is a good way to focus attention where you want it and add depth to your photo. While in the Magic Kingdom, I used the arched doorway of Cinderella's castle to frame the passageway and the carrousel behind the castle.

A frame can help give context to your photo. A desert view framed by a rock formation really gives you a sense of place. A frame leads the viewer’s eye into the photo and may even encourage the viewer to look at it longer. You are limited only by your imagination when choosing a framing element. Here are some framing ideas to get you started.

• Architectural elements such as archways, doorways, windows, a hole in a wall, bridges and tunnels make great framing elements.

• Natural elements like rock formations, a gap in dense foliage or between trees, the overhanging branches of a tree, and even people can be used to frame your subject. For example, you can shoot over people’s shoulders or between their heads. There are plenty of opportunities for this at Disney World! You can even use shadows to frame your subject.

• The absence of objects, for instance a bare wall, can frame your subject by isolating it. This is what photographers do when they use a backdrop. Another way to isolate your subject is to use a very shallow depth of field to blur the background, creating a frame that will surround your subject.

• Patterns are often used as framing devices. Imagine the shelves in the World of Disney filled with stuffed Pooh bears. Now imagine one pink Piglet in the center of all that orange. That’s a frame.

Your frame can go completely around your subject or it might just be on one or two edges of your shot. It can be close to the edge of your photo or protrude pretty far into it, even taking up most of the space in it. The key is to keep in mind is that you are trying to focus the viewer’s attention on your subject. You don’t want your frame to overshadow the subject but in the same instance, you don’t want a wimpy frame that just ends up being a distraction. A good practice is to ask yourself if the frame will add to the photo or take away from it before you click your shutter. Experiment and see what you like.

This was Challenge #10:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/20s shutter, f4

I just love all the creative signs at Disney World. This one is located on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition to gorillas, you’ll find birds, fish, monkeys, duikers and hippos on this trail near Kilimanjaro Safaris.

I think the signs are as much fun to look at as the animals. Karen Dresser-Smith from Salem, Massachusetts must think so too – she’s this week’s challenge winner!

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Challenge #11: Where in the world is this?

Do you know where this is? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

This was Challenge #11:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f5.3

You’ll see the logo for Hollywood Public Works all over Disney’s MGM Studios (soon to be changed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios). This goofy guy is one of the Streetmosphere actors who entertain guests along Disney’s streets of Hollywood. Although many people correctly guessed that this photo came from MGM Studios, Amanda Campbell was the first person to reference the Streetmosphere performers. Congratulations Amanda, you’re this week’s winner!

Check out this link for an interesting article on the History of Streetmosphere.
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Challenge #12: Where in the world is this?

Do you know where this is? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 1/500s shutter, f4.4

One thing I love about taking photos of the parades at Disney World is that the Cast Members love to mug for the camera. It makes it so fun to take their pictures. This is one of my favorite photos. It was taken during Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at the Animal Kingdom.

Quick Tip: When composing portraits, line up your shot so that your subject’s eyes are about a third of the way down from the top of the photo. This gives your viewer the sense that they are looking at your subject at eye level, regardless of how tall or short either person is.

This was Challenge #12:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f8

Everyone’s a winner! There were more responses than ever to this week’s challenge and everyone knew that the photo was taken in front of the France Pavilion in Epcot. Jennifer Snapp was the first one to send in her answer and she was the first person who provided the name of this French acrobat team, Serveur Amusant. Congratulations Jennifer!

You will need to be very specific with the location of this next photo in order to win. Are you up to the challenge?
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Challenge #13: Where in the world is this... exactly?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comment link below this post.
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New this month - real prizes! 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 a a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies! No more lurking out there - if you think you know the answer, be sure to send it in so that you don't miss out on your chance to win something very cool!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 9.3s shutter, f8

One way to make the main subject of your photograph stand out is to compose your shot with leading lines. Leading lines are lines in a photograph used to guide your viewer’s eye through your photograph. When deciding how to compose your shot, consider where the line begins and ends, the direction of its flow and its angle and shape.

In this photo, my main subject is the lighthouse in front of the Yacht Club resort. There are several leading lines here: the dock, the beam of light reflected on the dock, the rope railing. Even the buildings on the horizon lead your eye to the lighthouse. The list of things to use as leading lines is endless. Even people and shadows can be used to create leading lines.

The way in which the lines flow should allow your viewer to enter the picture where the line begins and continue his or her viewing without being lead out of the photo. By changing your camera angles you can change the direction the lines in the photograph are leading. Zooming in or out can change where your line begins and ends.

You can even affect the mood of your photo by the shape of leading line you choose. Different lines are thought to have psychological meanings: vertical lines create a feeling of stature and strength and can even imply power; horizontal lines are thought to be peaceful or stable, suggesting rest; diagonal lines represent activity or motion; and curved lines are thought to be graceful and imply beauty.

Leading lines will give depth to your photo and can make an average scene look a lot more interesting. Give it a try next time you are composing a photograph.

This was Challenge #13:

And here's the answer:

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

Kudos to Tim Wingfield! He did some very creative detective work and was the first to come up with the right answer. This torch is between France and the United Kingdom in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Tim wasn’t the only person with a correct guess though. Lori Bennett also knew the location of this week’s challenge and will be entered in the drawing for Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickey book and some other AllEars goodies at the end of this month!

I have a feeling that Challenge #14 might not be as difficult. If you think you know this one, send your answer in quickly.
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Challenge #14: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking on the comment link below this post.

This was Challenge #14:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-55, 10/2000s shutter, f7.1

OK, that was an easy one! Nearly everyone knew that this was a photo of Daisy Duck hiking with Hewey, Louie and Dewey at Camp Minnie Mickey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Congratulations to Casey Wittekind! She was quick with her response and is the official winner of Challenge #14.

Several people thought that it was Donald leading this group, not Daisy. Maybe they know something about Donald that I don’t so I included them as winners too! That means there was an amazing 105 people who sent in the correct answer this week!

Congratulations to Amiee Stooksberry, Amy Cole, Amy Debevec, Amy Eastman, Anderson Dun, Angela Haire, Anick Nolin, Anthony Dearman, April Pangburn, Ashley, Barb Murin, Bernadette Weltsek, Bethany Mattiuz-King, Bill, Blair McGee, Brian Martsolf, Brittany Irish, Brooke Kern, Carol Gamill, Caryn Schill, Casey Wittekind, Catherine, Cheri Fitz, Chloe, Christina Romano, Christine, Christy Miller, Danielle Destefano, Darlene Harmon, Debbie Hudson, Diana Blanchard, Diane Schlicht, Ed Aleszczyk, Ella Harmeyer, Emily Presgrave, Emmy-Lou, Erin Rix, Frank Finkin, Frank Pierce, Gerry, Heather Young, Heidi Summers, Isabella Pedone, Jaclyn Frye, Jacquelyn Law, James Hickey, Jane Bradley, Jane Cash, Jennifer Bourg, Jessie Romano, Jodi Higgins, Joe V., John Ames, John Derrico, Judy Koslowski, Julie Fahrner, Jyl Deshler, Karen Dressersmith, Karen Kenney, Karen Schlumpf, Kathy Love, Kelly Scott, Kristin Padalik, Laura Barnes, Lisa Beth, Lisa Forsythe-Kane, Lisa Honard, Lynne Workinger, Marianela Olivares, Marie Bertini, Mark, MaryAnn Eckenrode, Matt Roseboom, Melissa Wheeler, Michael Gainey, Michael O'Blenis, Mike Himel, Minnie Escobar, Nancy Kruczek, Nicole Gray, Rachel, Raj Boora, Richard Martin, Riva Janes, Robert Flaherty, Robert Speed, Ronald Zinke, Ryan Simms, Samantha Sim, Sandra Shaw, Sandy, Scott Button, Scott Cerino, Shari, Sharon Pierce, Shawn Hyde, Stephen Hafke, Susan Calhoun, Susie McCallister, Tammy Bozman, Tammy Petone, Terri, Theresa Rucando, Tracey Hvizdos, Vicky. All of you will be entered in the November winner's drawing.

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Challenge #15: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!

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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

No more lurking out there - if you think you know the answer, be sure to send it in so that you don't miss out on your chance to win something very cool!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/1250s shutter, f5

One of the first things you should think about before taking a photograph is whether it will look better with a horizontal or vertical composition. Because of the way that cameras are built, it feels more natural to hold them horizontally. Consequently, most photos are composed that way. This works well when you want to emphasize the width of your subject. A horizontal composition will draw your viewer’s eye from side to side across the frame. This photo from the Magic Kingdom gives you a sense of what a gorgeous fall day it was. In addition to the train station, I was able to capture the big, beautiful sky and many of the Halloween decorations in the shot.

Depending on your subject, a vertical composition may be a more pleasing way to frame your picture. Often, tall subjects (like trees or people) look better when framed vertically. Composing vertically can be a good way to capture a more detailed view of your subject. In this vertical shot of the same scene, the emphasis is more on the beautiful clock tower and the architectural details of the station.
Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/1000s shutter, f4.8

If you’re not used to turning your camera on its side, it may feel a bit awkward at first. As with everything, the best way to get used to it is to practice. So next time you are taking pictures, make a point of trying both horizontal and vertical compositions on every photo. It won’t take long for you to get a sense of which subjects look better with each orientation. I often take both kinds of photographs and decide later, when I’m viewing them on my computer, which I like best. Sometimes I can't decide and end up keeping both, like I did with these two views of the train station.

This was Challenge #15:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200, 10/2500s shutter, f10

Christina Romano is this week’s challenge winner. Way to go Christina! With the help of her sister, Jessie and her dad, Nick, Christina was the first to let me know that this sculpture resides in Italy at Epcot’s World Showcase. This is one of those really cool details that is so easy to walk right past without noticing. It’s the top of the newel post on a staircase outside of Tutto Italia Restaurant.

Here’s another photo that shows the location a little better. The restaurant is located to the right of the staircase.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f5

Congratulations to Melanie Sicard, Cheri Fitz, John Ames, Chloe, Garland Cox, Jody LaFerriere, Erica Adkins, Brooke Kern, Lisa F, Joan Bertini, Melissa Potter, Marsha Margerum, Melanie Sicard, Angelique Williams, Douglas Cotler, Bob Eldridge, Jill Greer, Christina, Nick and Jessie Romano. All of you will be entered in the November winner's drawing.
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Challenge #16: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!

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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

No more lurking out there - if you think you know the answer, be sure to send it in so that you don't miss out on your chance to win something very cool!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f10

In my last tip I talked about deciding whether to orient your pictures either vertically or horizontally. Take a look at this photo of the guitar outside of the Rockin’ Roller Coaster at MGM Studios. Is this a vertical or horizontal composition?

That was actually a trick question – it’s neither! If you look closely you will see that the building behind the guitar appears to be slanted, but trust me, it wasn’t. It was my camera that was slanted. Sometimes, an unusual angle is better suited to your subject.

I wanted this photo to have a very specific look. The subject of the photo was the guitar and I wanted to emphasize the size of it. When I composed the shot I started out holding my camera vertically but then I tipped it to line up the guitar strings with the left edge of my viewfinder. I had to move both the camera and myself around quite a bit to get just the right angle. I wanted to get some of the piano keys in the photo but not the railing that is in front of them. I wanted the name of the coaster to show in the photo and I wanted the neck and strings to extend beyond the edge of the photo, near the corner, but not centered on it.

It took a little effort to get everything just right but it was worth it because I am happy with how it turned out in the end. Try taking some of your photos at different angles. You may end up with some interesting results.

This was Challenge #16:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 10/640s shutter, f5.3

Heather Young is this week’s challenge winner. She was first to guess that this lovely jewel is on the turban of Jafar. Jafar can be found on the front of the villian’s float in the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom. Yay Heather!

Congratulations also go out to Courtney Mitchell, Heather Young, Christina, Jess, Nick and Annette Romano, Jude Toups, Sandra Shaw, Darlene, Brooke Kern, Rita Carmack, Stacey Barboza, Chloe, Steven Gordon, Jennifer King, Pamela & Briana Bates, Betsey Pickard and Chip Vermette. All of you also gave the correct answer and were entered in the November winner's drawing.

And speaking of that November drawing… Congratulations to Blair McGee! Blair was chosen from a pool of 140 November winners to receive a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies.
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Challenge #17: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

MouseFest is finally here - and I get to tell you about it. Of course, that means I'll mostly be sharing photos. The first official land meets started today at the Magic Kingdom. Starting off the day was MouseFest 101, where Mike Scopa and Mark Goldhaber talked about the origins of MouseFest. They shared tips for first-timers and some great stories with a full house. They were followed by Dave Marx giving an amazingly brief Chairman's Kick-Off and the mingling began!

Next it was off to Mike Scopa's Fourth Annual Dole Whip Meet. I had never before tasted a Dole Whip and I gotta say, I'm not such a fan of that concoction. But the meet was fun none the less. We did a pretty good job of blocking traffic in front of Aloha Isle.

Following the Dole Whip meet I had to leave to pick up my friends at the airport. After several wrong turns and mishaps I made it back over to Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I was just in time to make it to the Fourth Annual MVMCP fireworks meet hosted by Deb Wills from AllEars and Dave Card from Tagrel. But since it's nearly 2am here, you'll have to wait til my next post to see those photos!

As promised, here are a few pictures from last night's Fireworks Meet at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I knew it would be very crowded so I didn't bring my tripod. Unfortunately, that means these are a little shaky. I'll get some better fireworks and night photos later that I'll be sure to share but I thought you might enjoy these in the meantime.

Now for Friday's meets. We started the day with the Seventh Annual Kilimanjaro Safari meet hosted by Deb Wills from AllEars and Fred Block from MagicMeets. This was a really fun meet. There were about 250 people who attended. We all entered the ride together through the FastPass lane, filling truck after truck on the safari. What a way to start the day!

Next up I headed over to Asia for the Expedition Everest Adventure. This meet was co-hosted by several different online communities: LimeGreenCheri, Moley, and BetsyAnn from Tagrel.com, Binnie from TheMouseForLess.com and Nathan Rose from Magical Mountain and The Magical Definition Podcast.

The Dinosaur/Dino-RADP meet had an interesting twist. Yesterday, Mike Scopa challenged Matt Hochberg to ride Dinosaur, a ride he is actually terrified of. The challenge turned into a benifit for two charities that raised close to $500, donated by MouseFesters who attended MouseFest 101.

Today was a busy day with more meets than I could possibly attend. I chose to end the day by going to the Ho, Ho, Ho Lotta Lights meet, hosted by Moley, WDWNJ, Big Red, roguepony and johnnyblack from Tagrel.com. The lights were beautiful and the company was the best - what a nice way to round out the day.

Saturday is another jam-packed day. I'll be spending a big portion of it at the Dolphin for the Mega Mouse Meet. Don't forget to check back to see the potos!

A little Mousekeeping... I apologize for the photos being out of order. Without loading them one at a time, I have no control over what the order in which they show - and there just isn't enough time for that here.

If you are having trouble viewing the slideshows, try refreshing your browser or checking back later. Sometimes the slideshows are a little temperamental!

See you tomorrow!

This was Challenge #17:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f13

You’re going to have to get up early to beat the Romano family! Once again, Christina, Nick and Annette Romano have won this week’s challenge. Christina was first to let me know that this cute little fish lives on the outside of the Living Seas with Nemo building in Epcot’s Future World.

Congratulations also go out to Mary, Christina Cella, Chris Burns, Brooke Kern, Kari Svinarich, Emily Rennie, Shannon Milair, Heather Lyons, Blair McGee, Amiee Stooksberry, Belicia Dawson, Jennifer Bourg, Amanda Campbell, Anne Hainsworth, Willie Tople, RR Martin, Lisa Simons, Paula Potts, Charlotte, Shiraz Biggie, Trish Babler, Jennifer Horst, Ken Fischler, Carinne, Karen Schlumpf, Anderson Dun, Judy Koslowski, Melissa Littman, Katie Poole, Erica Adkins, Erin, gshaw7, Austin O'Blenis, Collee Dubin, Nancy Ahlsen, Deborah Shauan, Richard Uhler, Jennifer Lalli, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Cathy Adams, Melissa Wheeler, Matt Cofone, Jude Toups, Brittany Irish, David Hicks, Angie Volluz, Monica Alderman, Cheri Fitz, Jennifer Dye, Jane Bradley, Darlene Harmon, Vicki Vaught, Tim Rachuba, Catherine Chiarello, Charissa Banks, Betsey Pickard, Debbie Hudson and Sharon Pierce. All of you also gave the correct answer and will be entered in the December winner's drawing.
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Challenge #18: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #18:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/125s shutter, f5.6

Challenge #18 turned out to be a difficult one. I have lots of photos of different light fixtures at Disney World. They are always so creative and interesting. Tim Rachuba was the first of only three people who knew that this photo was of a lantern that can be found on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Congratulations Tim – you’re this week’s winner. Tricia Noble and Nancy Ahlsen also had the correct answer this week. Tim, Tricia and Nancy will be entered in the December winner's drawing.
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Challenge #19: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

Another MouseFest has come and gone. I can hardly believe it's over already! I had such a fabulous time. Here are a few highlights from Saturday.

The Mega Meet is an event that is attended by pretty much everyone. It was held in a huge ballroom at the Dolphin Hotel. Disney guidebook authors, web site founders, podcasters, and members of many Disney fan communities all had tables at the Mega Meet.

Everyone who visited the tables left the event with a bag full of freebies and many people were lucky enough to win some great prizes.

One of the activities that everyone had a great time with was a bingo-like scavenger hunt sponsored by MEI and MouseFan Travel. Here are just a few of the photos I took at this meet. [Just refresh your browser if the slideshow gives you an error message.]

In addition to the official MouseFest meets, different online communities sponsor dozens of meets for their members. One of my favorite community meets is the Tagrel Karaoke meet at Kimonos in the Swan Hotel. Definately one of the more wild and crazy meets I know of, this one is incredibly fun!

That's it for today. I have just one more MouseFest installment. Check back to see my wrap up with photos from a couple of the Sunday meets.

This was Challenge #19:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2005 Barrie Brewer, Fuji FinePix S5000, 1/1000s shutter, f9

This giant dinosaur calls Chester & Hestor’s Dino-Rama home. You’ll find Dino-Rama in Dinoland USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Stacey Van Dyke was this week’s lucky winner. She was the first one to send in her answer. Congratulations Stacey!

From the number of answers I got this week, I’d say Dino-Rama is no secret. Stacey Van Dyke, Brittany Irish, Jennifer Chartier, Austin O'Blenis, Christina Romano, Daniella and Isabells, Belicia Dawson, Jessica Romano, Willie Tople, Katie Wetzel, Amber Keen, Sherry Klinefelter, Neil Taylor, Ed Aleszczyk, Kelli Olthoff, Jude Toups, Tim Rachuba, Aruna Mohan, Bethany Cybak, Denise Cayz, Paula Potts, Carinne, Laura Barnes, April Ramey, Tricia Noble, Richard Uhler, Melissa Blackwell, Garland Cox and Jennifer Schwing will all be entered in December’s winners drawing. Good luck to you all!
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Challenge #20: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

Season's Greetings! I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with your loved ones. I have a gift to share. I hope you like it. The gift is a monthly calendar for the new year. Each month I will post a photo calendar page for the next month that you can print out and use at home or work. It's just a little bit of pixie dust to brighten the days before your next trip.

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.

I took this fireworks photo at MouseFest this month. I was standing on the outside deck of Teppan Edo - one of my favorite places to capture Illuminations. I think this particular bit of fireworks was part of the Christmas tag at the end. It was spectacular.

Speaking of MouseFest - I have one more installment of photos to share with you. Watch for it later this week. Then it's back to my regular tips after the first of the year. Happy Holidays everyone!

One of the best times I had at MouseFest this year was attending the Illuminations Dessert Party. I was lucky enough to be a guest of Deb Wills and just loved viewing the fireworks up close and personal. The wind was not in our favor so I didn't get many fireworks photos to share but the event was great fun!

The last MouseFest meet that I attended was another Tagrel meet. I was one of the co-hosts of this meet. Granted, that makes me a little biased, but I'm CERTAIN it truly was one of the funnest meets of the week. Capture the Magic is a wacky photo scavenger hunt through the Magic Kingdom. Teams are given 90 minutes to complete their photo quests, the winners being the team with the most points at the end. My only complaint about this meet was that the hosts didn't get to play!

MouseFest was a blast! It's just so much fun to see old friends and meet new ones while getting to play at Disney World. I already miss everyone and can't wait for next year.

This was Challenge #20:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/6s shutter, f4

I noticed this shelf of crayons when I was headed into Cape May Café at the Beach Club Resort. These are the crayons they give kids to play with while they are waiting for their meals. Who would have ever thought that a crayon storage space could be used so cleverly to decorate? That’s Disney for you!

Christina Romano was this week’s winner once again. Christina is getting hard to beat! She was joined by Jessica Romano, Nancy Ahlsen, Loretta Reed and Gretchen who all knew the answer and were entered in December’s winners drawing.

It’s time for another drawing winner. Congratulations to Nancy Ahlsen! Nancy was chosen randomly from a pool of 95 December winners to receive a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies.
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Challenge #21: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #21:

And here's the answer:

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

Only one person knew that this metal hand was part of the ESPN building on the Boardwalk and that was Jessica Romano. Congratulations Jessica! I was certain this would be an easy one. This contest just baffles me (in a fun way). Whenever I think something is going to be hard, someone gets it right away. And when I think my email with be overrun by answers, I have a lonely week!

Well, it just means there’ll be better odds for winning the monthly prize this month. Let’s see how you all do on this next one. Good luck everyone!
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Challenge #22: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

I found myself in quite a predicament on my last trip to Disney World. Back in the fall I took my camera in to be cleaned. It wasn't really dirty but I had bought one of those service agreements that included a yearly cleaning. So I thought it would be a good idea to take it in.

When I next used my camera I noticed little fuzzy dots on my photos. I had been taking pictures in the rain and assumed it was water spots. I gave my lens and filters a good cleaning and put away my camera.

The next time I went out shooting I had the same spots. Now I realized that what I was seeing were dust spots on my sensor. I opened the camera, blew out the inside and cleaned off the inside of my lens. I was able to get rid of all the spots except one.

That one spot was pretty easy to get rid of with Photoshop – one little click and it was gone – so I lived with it. But I knew I would be taking hundreds of photos on my trip to Florida and I didn’t want to have to deal with fixing each and every one of them. I knew I needed to take my camera back in.

Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited until just before leaving to call the place that cleaned it, or should I say, dirtied it! No problem, they could re-clean it that day and I could pick it up in the morning before heading to the airport. I was thrilled.

When I picked up the camera the next day I was told that they couldn’t get the spot off and that I’d have to send it in to get the sensor replaced. That would take 4 weeks. Well, there was no way I was going to Disney World without my camera. I’d just have to Photoshop that little spot out of my photos and get it fixed later. On to the World…

When I arrived at the Boardwalk I found that I had a great view of the pool and the Dolphin Hotel. It was a gorgeous blue day and of course, the first thing I did was unpack my camera to snap a photo of my view. I was horrified at what I saw. That small little spot was actually gone, but in its place were a number of other spots, including a big long streak down the middle of the frame. Here’s a photo of what they looked like.

It was disastrous. There was no way I would be able to Photoshop that streak out of hundreds (more than 1300 as it turned out!) of photos. Thank goodness for the internet. I was able to connect with some of my online friends who were still at home and get some advice for what I could possibly do while I was there. You were probably wondering if I was ever going to get around to a tip in this post! Well here it comes.

Be sure to check your camera equipment well in advance of any trip you are taking. Obvious, right? But how many of us really do that? I know I can’t be the only one who could make such a silly mistake. I could have saved myself a considerable amount of stress. Not to mention the vacation time I wasted trying to figure out how to solve my dilemma while I was there.

Now, if you decide not to follow my advice and you find yourself in the same predicament, here is another tip thanks to my internet friends. If you have dust on your sensor that you cannot clean off right away, set your aperture wide open. At f/3.5 the dust spots will be barely visible. This bit of advice saved my butt. The photo above was taken at f/22. This one below was taken at f/3.5.

In May I am heading to Europe on an Adventures by Disney trip. I definitely learned my lesson. I'm taking my camera in to get the sensor replaced soon.

By the way, here is a photo of that view.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/18-200VR, 1/1250s shutter, f3.5

This was Challenge #22:

And here is the answer:

The Beauty and the Beast float at the Magic Kingdom is where you’ll find this cute little bird. There is always a lot of wonderful detail in the parade floats – something to keep in mind for future challenges! This week’s winner, Christina Daughtridge, is very observant. She was the only one who sent in the correct answer.

We've had two hard challenges in a row. I bet a lot of people will recognize this next picture.
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Challenge #23: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Here is February’s calendar page for downloading. This photo of Snow White from the parade at the Magic Kingdom was probably my luckiest shot ever. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The original photo wasn’t actually that impressive. I turned it into one of my favorites by cropping it and softening her features with a gausian blur effect in Photoshop.

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 #23:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/125s shutter, f5.6

The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is the home of last week’s photo challenge. This is a close-up of a sculpture on the side of the building. Willie Tople was the first with the correct answer – way to go, Willie!

Congratulations also go out to Christina Romano, Evelyn Cowdell, Aruna Mohan, Brian G, Garland Cox, Laura Barnes, Tim Rachuba, Matt Taylor, Vickie Scioneaux, Allison DiBiase, Becky Sutton, Paula Chapman, Carrie Brenon, Barbara Zimdars, Melissa DeMonbreun, Suzie Marchetti, Kelli Vancil, Mike Stanilla, Noreen Rachuba, Ann Carr, Stacey Barboza, Jeff Warmington, and Patty Sautters. All of you also gave the correct answer and will be entered in the January winner's drawing.
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Challenge #24: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #24:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f4

On Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is a counter service restaurant called Casey’s Corner. Casey’s the place to go when you have a taste for a good old fashioned hot dog. Decorated with old baseball memorabilia, the seating area at Casey’s is designed to resemble a grandstand from days gone by. You can sit on the bleachers and enjoy your hot dog while watching old Mickey cartoons on a big screen.

Congratulations to Melissa Mathias, this week’s winner. In addition to Melissa, Kevin Gramlin, Mike Chappell, John Williamson, Wendy Haseneier, Sharon Pierce, Bill Nuzzo, Stacey Van Dyke, Angie Young, Pat Stockhaus, Renee Soderberg, Brenda, Sheila Filipone, Chris Maupin, Trygve Cumpston, Rhonda Jackson, Terri McAleer, Michael Belemjian, John Frangakis, Austin O'Blenis, Caryn Schill, Amie Mumpower, Jane Bradley, Doug Uccollo, Kathy Lowe, Jessica Romano, John Kaanta, Bill Bathel, Elisa Dillon, Kevin Sommer, Ed Aleszczyk, Scott Price, George Z, James Tweedy, Shelley Eggert, Brittany Vander Wal, John Lacasse, Debbi Bozeman, John Harmon, Scott Bauer, Dick Nussbaum, Lou Baker, Larry Gionet, Christina Romano, Joe Marrella, Michelle Raimist, Jim Thompson, Jos Rohrbach, John Burgess, Christine Rigney, Paul Pinzer, Bridget, Gary, Nicole Blount, Bryan McIntyre, Jim Barnick, Scott Cullen, Eric Bouchet, Buddy, Chris Thomas, Jim Greenhouse, Kathy Knight, Ed Horn, Melissa Hallenbeck, Terrie Waltich, Tommy Turner, John Pasqueralli, Steve Seibert, Mike Timmerman, Mike Holland, Phillip T. Stewart, Kelly Ware, Ken Hegburg, Kenny Cruz, Linda Norton, Cheryl Edwards, David Freemyer, Adam, Anthony Iarriccio, Jen Cerce, Bill Androckitis Jr., Cindy Bunch, Jude Toups, Jane Kubarsky, Tracey Yates, Kelly Sutton, Brian Gardner, Alyssa Nutter, Kyle Ellis, Nadine Anderson, Kevin Scharf, Todd Stevens, Liz Myrato, Heather Young, CJ, Betsy Richter, Mike Kaczanowski, Leslee Rigoli, John Zawisza, Kelly Michael, Ali, Debbie Beineman, Lori LaPointe, Michele Kaanta, Erica Andrews, David Rhoad, Margaret West, Kim Christian, Jennifer Kaufman, Mike Cross, Pollyanna Buff, Pat, Ruthie Hatch, Bob Sertic, Daniel James McCarthy, Erin McAuliffe, Mildred Popp, Regina Allen, Kim Tidwell, Marilyn Flanigan, Kandice, Charles Wright, Susan McAbee, Julie Bozeman, Cindy Dore', George Taylor, Jennifer Bowling, Debra Ulicny, Heather Cottell, Jen Carpenter, Lauren, Ellen Quinn, Emily, Michael Greer, Patty Carty, Brandy White, Kimberly Wilson, Chris Kotcamp, Krista Penno, Kurt Nank, Kristen Paolello, Malima Wolf, Jeff Swearingen, Carla Kumm, Mike Leonard, Jeff Sims, Jen Renaud, Danielle Mahoney, Dan McDonald, Ed Hogan, Vickie Woods, Brandon Wilson, Arthur Hutchinson, Mark & Meg Wilson, Julie LaChance, Elaine Johnson, Tim Rachuba, Jim Newman, Kristen Baustert, David Lizewski, Monica Maury, Joe, Larry Carter, Tom Michel, Paul Perrin, Karen, Ann Fowler, Dan Hawkins, Dennis Baylis, Katie Rohrbach, Maria Mounsey, EG, Melissa Wheeler, Ken Kleiner, Regina L Tipton, Patricia Ovesny, Rebecca Payne, Amanda Campbell, Luis Rodriguez, Lauren, Garland Cox, Nathan Firth, Mary Virginia Bartlett, Anderson Dun, Ron Harper, Nick Straka, Morgan Tosczak, Nate Clements, Frank F. Fincken III, Leslie Tischler, Jeff Kincaid, Brian Yesutis, Mary Brennan, Scott Stout, Michael Gainey, Jackie Revoir, Melissa Blackwell, Kim Moore, Tina, Jennifer Tremley, Sheila Saey, Heather McFall, Dina Hodara-Bono, Sally Fralix, Kathy Francis, Becky Rodriguez, Kelly DeLeon, Jan Thompson, Scott Weber, Tim Cooper, David Lampl, James Hajek, Katrina Drillien, Chip Vermette, Brian Martsolf, Denise Dossat, Pat Holt, Ken Fischler, Ed Crawford, Karen Korcheski, Tara Jachimczak, Dolly Desiderio, Boyd, Emily Foreman, Tara M., Jennifer Cicchetti, Denise Duggan, Joan Weisse, Christine Schuler, James Hickey, Jim Hammell, Arthur, Jamie Poynton, Chris Bertelmann, Cathy Messer, Sharon Lee, Jamie Gardner and Robert Flaherty all gave the correct answer and were entered in the January winner's drawing.

Phew - that was a lot! Now, drumroll please... the prize winner for this month is Erica Andrews.

For this next challenge, I am looking for a little more detailed of an answer than usual. There is something very special about this photo. In addition to where it is located you have to be able to tell me what is special about it. Do you know? Starting this week, please send in your answer before the end of the day on Thursday to be entered in the contest.
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Challenge #25: Where in the world is this and what is special about it?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #25:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f5.6

This beautiful horse lives on Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel in the Magic Kingdom. There are 90 horses on this fanciful carrousel and no two are alike. What makes it special is that this is the only one with a gold ribbon on its tail, signifying that it is Cinderella’s own horse.

Congratulations to Angie Young, this week’s winner. In addition to Angie, 127 people knew that this is the tail of Cinderella's horse. Morgan Tosczak, Carol, Sharon Pierce, Sharon Martinez, Jennifer Kaufman, Cheri Fitz, Miranda Brooks, Sarah Biggs, Brandy White, Lisa Leonard, John Agnew, Vicki Vaught, Amy Szabo, Heather Young, Sarah Smee, Belicia Dawson, Melissa Ruggieri, Jennifer Bourg, Tom Carty, Kelly Scott, Mark Carty, Melissa Wheeler, Vera, Neil Taylor, Robin Fitts, David Lizewski, Hillary, Leslie Budd, Rebecca Rodgers Johnson, Lisa Jones, Tim Rachuba, Lora Myers, Lynn Barber, Bev Carson, Greg Tucker, Bill Sosebee, Sara Lewis, Corey Vail, Marie Bertini, Chris Bertelmann, Patti Sturgis, Amy Cole, Debbie Hudson, Cindy Haley Higgins, Katie Whitehurst, Debra Kuklinski, Judy Brodersen, Kimberly Wilson, Nick Straka, Melissa, Karen Robertson, Ken Fischler, Kari Kane, Kathy Larson, Jennifer Schwing, Gregg Letts, Melissa Blackwell, Julie Ellis, Sharon Lee, Noreen Rachuba, Kathryn Hughes, Bob Hendrix, Megan, Paula Potts, Kelley, Jill Caltagirone, Terri McAleer, Karen Nelson, Kerry Ross, Shiraz Biggie, Karen Litzau, Genevieve Obrien, Brian Yesutis, Marianna Clark, Amber Keen, Jacquelin Schmidt, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Laura Pranaitis, Michelle Raimist, Lynn Brown, Emily Rennie, Kali Murry, Lisa Honard, Jaime Thomson, Karen DeSantis, Phillip T. Stewart, Evelyn Cowdell, Jennifer Cox, Austin O'Blenis, Casey Lawler, Karen Dresser-Smith, Ron Renz, Claudia Rosani, Josh Rohrbach, Ann Fowler, Amanda Campbell, Archie, Annette, Jessica, Nick, Nicholas, Christina Romano, Denise Montgomery, Chip Vermette, Carinne Kight, Kimm Bunch, Paula Chapman, Luis Rodriguez, Eileen Miller, Kelli Vancil, Brian Gallant, Jennifer Henson, Deborah Shauan, Sara Beth Wade, Dave Cole, Heather Fresa, Sue Peters, Peggy Saeger, Matt Brethauer, Wendy Ewing, Robert Lee, Becky Sutton, Dianne Brady, Joy Ludtke, MIke Keneally, Jamie Poynton, Felice Ciccione, Frank Valenti, Michelle Ellis, Leslie Losee, Hollie Hinton and Kyle Ellis all gave the correct answer and will be entered in the February winner's drawing.
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Challenge #26: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #26:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 0.4s shutter, f4.5

This sculpture is in the lobby area of the Impressions de France film in Epcot’s World Showcase. I've always thought that this was a gargoyle but I just learned that this replica of a stone carving from atop the Notre Dame in Paris is actually a grotesque. Grotesques were believed to ward off evil spirits.

A gargoyle has its roots in plumbing. A gargoyle is a grotesque that directs water away from a building via a spout in its mouth. Since this carving does not have a water spout, it is technically considered a grotesque rather than a gargoyle.

Language does have a way of evolving though. Nowadays it's common and acceptable to use the term gargoyle to describe both grotesques and gargoyles. Either way, he's still kind of grotesque!

Congratulations to Kathy Love , this week’s winner. Jacquelyn Law, Mike Kaczanowski, Brian Gallant, Monica Alderman, Garland Cox, Sharon Lee, Roye Ann Morris and Allison DiBiase also all gave the correct answer and will be entered in the February winner's drawing.
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Challenge #27: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #27:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1.0s shutter, f8

Sam’s BBQ is from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. This spectacular holiday display can be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Christmas season.

Congratulations to Derek Carty, this week’s winner. Jim Thompson, Patty Carty, Nick Romano, Christina, Sarah and Chris Kotcamp also all gave the correct answer and will be entered in the February winner's drawing.
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Challenge #28: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #28:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 55-200, 1/400s shutter, f10

The Atlantic Dance Hall is a gorgeous art deco club on Disney’s Boardwalk. I originally fell in love with this place several years back when they played swing music. A local swing dance club would liven up the place on weekends. They wore great clothes from the 1940s and were a lot of fun to watch. Now they have 1980s DJ dance music. Most times that I’ve stopped in recently the place has been fairly deserted. It’s too bad because it really is a beautiful club. I’d love to have a big old party there someday… maybe a fiftieth birthday bash… you’ll all be invited!

Congratulations to Evelyn Cowdell , this week’s winner. Merry Shippee, Kristen Eby, Kim Lawton, Erin, Jim Szlachta, Jude Toups, Gloria Martin, Jaime Thomson, Sarah Haas, Frank F Fincken III, Jennifer Tremley, Noreen Rachuba, Melissa Ruggieri, Gregg Letts, Mike Kaczanowski, Karen Schlumpf, Katelyn Palermo, Nora Beirne, Patty Carty, Chloe' C, Jeanine Yamanaka, Dominic Cooper, Tim Rachuba, Susan, Jared Nishida, April, Leslie Budd, Elisa Dillon, Karen DeSantis, Jennifer Horst, Jane Bradley, Melissa Littman, Ken, Michelle Raimist , Ed Aleszczyk , Sue McDonald , Ann Carr , Jim Senft , Chip Vermette, Melissa DeMonbreun, Heather Young, Neil Taylor, Ruth Cookson, Larry Carter and Suzanne Brown also all gave the correct answer by Thursday and were entered in the February winner's drawing.

Here we are at the end of another month already. We had 191 winning answers this month! Unfortunately, there can only be one prize winner and this month that person is Kathy Love. Congratulations Kathy! You will receive Steve Barrett’s newest Hidden Mickey book, along with some other great AllEars gifts.
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Challenge #29: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Here is March’s calendar page for downloading. This photo is of the Main Street Philharmonic, a 12-piece brass and percussion band that performs on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Their antics are very fun to watch as they perform old-time favorites like "Take Me Out to the Ballpark" and "76 Trombones".

By zooming in close and filling the frame with the band members I was able to to create the illusion that this was a large marching band. Having band members that extend beyond the frame of the photo tricks the eye into thinking that they go on forever.

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 #29:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/8s shutter, f4.8

This was a tough one! By far, the most popular guess was Pirates of the Caribbean. However, the correct answer is that it can be found in the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot. This little piggy is part of the Royal Banquet window display in the Sportsman’s Shop across from the Rose & Crown.

Congratulations to Trygve Cumpston, this week’s winner. Sharon Lee, Alan Broome, Heather, Theresa Ruicando, Heather Coursen, Linda Crosby, Kellie Carter, Lynda Champion, Ida Williamson, Noreen Rachuba, Jorge, Sarah Haas, Tim Rachuba, Chris Freeman, Jennifer Shipley, and Michael also all gave the correct answer by Thursday and will be entered in the March winner's drawing.

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Challenge #30: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #30:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f4.5

You just never know… I thought everyone would guess this one right away. Not a single person got it though. Challenge #30 is from the façade of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. I took this in January when I was there for the marathon.

This is such an interesting building. It was designed by Michael Graves, who has won numerous awards for his post-modern designs. I am always drawn to take photos of this hotel. There are so many ways you can take really unusual photographs of it. Normally I tend to shy away from taking any photos that are perfectly centered, but in this shot I deliberately lined everything up in a very symmetrical pattern. When you take a photo like this it’s important to be precise about the way you compose it. Even a slightly crooked line will ruin the effect.
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Challenge #31: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #31:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/1600s shutter, f5.6

High atop the Agrabah Bazaar in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is what looks to me like some kind of bird house. I wonder if that is really what it is though, or if it is something completely different. Does anyone know?

I was really surprised that no one got this answer. I thought for sure that everyone would have seen this, especially anyone who has ridden on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. That’s two weeks in a row that I have stumped you. Let’s see how many of you know this next one.
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Challenge #32: 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, by clicking HERE!
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If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Wow - it's already time for the April calendar. Here it is, ready for downloading. This is Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Isn't it just beautiful at night? Boy does Disney know lighting!

I took this photo from the seating area behind Flame Tree Bar-B-Que. It's a long exposure, for which a tripod was necessary. If you look closely, you can just barely see the blur of the train as it enters the mountain.

Because Animal Kingdom normally closes earlier than the other parks, it's hard to get night time photos - especially in summer when it stays light later. If you want to get night shots here, you really have to pay attention to when evening Extra Magic Hours are and plan accordingly.

Here's another tip - don't forget your bug repellent. It's hard to concentrate on getting a good shot when the misquitos are chowing down on your ankles!

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 #32:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f3.8

Yay! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was playing anymore. I'm glad to know you’re still with me. The winner for this week was Angie Young. She was the first to let me know that Challenge #32 was from Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. You can see the scull at the base of the mountain, just above the train engine.

More than 200 readers knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Mike Kaczanowski, Tricia Dean, Jennifer Tremley, Michele, Mary Kuks, Allison Dibiase, Dana Schirnhofer, Heather Coursen, Kim Riley, Suzy Kozicki, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Dolly Dolores Guerrera, Lisa Ann Pompa, Anne Hainsworth, Michele Gaudet, Heidi Goodhue, Alicia Reimer, Margie Addington, Michelle Sergot, Alan Lichtman, Robert Flaherty, Mark Robertson, Barbara Turner, Kristi Humphrey, Mandy P, Melissa Rebelo, Meg Comeau, Ella, Betsey, Felice Ciccione, John Silvestri, Kate Fanning, Becky Myers, Noreen Rachuba, Elizabeth Squires, Melissa, Cathy Evans, Michelle O'connor, Jennifer Gatti, Kelli Vancil, Maureen Tavrell, Kimberly, Marcia Thompson, Chip Vermette, Melanie Woodall, Leslie Tischler, Patti Sturgis, April Haddock, Julie Ellis, Sherri Chavis, Kristi Marks, Walter N Clark, Jeremy Hardy, Trish Avery, Bev Carson, Lisa Hall, Tom Linder, Liz Moreau, Anna Eldred, Linda Kuehnle, Christina Rose Cooper, Aimee Hewitt, Kelly Geyer, Christine Mckay, Bill Sosebee, Mary Butler, Heather F, Janet Theriault, Natalie Covey, Amy, Stacey Magee, Sharon Leitgeb, Debra Kuklinski, Bob Sertic, Merry Shippee, Mary Ellen Domeseck, Todd & Lily Drebnisky, Eric Bouchet, Chris & Alison, Beth Dickerson, Sheila Saey, Barbie, Rhonda Foss, Kathy Mcneal, Paula H, Abbie, Amie Mumpower, Andrea Roberts, Kellie Carter, Jackie Purcell, Tyra Trueblood, Melesia Love, Jaime Thomson, Karyn, Patricia Ovesny, Megan K, Kristin Coon, Lisa Stamey, Chris Bertelmann, Chris Connors, Ann Carr, Bsherwin, Shirley Mclaughlin, Shannon Milair, Amanda Campbell, David Wickware, Amy Miller, Alyssa Nutter, Lora Myers, Hollie Hinton, Trish Babler, Nick Straka, Juliet, Holley Blyler, Richard Caprio, Gary Genteman, Melissa Blackwell, Diane Blanchard, Shiraz Biggie, Nicole Lassiter, Karen Dresser-Smith, Jason, Jude Toups, Melissa Mathias, Michael Gainey, Jennifer Spraker, Penny, Jen Campbell, Laura Pranaitis, Susieh1957, John, Ken Jackson, Sarah Smee, Brian Gallant, Bryan Timko, Tina Lefante, Becky Davies, Aruna Mohan, Ken Kleiner, Loretta Reed, Wendy Snelgrove, Bruce Lawson, Megan, PaulIgnudo, Lisal Hoffman, Carinne Kight, Eric Hoffman, Jessica Longdon, Jared Orth, Steve Benson, Trygve Cumpston, Ken Fischler, Rachel Sipes, Lynn Barber, Garland Cox, Sharon Lee, Barry Fisher, Lauren, Tim Rachuba, Deb Ragno, Gloria Martin, Michelle Ellis, William Ellis, Chris Thomas, Lisa Pompa, Heather B, Sabrina, Kris Dunkeson, Sharon Pierce, Brian Harrigan, Denise, Linda Mac, Christine Benoit, Jim Thompson, Hillary W, Jennifer Lalli, Leslie Budd, Katie Wetzel, Nora Beirne, Jon Ward, Kendall Huffman, Theresa Rucando, Kyle Carty, Jennifer Horst, Kelley H, Robin Fitts, Willie Tople, Kathy Lowe, Melissa Nute, Kathryn Hughes, Erica Andrews, Amy Schweizer, Maryann Eckenrode, Stacey Barboza, Emily Rogers, Judy Koslowski, Ann Fowler, Rob K, John Agnew, Caryn Schill, Rick Shea, Aaron Hale, Brittany Irish, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Karen Nelson, Patty Sindone, Evelyn Cowdell, Dan Record, Frank F Fincken III, Christina, Austin O'Blenis, Jane Bradley, Elisa Dillon, Brandy White, Darlene Harmon, Heather Young and Josh Rohrbach. Whew!

And now for the BIG winner of the month… Richard Caprio has won the March drawing for the Hidden Mickeys book and AllEars goodies! Way to go Richard!

Here’s a special shout out to Brian Stake who wrote in to say, “In relation to your question of if that is a bird house or not... that is exactly what it is! I am currently stationed overseas in Baghdad, Iraq and we have a rather large birdhouse on Forward Operating Base Victory that looks very similar to that.” Thanks Brian!
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Challenge #33: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #33:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/3s shutter, f3.5

Brandy White was the first one to send in the correct answer this week. Brandy knew right away that our photo was from Muppet Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These are the Great Gonzo Stunt Props from the pre-show area. I’d really like to know what’s in the box of really weird stuff right below it!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Jodi Fox, Danusia Rogacki, Andy Apple, Neil Taylor, Alan Lichtman, Carissa Totleben, Karen Pizzuta, Catherine Moore, Suzanne Davis, Traci Stocker, Bob Hite, Shannon Wright, Amy Rupp, Laura Heacox, Sharla Manglass, Kim Adams, Kathleen Mcgrath, Lisa & Tony Battaglia, Heather Coursen, J Albrecht, Kathi Allen, Wendy S, Aruna Mohan, Carrie Mcdermott, Marie Bertini, Bev Carson, Janet Kodra, Kim O'Brien, Ruth Fell, Sharon Dale, Trey Morris, Louis Grilli, Sarah Davies, Dana Hall, Lisa Edmonson, Tim Sayler, Christine Benoit, Kerri Schafer, Katie Fry, Eve Cunning, Alyse, Jennifer Tremley, John Sloboda, Jaca Rogers, Greg Gebhart, Chrissy Palmerlee, Kyle Buff, Sara Lewis, Allison Collins, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Jaime Thomson, Scott Button, Nick Straka, Marie Hodur, Katherine Gast, Tim Rachuba, Andrew Bentz, Baines Family, Kellie Carter, Bryan Timko, Chris & Alison, Erica Andrews, Kye Layton, Debbie Hicks, Kerry Ross, Charrissa Lin, Jullie Petrie, Stephanie Visco, Melissa Mathias, John Dupre, Christie Condit, Nora Beirne, Katelyn Palermo, Garland Cox, Dan Record, Hillary W, Josh Rohrbach, Jennifer Lalli, Beth Finn, Deb Ragno, Tina Lefante, Pollyanna Buff, Dave Wang, Mark Antry, John Pasqueralli, Dawn Bach, Craig Bendele, Curtis Bille, Tim Wingfield, Katie Wetzel and Monica Alderman.

Remember, to be included in the drawing you must send in your answer before the end of the day on Thursday.
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Challenge #34: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for a copy of Hidden Mickeys Walt Disney World by Steve Barrett and some special AllEars® goodies!

This was Challenge #34:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f10

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to guests walking around the parks, gnawing on giant turkey legs! I haven’t tried one myself, but I have friends who consider this a “must do” when they are at Walt Disney World. Belicia Dawson was the first one to let me know that Toluca Legs Turkey Company is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s the answer to challenge #34.

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: William Ellis, Michelle Ellis, Jennifer Schwing, Hollie Hinton, Marie Hodur, Holley Blyler, Bryan Timko, Wendy Cacka and JR Cacka. Each of you will be entered in the April winner's drawing.
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Challenge #35: 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, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This was Challenge #35:

And here's the answer:

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

The Harambe Reserve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to these reticulated giraffes. You can catch a glimpse of them wandering the savannah when you take a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Did you know that even though the giraffe’s neck is taller than most humans are, it is still made of only seven bones? This is the same number of bones that are in the human neck. Click here to learn more about reticulated giraffes.

This week’s bragging rights go to Darlene Harmon, who was the first to send in the correct answer to challenge #35. Nice going Darlene!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Rusty Podbelski, Nicole, Chris Kotcamp, Kirby Double, Dawn Bach, Hollie Hinton, R.A. Curtis, Clare O'Connor, Bruce Lawson, Karen Dresser-Smith, Sara Beth Wade, Jean Smith, Leah Miscavage, Laura Brown, Sandra Miller, Sherri Pell, Kathy Smith, Walter N. Clark, Anjanette Tournillon, Gary Allen, Jami Kliethermes, Kim Wimberg, Karen Bortz, Shana Stewart, Jim Szlachta, Chris Thomas, Melissa Abreu, Allison Dibiase, Christine, Heather Coursen, Tom Swan, Kate, Kelly Nienhueser, Becky Terjung, Liz Moreau, Mary Jo Collins, Trish Babler, Diane Brunner, Joseph Zafia, Janet Theriault, Richard Nussbaum, Chris Bertelmann, Karen Akers, Debra Kuklinski, Jennifer Bogdan, Stacey Barboza, Amy Miller, Jim O., Lisa Forsythe-Kane, Lynn Hart, Mhairi Stirling, Heather Webb, Eulette Mckneely, Heather Stevens, Chad Coppess, Anita Burns, Jennifer Farrell, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Marie, Carinne, Liza Graham, Luis Rodriguez, Chris Connors, Melissa Santana, Janelle Farmer, Stephanie Visco, Kathleen Stevens, Marie Hodur, Merrie Tesh, Erica Adkins, Melissa Mathias, Julie Fahrner, Garland Cox, Doug Armstrong, Karen Korcheski, Laura Pranaitis, Emily, Wendy Snelgrove, Theresa Rucando, Cameron Lange, Dana Schirnhofer, Susan, Paula Potts, Heather Timko, Diane Blanchard, Debra Ulicny, Nick Straka, Dan Brian Huebner, Kendall Huffman, Lisa Gale, Kameo Crea, Melissa Demonbreun, Jennifer Tremley, Danusia Rogacki, Maryann Eckenrode, Vicki Vaught, Holley Blyler, John, Chris & Alison, Jennifer Bourg, Aaron Hale, Danielle Murgia, Jeff Schoeling, Brittany Irish, Belicia Dawson, Deb Ragno, Pollyanna Buff, Eli Young and Darlene Harmon. Each of you will be entered in the April winner's drawing.
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Challenge #36: 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, by clicking HERE! !

Picture This! Photo Blog Survey! Take a few minutes and provide feedback on our Photo Blogs.
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

This photo of Buzz Lightyear was taken during the Stars and Motor Cars Parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That parade has now been replaced with Block Party Bash which debuted on March 14, 2008. Check out Mike Scopa's Parade Moving 101 blog for a great article on what it takes to move a parade more than 2,000 miles.

Back to old Buzz though... the trick to getting a photo like this during any of the parades is to think about the lighting. Start by scoping out your location in advance. Make sure you aren't looking into the sun. If the sun is directly behind your subject you will have a hard time seeing them because of the backlighting. They will show up as a silhouette or, in the very least, be dark and hard to see.

The best spot will have the sun a little to the side of you, on the same side that the parade is coming from. This way, the cast members won't be looking into the sun when they look at you, which means you'll get more face shots.

Second, make sure your subject won't fall under the shadow of a large building or tree. Even dappled shade isn't that great. It will cast shadows on your subject that could make the difference between a really great photo and just an ok shot. Now unfortunately, this means that you will probably also have to stay out of the shade - but as my mother always said, "we have to suffer for beauty"! I don't think she was talking about photography, but it fits.

Finally, and I know this seems silly but, use your flash. Even on a bright, sunny day a flash will help to fill in any stray shadows that may occur - like the shadow from a big costumed hand waving at the crowd.

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 #36:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/50s shutter, f5

The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. Disney’s version of this beautiful temple serves as the entrance to Reflections of China, a 360 degree CircleVision movie.

With a telephoto lens I was able to zoom in close to pick up the detail on the outside of the building and create an unusual composition of this pavilion. The late afternoon sun really helped to give it a nice golden glow.

This week’s bragging rights go to Evelyn Cowdell, who was the first to send in the correct answer to challenge #36. Nice going Evelyn!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Lisa, Jessica, Colleen Gaudette, Sara Clemenson, George Zeimbekakis, Jami Kliethermes, Jennifer Schwing, Mike Venere, Bruce Lawson, Tara Lenharth, Mike Kaczanowski, Meridith Yeoman, Luis Rodriguez, Maureen U, Kevin Toomey, Doug Armstrong, Allison Dibiase, Barclay Bakkum, Lacy Gerrard, Jennifer Tremley, Carissa Totleben, Wendy May, Matt Naldzin, Tom Higbee, Sarah Phipps, Richard Nussbaum, Ed Nawrocki, Sherri Pell, Patricia Auger, Renee Soderberg, Melissa Demonbreun, Christina Rotella, Sharon Dale, Kim Watson, Kristen Chrzanowski, Jarrod Babel, Aaron Hale, Sara Lewis, Chris Bertelmann, Nick Straka, Alan Lichtman, Renee Hardiman, Heather Timko, Angela Brown, Wendy Cacka, Michael Gainey, Jen Campbell, Marie H, Jude Toups, Amy Miller, Brian Gallant, Jared Orth, Megan Stallings, Heather Young, Trish Babler, Sharon Lee, Noreen Rachuba, Melissa Hallenbeck, Ann Fowler, Karen Desantis, Dawn Bach, Kelley H, Jennifer Horst, Jerrimy Patzke, Gloria Martin, Anjanette Tournillon, Dan Record, Sherry Klinefelter, Garland Cox, Trygve Cumpston, Shannon Milair, Bill Androckitis Jr., John Dupre, Maci Schau, Amy Schweizer, Amy and Eli Young, and Pollyanna Buff. Each of you were entered in the April winners’ drawing.

It’s time again for another monthly winners’ drawing. This month’s prize is a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World, as well as some AllEars gifts. There were 290 correct answers this month, but unfortunately, there can only be one winner. Tina Lefante was randomly chosen to receive April’s prize package. Congratulations Tina!
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Challenge #37: 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, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Surprise! Two calendars in one month! Several people asked on our survey that I post the calendars sooner. Well, your wish is my command. I'm jumping ahead so that you can have more time to add appointments, birthdays, etc. to your calendar before the start of the month. Now you'll have about six weeks lead time instead of two.

Thank you very much to everyone who completed our survey. We were thrilled with the number of responses we received. We really appreciate all the feedback and recommendations. If you didn't get a chance to weigh in, or if you ever have anything you want to share with us, please use the comment link at the bottom of each post. We love hearing from you!

You may recognize this as the Sorceror's Hat from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Some people love it and some hate it. To me it's just another cool thing to photograph!

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 #37:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/50s shutter, f5

This lovely clock is on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer. Nice going Angie!

Here’s a special hello to Mrs. Mumpower’s first grade class! Like many people this week, they guessed that this clock was at the train station. That was pretty close, but not quite right. As you can see, the clock is actually about halfway down Main Street. I bet you’ll know the answer to this week’s challenge though.

Until next week, adios! (Hmm, I think that might be a hint!)

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Becky Myers, Baines Family, Lynn Barber, Bruce Lawson, Richard Nussbaum, Mary Williams, Abbey Williams, Carl Williams, Sharon Pierce, Heather Coursen, Mike Fisk, Tina Panzarella, Sharon Dale, Nancy Hannah, Betsey Pickard, Evelyn Cowdell, Jim Greenhouse, Tim Rachuba, Jen Maciok, Mike, Jennifer Tremley, Raymond Hatch, Chris Connors, Jennifer G, Jared Orth, Trish Babler, Maryann Eckenrode, Karen Dresser-Smith, Ken Fischler, Jeff Christiansen, Mike Kaczanowski, Jacquelyn Law, Ed Nawrocki, Pat Whitson, Hollie Hinton, Chris Bertelmann, Aaron Hale, Lisa Gale, Neil Taylor, Nicole Cyr, Kelley H, Patty Lue Roosa, Holley Blyler, Sherry Klinefelter, Theresa Rucando and Heather Young. Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #38: 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, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This was Challenge #38:

And here's the answer:

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

You’ll find this fountain in the marketplace of the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Mexico is a great place to get beautiful, colorful photographs. Because it is so dark, you have to be extra careful to keep your camera steady. For this shot I balanced the camera on the ledge at the entrance to the pavilion.

John Agnew was the first to send in the correct answer this week. Congratulations John!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Jennie K, Nancy, John Pasqueralli, Kevin Toomey, Gary E Genteman, Esther Muldur, Stephanie Visco, Chris Kotcamp, Mary Dannahey, Kelli Vanil, Kelley H, Reynic Compton, Amy Smith, Ramona Gaylor, Jennifer Schwing, Jennifer Bogdan, Heather Coursen, Monica Guerra, Jamie Hammond, Julie Mcclure, Renie Mistretta, Jillian Hoffman, Shana Wilson, Carinne Kight, Barclay Bakkum, Tammra Daugherty, Richard Ouellette, Melissa Olson, Julie Williams, Sara Stanfield, Emily Nussbaum, Amy C, Roye Ann Morris, Maria Rubi, Cheryl Lemmy, Martha Vance, Margaret West, Jorge Caso, Betsey Pickard, Angie Young, Sara Lewis, Debra Moscara, Alan Lichtman, Caitlin Blaney, Ana Marlett, Carrie Mcgugin, Patty Sindone, Sarah Bajek, Eric King, Sharon Dale, Lisa, Jennifer, Lisa Stamey, Michael Ciarrocchi, Brenda Double, Anjanette Tournillon, Susan Kolmetz, Jennifer Tremley, Karen Schlumpf, Katarina Whitmarsh, Denise, Marie, Kye Layton, Wendy Snelgrove, Jullie Petrie, Ashley Salters, Becky Myers, David Lizewski, Sherrytrapp, Laura Pranaitis, Emily Rennie, Vincent Maltese, Rob Stewart, Margaret Vattes, Patrick Albrecht, Sarah Smee, Catherine Chiarello, Mike Fisk, Tamara Gary, Mrs. Mumpower's Class, Kim Peters, Lisa Honard, Susan Williams, Karen Dresser-Smith, Stuart Hale, Sabrina, Sharon Lee, Julie Fahrner, Heather Timko, Julie Ellis, Anderson Dun, Jeremy Hardy, Bryan Timko, Trish Babler, Ann Carr, Jen Campbell, Sara Clemenson, Jeff Christiansen, Michael Gainey, Shirley Mclaughlin, Hollie Hinton, Josh Rohrbach, Brenda Strohmeyer, Monica Hatch, Donna Ports, Abbey Williams, Emily Russo, Danusia Rogacki, Jeff Schoeling, Cindy, Heidi Summers, Vicki Vaught, Susan Pitts, Elizabeth Akerley, Patty Carty, Kendall Huffman, Derek Carty, Garland Cox, Robin Fitts, Dave Cole, Rebecca Payne, Tim Rachuba, Rose Guarracino, Shannon Milair, Judy Koslowski, Chloe' C, Christine Dagney, Kevin Scharf, Becky Terjung, Luis Rodriguez, Chris Bertelmann, Jennifer Cox, Aaron Hale, Patty Lue Roosa, Mike Kaczanowski, Brian Haas, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, John Dupre, Austin O'Blenis, Deb Staples, Damon Carter, Sherry Klinefelter, Nicole, Erin Hammer, Holley Blyler, Brandy White, Evelyn Cowdell, Brian Gallant, Anne Hainsworth, Richard Uhler, Ed Aleszczyk, Katie Wetzel, Heather Young, Jude Toups, Sandra Shaw, Caryn Schill, Melody Salemi, Erica Sipich, Brittany Irish, Jacquelyn Law , Maryann Eckenrode and Nora . Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #39: 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, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This was Challenge #39:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/320s shutter, f5.3

This beautiful horse pulls the trolley on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. Ed Aleszczyk knew that! He was first to send in the correct answer this week, followed by a whole bunch of other people!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Cari-Ann Smith, Whitney Miller, Kate L, Heather Stevens, Paul Ignudo, Kevin Toomey, Patty Lue Roosa, Grace Goldblatt, Danusia Rogacki, Sara Lewis, Jennifer Tremley, Daniel Meagher, Sarah Bajek, Holley Blyler, Wendy Snelgrove, Richo, Danny Gauthier, Kim Peters, Brian Gallant, Karen Schlumpf, Sandi Smith, Doug Armstrong, Megan Stallings, Jude Toups, Eulette Mckneely, Susan Pitts, Katie Wetzel, Ken Fischler, Brian Harrigan, John Agnew, Ed Nawrocki, Sara Clemenson, Renee Soderberg, Karen Hotchkiss, Amie Mumpower, Jacquelyn Law, Michelle Ellis, Theresa Rucando, Jessie Romano, Linda Iacono, Debra Kuklinski, Anne Hainsworth, Alyssa Nutter, Angie Young, Jennifer Siwula, Merrie Tesh, Kendall Huffman, Robin Fitts, Double Family, Katelyn Palermo, Patrick Mcclelland, Sarah Smee, Derek Carty, Mike Kaczanowski, Jennifer Bourg, Josh Rohrbach, Evelyn Cowdell, Garland Cox, Jeff Schoeling, Katarina Whitmarsh, Vicki Vaught, Chris Bertelmann, David Lizewski, Darlene Harmon, Caryn Schill, Tim Rachuba, Patty Carty, Rose Guarracino, Chloe' C, John Dupre, Brenda Double, Jesse Kline, Glenn Meyer, Sarah Haas, Christi Ison, Luis Rodriguez, Paige Tow, Michele, Diana Archambault, Willie Tople, DECLAN OBRIEN, Nancy, Marc Lorenzo, Kelli Vancil, Janet Campbell, Chad Ryan, Patti Sturgis, Valerie Mccoy, Heather Coursen, Nan Newton, Melanie, Matt Naldzin, Beth Dye, Sherri Pell, Carol Donoghue, Lisa Battaglia, Tammra Daugherty, Nora Beirne, Renie Mistretta, Stacey Barboza, Moya Seaman, Noreen Rachuba, Sharon Dale, Jennifer Bogdan, Jodie Lee, Lesley Strawderman, Becky Myers, Susan Thompson, Judy Koslowski, Tina Lefante, Dave Cole, Kathryn Hughes, Heidi Leshko, Kimberly Kusser, Cheryl Costello, Bryan Timko, Hollie Hinton, Kelley H And Laura Barnes. Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.

You can take your time thinking about this next challenge. I'll be going on vacation (more about that later) and will be taking a little break from the blog. You have until Thursday, June 5 to get your answers in. Look for the answer and the next challenge to be published on Sunday, June 8. That's also when the winner of the May winners' drawing will be announced so don't forget to come back!
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Challenge #40: 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 5, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Here's an unusual shot of Illuminations from inside the China Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Generally, China is considered to be one of the worst places to view Illuminations from because there is an island in Showcase Lagoon that sits right between China and where Illuminations is staged.

However, when I was at MouseFest last year, I happened to be coming out of the China pavilion right when the fireworks started and I loved the silhouette of the arch against the fireworks. But, I didn't have my tripod with me. It was my last night in WDW so I had to wait until my next visit to photograph it. This is what I captured then.

I want to try it again though, because I don't think I was in just the right place. I'd like the arch to be more centered with fewer of the trees in the frame. Next time... it's always nice to have a reason to have to go back!

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 – I thought some of you might not have seen my note last week about being on vacation. Right now I am somewhere in Italy on an Adventures by Disney tour. After that I’ll be heading to France for a tour of Provence and Paris. Then I’ll be wrapping up the three week dream trip with a couple of days at Disneyland Paris!

And yes, I am definitely taking my camera! I hope to get lots of great photos to share with you all. I won't be posting any here until I return but you might be able to see a few on my other blog, 365 Days [and learning]. No promises, but I'll try to get at least a few photos posted there while I am gone.

The next Where in the World challenge (#41) will be published on June 8. You have until June 5 to get your answers in for Challenge #40. I’ll see you when I get back.

This was Challenge #40:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f5.6

I’m back! Thanks for putting up with me taking a vacation. I had a wonderful time on my Adventures by Disney tours of Italy and France. I’ll be sharing some photos from my trip with you soon.

Several people thought that challenge #40 might have been part of the shipwreck of the Albatross at Stormalong Bay. I thought that was a pretty good guess but it wasn’t quite right. Austin O'Blenis was the first to tell me that this scrawny pirate can be found in the Magic Kingdom, keeping watch from the crow’s nest above the Pirates of the Caribbean sign.

Congratulations to Austin and all the readers who got the answer right: Nancy Bennett, Marissa D'Ambrosio, Walter N. Clark, Candace Dadswell, Bruce Lawson, Willie Tople, Lisa Pompa, Joey Roggenbeck, Robert Mcclean, Gary Burke, Mary Williams, Nan Newton, Don Williams, Chip Vermette, Jill Strand, April Haddock, Nora Beirne, Susan Mcdonald, Evelyn Cowdell, Debra Kuklinski, Dawn Bach, Jessie Romano, Marissa D'Ambrosio, Jennifer Tremley, Tabatha Lawson, Stacey Van Dyke, Juliet, Karen Dresser-Smith, Nancy Bennett, Dawn Suarez, Liz Moreau, Tom Linder, Theresa Peake, Nora Zajac, Christine Rotella, Laurie Parr, Heather Coursen, Heather Stevens, Becky Myers, Beth Dickerson, Nancy Crossman, Kate Fanning, Kelli Vancil, Beth Dye, Kim Phillips, Margaret West, Marisa Sanderson, Brian Haas, Jeremy Hardy, Carrie Gardner, JJ, Jamie Hammond, Janet Theriault, Lisa Battaglia, Jane Treppa, Tina Panzarella, Heidi Leshko, Sheila Saey, Heidi Summers, Debbie Hudson, Tim Sayler, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Alan Lichtman, Mark Carty, Brian Gallant, Noreen Rachuba, Christi Ison, Jennifer Schwing, Carinne Kight, Jen Campbell, Kimberly Kusser, Ashley Salters, Amy Cole, Mary Williams, Stacey Barboza, Marie H., Sherry Klinefelter, Kellie Carter, Ann Carr, Betsey Pickard, Chris Connors, Debra Moscara, Heather Timko, Sharon Powers, Dina Grassi, Dana Schirnhofer, Chad Ryan, Melesia Love, Robin Fitts, Emily Rennie, Wendy Snelgrove, Jesse Kline, Mike Venere, Paula Potts, Tim Rachuba, Sharon Pierces, Robin Mcconnell, Karen Schlumpf, Maryann Eckenrode, Michael Mclucas, Marie Bertini, Jaime Thomson, Ed Nawrocki, Josh Rohrbach, Christina Cella, Sharon Dale, Theresa Rucando, Amy Schweizer, Patty Carty, Hillary W, Kim Davis, Kevin Toomey, Louis And Susanpassauer, Deb Ragno, Brad Weaver, Erica Adkins, Sarah Bajek, Lynn Barber, Joseph Tortorici, Sara Lewis, Katarina Whitmarsh, Ann Fowler, Chris Bertelmann, Kelley H, Anne Hainsworth, Diane Ramos, Lisa Allison, Chloe' C., John Dupre, Garland Cox, Ed Aleszczyk, Jacquelyn Law, Kelli Olthoff, Stephanie Visco, Chris Thomas, Trygve Cumpston, Anthony Dearman, Belicia Dawson, Patty Sindone and Brandy White. Each of you were entered in the May winners’ drawing.

Jennifer Tremley’s name was randomly chosen as the winner of this month’s drawing. Congratulations Jennifer! You are now the proud owner of some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx.

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Challenge #41: 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 12, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

The past two years of lugging my dslr and related equipment around the resorts and parks have taught me a few things. Here are a few tips I have compiled for travelling safely and more comfortably with your camera while vacationing at Walt Disney World. They aren’t in any particular order – just random thoughts I put into a list. Maybe there will be something here that is helpful to you.

My Top 10 Tips for Camera Safety and Comfort in Walt Disney World

1. I use a Tamrac Adventure 6 backpack to carry my camera, flash attachment, extra lens and batteries, etc. It is the perfect size – just big enough to hold everything I need, but still small enough to be comfortable all day long. I used to use a shoulder bag but after 3 days of carrying it around I found that my back really started to ache. I haven’t had that problem at all since I switched to a backpack.

2. Inside my backpack I carry a small kitchen size garbage bag just in case of downpours. It takes up very little space and I’ve only ever needed it once, but boy was I glad I had it when I did. It made a perfect raincoat for my backpack. I got totally drenched running from the awning at the International Gateway entrance of Epcot to the Friendship loading area just a few feet away – seriously, it was raining that hard. But my backpack and all my gear stayed perfectly dry. That bag is also handy for wet rides like Kali River Rapids.

3. On rides where it doesn't fit well into the holder they provide for personal items, I just put my backpack on the floor with one of my feet through one of the straps. For instance, this works well on Expedition Everest.

4. Be aware when standing in lines with a backpack. I've never had any problems but it is possible for someone to get into your pack without you knowing it. It's not something I would fret about, just don't be a space cadet either. If you're in a situation that doesn't feel comfortable, take the pack off and carry it in front of you. A trick I discovered while travelling in Europe is to weave the strings attached to the zipper pulls through each other. It’s a pain if you have to get in and out of your bag a lot but there’s no way someone can easily open your pack without you knowing it either.

5. Keep in mind that when you’re using your camera there is a lot happening around you that you can't see or might not notice. Be aware of your environment so that you don't trip over small children or get run down by an ECV. Try to get in the habit of keeping both eyes open when you are looking through your viewfinder.

6. If you're not carrying your camera on your neck, be sure to wrap the strap around your wrist for added protection, especially if you are taking photos on rides.

7. When it is on your neck, remember to hold onto it when you bend over (like to tie your shoe or look at merchandise) or you may bang it into something.

8. Another major improvement in my comfort level was when I switched to an Op/Tech camera strap - wow, was that ever a good find. Your camera will feel much lighter with this cushioned strap.

9. Be careful when using the viewfinder if you are taking pictures on bumpy rides (like on the Kilimanjaro Safari). Getting bumped in the face with a 3-4 pound weight doesn't feel that good, this I know from experience!

10. Don’t ever let your camera out of your site. For instance, don’t leave it in your stroller while you go on a ride or leave it on the table when you go to get more napkins. Just always be aware of your camera - it's easy to get distracted.

My best advice is to think of your camera as you would a newborn and you'll be fine. Well, I might not put a newborn on the floor of my Expedition Everest car but you know what I mean! What tips can you think of to share? Send them in and I’ll put together another list.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f5.3

The China Pavilion in Epcot celebrates the Flower and Garden Festival with a display of Chinese Zodiac topiaries. My Pic of the Week is a topiary depicting the year of the monkey. If you were born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 or 2004 you’re a monkey person!

This was Challenge #41:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f5.6

This amazing chandelier is located in the lobby of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. It’s breathtaking the first time you see it. This photo only shows one quarter of the massive fixture. There are actually four giant hippocamps* and four angels holding candelabras. It really is an incredible piece of art.

*Creatures with the head and foreparts of a horse and the serpentine tail of a fish are known as hippocamps in Greek mythology. Believed to be the adult form of a seahorse, they were ridden by Poseidon. (I learn the most interesting things when I write this blog!)

Dawn Bach was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Dawn and all the readers who got the answer right: Kim, Nora Beirne, Michael G, Nicole Cyr, Poopymail, Eric, Heather Coursen, Jeremy Hardy, Amy, Damon Carter, Jamie Poynton, Kellie Carter, Noreen Rachuba, Tim Rachuba, Maryann Eckenrode, Ed Aleszczyk, Hillary W, Josh Rohrbach, Katelyn P, Jennifer Horst, Susan Pitts, Heather, Ed Nawrocki, Jacquelyn Law, Austin O'Blenis and Garland Cox. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #42: 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 19, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

I thought a photo from the Mexico pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase was a good fit for August, usually the hottest month of the year here in the states. Can't you just feel the balmy breeze of a warm summer evening when you look at this scene? Hmm... margarita anyone?

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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 7secs shutter, f10, ISO 200

My ride Pic of the Week was taken while whirling high above the Fantasyland crowds on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. I used an extra long shutter speed to blur the lights of Cinderella’s Carrousel as I passed by.

This was Challenge #42:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/10s shutter, f5.3, ISO 800

Only a few people recognized this as the sign from Hollywood & Vine, a full-service buffet restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hollywood & Vine is home to a character breakfast and lunch featuring the Little Einsteins and JoJo and Goliath. Dinner is a non-character buffet.

Susan McDonald was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Susan and all the readers who got the answer right: Heather Coursen, Linda, Jamie Poynton, Cameron Lange, Tim Rachuba, Wendy Snelgrove, Bob Kowalski, Kyle, Pollyanna Buff and Dan McDonald. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #43: 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 26, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This week Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing night photos in our Pic of the Week series. One of the most common questions I hear is, “When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?” My favorite answer to that question is “After dark!” It’s less crowded, cooler and absolutely beautiful! There’s no better place to take night photos than Walt Disney World.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1.2 second shutter, f8

My Pic of the Week is from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre which houses the Great Movie Ride. I love how dramatic the lighting makes this building look against the dark sky.

Be sure to check back on Thursday and Saturday to see Scott and Lisa's night photo picks.

This was Challenge #43:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f6.3

This highly decorated and colorful bus is actually a refreshment stand found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is located on the path to Asia as you are heading towards Expedition Everest. There were many guesses but only a handful of people got it right. I’ll try to go easier on you with this week's challenge!

Darlene Harmon was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Darlene and all the readers who got the answer right: Karen Dresser-Smith, Karen Schlumpf, Aruna, Becky Hartness, Jen Cox, Anne-Lise Hagevig, Katt Stanley, Sharon Dale, Neil Taylor, Melissa Blackwell, Marie H., Kevin Toomey, Cameron Lange and Evelyn Cowdell. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #44: 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 4, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/1000s, f5.6

My Pic of the Week is from the Disney Dreams Come True Parade in the Magic Kingdom. I was standing in front of the flagpole where I was able to get an unobstructed head-on view of the Grand Marshall, Mickey Mouse, leading the parade down Main Street USA. By using my telephoto lens I was able to exaggerate the size of the castle, making it look as if it towered over the parade.

This was Challenge #44:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/25s shutter, f4

This is just a tiny portion of one of the beautiful mosaics that can be found in Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. There are five mosaics in the passageway under the castle that leads from Main Street USA to Fantasyland. Together the five panels tell the story of Cinderella in glass tiles. But most of you knew that, now, didn’t you?!

John Agnew was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to John and all the readers who got the answer right: Barbara Styles, Stacey Barboza, April Ramey, Jenny Beeker, Karen Hotchkiss, Tammy Kallenbach, Nancy, Vicky, Kim Riley, Sharon Powers, Barclay Bakkum, Robert Flaherty, Cheryl, Heather Mulvihill, Felice Ciccione, Marie H., Kevin And Karyn, Marita Sarad, Roye Ann Morris, Katie Fry, Chris Freeman, Melanie, Chloe', Wendy Nelson, Tricia Noble, Kendall Huffman, Nicole Lopresti, Mary Williams, Candace & Rebecca Dadswell, Allison Dibiase, Melissa Demonbreun, Kate Fanning, Gary Allen, Michelle, Alan Lichtman, Christa Polstein, Kelli Vancil, Becky Creviston, Jami Kliethermes, Tammy Thompson, Kendra Sands, Marcie Soderlund, L Stephens, Michelle, Jamie Hammond, Genevieve Bouchard, Vicki, Kimberly Watson, Sharon, Heather Coursen, Jane Rose, Mary Ann Cook, Maria Root, Mary League, Georgine Kamradt, Clare C., Chip Vermette, Angela Haire, Michele Downs, Lee Grant, Ashley Autin, Melissa O., Patti Sturgis, Tacey Atkinson, A. Cole, Jeremy Hardy, Nicole, Luis Rodriguez, Dana Hall, Elizabeth Doda, Joy Bennett, Emily Nussbaum, C Sherwin, Charles Giles, Melissa Santana, Laney, Diane Ramos, Alicia Henderson, Sharon Leitgeb, Carinne, Janet Theriault, Heid Leshko, Vickie Scioneaux, Marie Bertini, Marjorie Schmitt, Terry Guenther, Roberta, Jennifer Cobb, Christina Rotella, Jeanette Ehlert, Brent Bolte, Don Williams, Jamie Poynton, Catherine Sinclair, Tamara Gary, Kathy Smith, Susan, Sarah Steill, Kimberly Kusser, Kathy Lutz, Karen Schlumpf, Neppie Russell, Stephen Hafke, Suzanne Brown, Erin Worley, Chris Bertelmann, Melissa Jennings, Debra Moscara, Merrie Tesh, Amy Miller, Dana Schirnhofer, Carrie Kenney, Paul Jeffers, Dennis Blackburn, Debbie Hicks, Danielle Friend, Sara, Hillary W, Laura Pranaitis, Wendy Snelgrove, Mukta, Kayla Anulies, Glenn Meyer, Emily Pickle, Jamie Difatta, Shane Stack, Karen Dresser-Smith, Michael Gainey, Angie Loranger, Theresa Rudy, Eulette Mckneely, Melissa Blackwell, Dina Grassi, Tina Lefante, Amber Keen, Scott Greene, Karen Desantis, Noreen Rachuba, Emily Rennie, Denise Cayz, Dwayne Fontenot, Tina George, Amy Schweizer, Betsey Pickard, Christi Ison, Kevin Toomey, Paul, Jodi Kloss, Vicki Vaught, Erin Hammer, Margaret Vattes, Molly Swenson, Andrea Foster, Melissa Littman, Denise O., Sarah Haas, Tim Rachuba, Kim Peters, Jaron Goldberg, Brian Gallant, Heather Young, Jeanine, Dave Cole, Neil Taylor, Mike Kaczanowski, Kye Layton, Sharon Lee, Jen Campbell, Trish Babler, Monique Fisher, Damon Carter, Debra Kuklinski, Sara Clemenson, Joanna Snow, Jennifer Siwula, Kelly M., Double Family, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Kim Davis, Caryn Schill, Ashley Salters, Sarah Biggs, Deborah Shauan, Kali Murry, Lana, Kameo Crea, Barbara Cerimele, Spring Smith, Candice Cheven, April Tucker, Gloria Martin, Lin Fales, Danusia Rogacki, Jennifer Lalli, Sharon Dale, Ali S, Michele, Jennifer Tremley, Lesley Strawderman, Amanda Campbell, Nick Straka, Allison Burgess, Judy Koslowski, Theresa Rucando, Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Anne-Lise Hagevig, Nicole Cyr, Susan Pitts, Deb Ragno, Kelley H, Megan Krainski, Nora Beirne, Baines Family, Karen, Sabrina, Jennifer Chartier, Erica Adkins, Kayleigh Dawson, Willie Tople, Christie Condit, Annie Hulsey, Elisa Dillon, Kelli Olthoff, Anne Hainsworth, Sharon Pierce, Lizanne Allen, Chris & Alison, Susan Thompson, Christine Dagney, Garland Cox, John Dupre, Jennifer Bourg, Stephanie Visco, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Jen Cox, Katie Wetzel, Jared Orth, Brittany Irish, Danielle Murgia, Sherry Klinefelter, Dawn Bach, Cari-Ann Smith, Robin Fitts, Patty Carty, Carol B., Will, Kyle, Dan Mcdonald, Shannon Milair, Evelyn Cowdell, Bob Patterson, Victoria Janak, Julia Wickware, Brandy White, Kristi Zieh, Pollyanna Buff, Angie Young, Bryan Timko, Julie Ellis, Ken Fischler, Karen S. Nelson, Daniel Record, Allie Reckendorf, Alyssa Nutter, Tom Linder and Lisa Miller. Each of you were entered in the June winners’ drawing.

It’s time for another monthly drawing… drum roll please! And the winner is… Lizanne Allen! Congratulations Lizanne, you are the lucky recipient of a Passporter’s Walt Disney World guide and some really cool AllEars schwag!
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Challenge #45: 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 10, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

Have you heard of photowalking yet? Photowalks are a great way to spend time with other photography enthusiasts, get a little fresh air, exercise, and have some fun taking pictures. Technically, photowalking is defined as “the act of walking [or wheeling] with a camera for the main purpose of taking pictures of things that the photographer may find interesting”. Pretty simple, eh?

You can do solo photowalks, but organized group photowalks are where it’s at! It’s really fun to spend some social time with other photographers, doing what we all love to do – taking photos!

Group photowalks are for everyone. There are no special skills or equipment required. Just show up with a camera, ANY kind of camera, and that’s all you need. You can use a simple point and shoot that fits in your pocket or a fancy dslr with a whole bag of lenses. Really, the only thing you need to join a photowalk is the desire to walk with other people and take photos.

It works like this: someone schedules a photowalk and then invites other people to join in, usually via the internet. On the day of the walk, everyone gets together at the starting place and time and introduces themselves. After a few minutes of milling about and discussion, the group takes off on their pre-determined route to take photos. Everyone goes at their own pace, chatting and chimping* along the way. When they reach the end of the route, there is likely to be a little time to gather and do some more chimping, usually over coffee or beer! Then when everyone goes home, they upload the photos they took to a group site on the internet so they can see what everyone else thought was interesting enough to photograph. And that’s how friendships are formed!

Well, Lisa, Scott and I are all about photography, fun and making friends, so we’ve decided to host a photowalk at MouseFest this year and you’re all invited! You’re all going to MouseFest, right? Of course you are! So, here are the details:

What: Picture This! Photowalk meet at MouseFest 2008
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008
Time: 7am - 9am (yup – that’s the crack of dawn!)
Where: Disney's Boardwalk - meet at the Wedding Pavilion, finish at Boardwalk Bakery
Who: Everyone is welcome!

We’ve set up a Flickr group with more information, including a map of the route we’ll be following. That is where everyone can RSVP, introduce ourselves and chat about the meet. Afterwards, this is where we’ll share our photos. You’ll need to join Flickr to RSVP but it’s free and safe, I promise. You won’t get any spam from them.

We’re very excited about this meet and hope to see lots of you there. And who knows, there may even be some goodies available for those who attend**.

For a more in-depth article on photowalking, check out this post by Jeff Revell. To find a photowalk in your area check out photowalking.org or just google “photowalk” and your city.

Don’t forget to RSVP on the Flickr site.

*looking at each other’s photos on their lcd screens
**There's nothing wrong with a little bribery!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/20s shutter, f3.8, 800 ISO

I think the best queue in all of Disney World has got to be the Expedition Everest queue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I could spend hours in that line just looking at all the amazingly cool stuff! Of course, that doesn’t keep me from using Fastpass whenever possible!

This was Challenge #45:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2003 Barrie Brewer, Nikon E3100, 18-200VR, 1/470s shutter, f5.6

This lighthouse can be found at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. I took this photo from a boat that Sutree and I rented at Downtown Disney. Tooling around on the waterways near the resorts is a really nice way to enjoy a lazy afternoon.

Anne Hainsworth was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Anne and all the readers who got the answer right: Theresa Rucando, Sharon Pierce, Debbie Hudson, Ed Aleszczyk, Denise, Merrie Tesh, Jennifer Haas, Garland Cox, Tom Armstrong, Chris &Amp Alison, Heather Young, Chris Bertelmann, Sharon Dale, Austin O'blenis, Nicole Cyr, Christie Condit, Neil Roeper, Tim Rachuba, Debra Kuklinski, Jen Cox, Tim Wingfield, Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Michael Gainey, John Agnew, Brian Gallant, Lauren Cameron, Noreen Rachuba, Trish Hennessy, Christi Ison, Cameron Lange, April Pangburn, Sue Vanvleet, Jaron Goldberg, Deb Ragno, Colleen Gaudette, Rusty Podbelski, Double Family, Emily Chronas, Dana Hall, Betsy Podbelski, Katelyn P., Amy Miller, Laura Pranaitis, Ken Geiser, Barbara Styles, Michael Barker, Sara Clemenson and Marie H. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #46: What is this young woman doing and where in the world is she?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, July 17, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

These flower baskets hang from the poles lining the pathway in front of Germany in Epcot's World Showcase. I wanted to capture the beautiful red geraniums but I deliberately composed the shot to include part of the building in the background as well. This is a nice way to take a not so typical vacation photo and a more interesting flower photo at the same time.

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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

This week Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing photos from the Disney resorts in our Pic of the Week series. Disney really does it right when it comes to creating beautiful and interesting resorts. Some are fun and whimsical, while others are just plain gorgeous. From the value resorts to the deluxe, there’s no shortage of fabulous photo opportunities. It was hard to narrow it down to just one photo this week.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 8.7secs shutter, f8, ISO 200

I decided to lead us off with my favorite place to stay, the Boardwalk Villas in Walt Disney World. This Disney Vacation Club resort is especially pretty at night with all the lights reflecting on the water. It was so quiet and peaceful when I took this shot. It’s hard to imagine all the bustling activity that took place earlier in the evening.

Don’t forget to check back on Thursday and Saturday to see Lisa and Scott’s resort photo picks.

This was Challenge #46:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f5.6

She’s playing Fossil Fueler, one of the wacky carnival games in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! Located in Dinoland USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dino-Rama is a fun and colorful tribute to the carnivals we all grew up loving.

Evelyn Cowdell was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Evelyn and all the readers who got the answer right: Angie Young, Patty Carty, Ed Aleszczyk, Garland Cox, Jennifer Tremley, John Dupre, Erica Andrews, Alyssa Nutter, Nicole Cyr, Stephanie Visco, Jen Cox, Karen Hotchkiss, Sharon Pierce, Amie Mumpower, Chloe, Diane Furtado, Damon Carter, Kerianne Magee, Karen Nelson, Dave Cole, Diane Ramos, Matt Martel, Dan Hwkins, Jon Sander, Cheryl Costello, Gretchen Payne, Cecilia Hale, Monica Hatch, Stacy Patterson, Erin Hammer, Ken Fischler, Krista Knowles, Eileen Krause, Kimberly Watson, Victor Gonzalez, Candice Cheven, Wendy Snelgrove, Evan Dworkin, Clay Anthony, Dan Potts, Kathleen Catalano, Melissa Destito, Noreen Rachuba, Paul Murray, Georgine Kamradt, Kerry, Greg Stevens, Hans Reller, Shandy Brickler, Rickey Yarbrough, Melissa Rebelo, Ron Lewis, Paul Hicks, John Pasqueralli, Paul King, Kelly Montgomery, Carrie Dienna, Mike Gillardi, P. Carrick, Jennifer Saylor, Crista Kostrzewski, Frank Miller, Jennifer Woods, Chris Courson, Mike Haeberle, Tara Mccauley, Lisa Mcbride, Gary Huusko, Howard Schreiber, Mary Wangerin, Kenneth Cox, Jessica Persinger, Heather M, Jason Scott, Katie Wetzel, Missy Carroll, Karen Durisch, Chuck Sands, Michael, Jay Lewandowski, Austin O'blenis, Tim Davis, Sara Wood, Liz Barranco, Marita Sarad, Heather Kelly, Jennifer Kelly, Janet Druce, Sharon Runciman, Dawn Erickson, Jennifer Lindhurst, Brian Miller, Renee Zarycki, Allen Cohen, Leslee Rigoli, Dawn-Marie Badame, Jennifer Romano, Dave Peters, Gerry Spooner, Bruce Hinterleitner, Rachel E, Jessica Reed, Pam Bowyer, Brent Nyberg, Angie Grimes, Andrew Browne, Nicole Laskin, Jaime Breheny, J. Thomas, Ashley Mucha, Joseph Ragona, Vickie Mcgee, Shannon Watts, Cedric Ching, Kenny Cruz, Emily Nussbaum, Eddie Cusson, Samantha Sim, Jennifer Smith, Christopher Handa, Heather Fresa, Lori Theilken, Mhairi Stirling, Scott Sabourin, Katy Pettis, Janet Deane, Katherine Smith, Cathie Hemesath, Mary Falcone, Wendy, Karen Dresser-Smith, Robert Layman, Robert, Melissa Allore, Jessica Gottlieb, Kari Morrison, Kathy Howitz, Dominic, Kimberly Mueller, Jay Bellemare, Clarissa, Karen Schlumpf, Sabrina Rolle, Gay Krahling, Danusia Rogacki, Jennifer Hacker, Alica Byars, Kenny, Debbie Hicks, Judy Brodersen, Deborah Rich, Dustin Woodley, Chris Maslowski, Catherine Zori, Amanda Mccandless, Emma Poprock, Kellie Carter, Jacqueline Sadler Rose, Kirk Sheppard, Kathy Maffei, Tom Wert, Mark Mills, Dawn Godaire, William Lawson, Colette Seller, Andrea Mayo, Debbie Roach, Jeremy Forehand, Larry Gandy, Christina Cella, Diane Bunn, Lisa Mcneill, Adam Boerhave, Jason Comegys, Kelly Zanauskas, Erick, Sara Cavallon, Jessica, Shawn Guthrie, Frank H, Mark Mainka, Tacey Atkinson, Renee Lambertus, Brian Berger, Maryanne Taragano, Sean Hyland, Eric, Erin Morrison, Jillian Clark, Gail Perry, Marie Rogowski, Brett, Kyle Bliven, Kelly Mager, Christy Hodge, Cat Birkett, Apryl Thomas, Susan, Amanda Heller, Joe Mahoney, John Pulcini, Diana Archambault, Joel Freer, Rebecca Sacks, Sal Derose, Kristin Trexler, Kevin Csizmar, Kelly Johnston, Anderson Dun, Kim V, Gino Caputa, Jon Strickland, Ann Toback, Erich, Cori Lehman, Jennifer Stafford, Catherine Zori, Garry Lauter, Julie Lauter, John Dean, Melina Hillis, Joe O'leary, Tom Koval, Jamie Poynton, Daniel Brace, Holley Blyler and Jess Ro. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #47: 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 24, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/13s shutter, f5.6

My Pic of the Week detail comes from Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel in the Magic Kingdom. Along the top of the carrousel are several vignettes, each featuring a different scene from Cinderella’s story. These are just a couple of the panels. I’ll leave the rest for you to capture on your next trip.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/20s shutter, f5.6

This was Challenge #47:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f11

This is the sign for the relatively new Character Spot sign in Epcot. Head to Innoventions West to meet Mickey Mouse and his friends. It’s a great place to have your pictures taken with the characters. Each picture will feature you and your favorite character in front of a brightly colored backdrop depicting the different lands of Future World.

Cari-ann Smith was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Cari-ann and all the readers who got the answer right: Cori Lehman, Katie Shade, Holley Blyler, Patty Lue Roosa, Emma Poprock, Erica Andrews, Dan Molczyk, Ann Fowler, Eric Bouchet, Linda Mac, Robin Fitts, Bob Kowalski, Sharon Pierce, Tom Durr, Abby Steill, Rebekah Anguish, Sharon Dale, Jenn G., Jennifer Romano, Jennifer Tremley, Hillary W, Lynn Brown, Tim Rachuba, Amanda Penhale, Noreen Rachuba, Stephanie Christiansen, Kerianne Magee, Cara Richards, Dina Grassi, Jon Thomas, Tom Koval, Patrick Albrecht, Heather Frase, Melissa Rebelo, Juliann Ruffing, Heather Coursen, Allison Caputa, Brian Gallant, Diana Archambault and Jessica Reed. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #48: 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 31, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/1000s shutter, f5.6

I chose this chimpanzee from Disney’s Animal Kingdom as my Pic of the Week for mammal week. This was as close a shot as I could get with my 18-200mm telephoto lens. What I wouldn’t do for a 400mm lens at Animal Kingdom!

This was Challenge #48:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/1000s shutter, f4

This is Warden Post No. 4, another example of how much detail Disney includes in its attractions. When you exit Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you pass by this post. Only a few people got this one right. I bet a lot of people miss this because they're in a rush when they get off the Safari to get to the next attraction.

Paula Potts was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Paula and all the readers who got the answer right: Amy Miller, Zack Dameron, Anne Hainsworth, Melina Hillis, Regina Reed, Jessica Reed and Kim Riley. Each of you were entered in the July winners’ drawing.

It’s monthly drawing time again! This month’s winner is Andrea Mayo! Congratulations Andrea, you are the lucky recipient of a Passporter’s Walt Disney World guide and some really cool AllEars schwag!

For this week's challenge, everyone will have two weeks to get your guesses in. I won't be posting a new challenge until August 17 because I am on vacation. See you then!
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Challenge #49: 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 14, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

Who is more popular than a rock star, signs more autographs than a movie star and poses for more photos than a top model? Just about any Disney character, that’s who! This week in our Pic of the Week series, Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing a few of our Disney character photos with you.

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

Winnie the Pooh is one of my favorite characters. What a lovable ball of fur! Here he is on his float in the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom.

Don’t forget to check back on Thursday and Saturday to see Lisa and Scott’s character photo picks.

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. That means you you still have time to enter last week's challenge!

See you next Sunday!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

I love going to Walt Disney World in autumn. The weather is perfect, the crowds are low, the decorations are fabulous - and who doesn't love Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or the Food and Wine Festival?! This photo was taken by the train station in the Magic Kingdom. The Mayor was one of several jack-o-lantern people on display.

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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know I am still out of town and will not be able to post any more blogs until I return. Look for me to resume posting in about 10-14 days.

Til then, Scott and Lisa will keep you going with the Picture This! Photo Blogs!

Thanks for understanding. Enjoy the rest of your summer,

Barrie

This was Challenge #49:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f5, ISO 400

Hi everyone – I’m back! Thanks for putting up with my extended vacation. The last Where in the World photograph that I left you with was a can of Blort. I don't know what Blort is exactly, but I'm sure it's quite the tasty treat. You’ll find it in this vending machine in the queue of Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club. Mike Wazowski is the one-eyed monster host of this show, located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.

Kevin Cowdell was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Kevin and all the readers who got the answer right: Cheryl Costello, Sherry White, Neil Taylor, Sharon Dale, John Dupre, Carrie Butcher, Debbie Hudson, Deb Ragno, Brian Yesutis, Laura Dawson, Jen Cox, Jennifer Bourg, Holley Blyler, Regina Reed, Jessica Reed, Patty Lue Roosa, Kevin Toomey, Theresa Rucando, Austin O'blenis, Chloe', Nick Straka, David And Melissa Lizewski, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Bob Kowalski, Maria Madsen, Maria Madsen, Jeff Christiansen, Vivian Abraham, Kristen Gainey, Angela Brown, Linda Mac, Melina Hillis, Craig Webb, Trish Babler, Dave Cole, Clarissa M, Kameo Crea, Sharon Lee, Kevin Scharf, Cam Lange, Irene Kleintop, Becky Terjung, Chris And Alison, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Rob Stewart, Melissa Mathias, Pat Moritz, Jean Scanlon, Emma Poprock, Bryan Henshaw, Shane Stack, Emily Pickle, Jamie Poynton, Pollyanna , Sara Lewis, Anna Keene, Willie Tople, Emily Nussbaum, Jeremy Hardy, Aruna Mohan, Bryan Timko, Glenn Meyer, Jerelyn Flores, Michael Pyle, Heather Fresa, Heather Coursen, Marita Sarad, Suzanne Queen, Victor Gonzalez, Rachel Law, Katie Whitehurst, Marcie Soderlund, Jennifer Smith, Noreen Rachuba, Christine Bishop, Krista Penno, Tim Rachuba, Melissa Rebelo, Scott Estabrook, Nicole S., Beth Dye, Michelle Castro, Nicole Lopresti, Stephanie Visco, Heather Timko, Jeff Dunn, Sharon Andersen, Chris Bertelmann, Catherine Chiarello, Angela Horan, Allison Caputa, Baines Family, Angie Young, Jeremy Coto, William Reed, Cindy Dore', Bic Bakkum, Julie Fahrner, Lee Anastasi, Deborah Shauan, Tom Koval and Alecia Brown. Each of you will be entered in the August winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #50: 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 28, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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 copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

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

Here’s a quick tip: If you change time zones when you travel to Walt Disney World, remember to reset your camera’s clock so that your photos are stamped with the correct time. It didn’t occur to me to do this when I travelled to Europe. I organize my photos by date and I had a heck of a time sorting them out when I got home. Now, I’m careful to make sure the camera has the right time set before I start taking photos in a new locale.

This week’s theme for Pic of the Week is indoor photography. Although it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of taking pictures in Walt Disney World, there are loads of great indoor photo opportunities. Lisa, Scott and I have chosen three very different examples to share with you this week.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/13s shutter, f5.6, ISO 1600

In the World Showcase at Epcot, Mexico is a wonderful place to practice your indoor photography. This dragon is one of the Oaxacan wood carvings that you’ll see when you first enter the pavilion.

This was Challenge #50:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/4s shutter, f3.5

The Walt Disney World Railroad boasts an old-fashioned steam train that makes three stops as it circles the Magic Kingdom. This photo was taken in the Frontierland train station, which is between the Main Street and Toontown stations.

I’m so surprised that no one guessed it this week. This is all in fun and I just hate it when everyone is stumped. From now on, if I don’t have a correct guess by Tuesday, I’ll post a hint. If you don’t know the answer, be sure to check back on Wednesday to see if I’ve offered up any last minute clues!

It’s monthly drawing time again! This month’s winner is Cheryl Costello! Congratulations Cheryl, you are the lucky recipient of a Passporter’s Walt Disney World guide and some really cool AllEars schwag!
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Challenge #51: 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 4, by clicking HERE!
_______________________________________________________________________

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, 1/80s shutter, f4.5, ISO 800

There is no such thing as a simple sign in Disney World. My Pic of the Week is the postal and shipping area in Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories store at Downtown Disney. I’m notoriously bad at writing but this just makes me want to send someone a postcard!

This was Challenge #51:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/80s shutter, f5.6

Tom Sawyer’s Island is a great place to take a little breather from all the hectic activity in the rest of the Magic Kingdom. Did you know that the gears inside Harper’s Mill creak to the tune of Down by the Old Mill Stream? There’s Tom’s raft resting on the shore in front of the mill. I wonder what he’s up to.

Trygve Cumpston was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Trygve and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Pierce, Sharon Pierce, Angie Young, Jaclyn Koller, Theresa Rucando, Ed Aleszczyk, Bryan Timko, Alex Karr, Holley Blyler, Emily Rennie, John Dupre, John Agnew, John Dawes, Chris Bertelmann, Dylan Weidner, Belicia Dawson, Scott Cullen, Krystal Thomas, Jen Cox, Heather Young, David And Melissa Lizewski, Charles Wright, Zoe Cullen, Kayleigh Dawson, Neil Taylor, Andrew Michuda, Kendall Huffman, Jennifer Tremley, Denise, Brad Weaver, Frank F. Fincken Iii, Bonnie Smith, Terri Thornton, Angela Brown, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Hillary W, Emma Poprock, Michelle Thompson, Rick Shea, Melina Hillis, Jessica Reed, Regina Reed, Fred Williams, Shannon Milair, Amy Lucas, Brian Haas, Patty Lue Roosa, Sharon Dale, Tim Rachuba, Leah Rollins, Gary E Genteman, Dan, Cara Richards, Jennifer Schwing, Amy Miller, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Cameron Lange, Garland Cox, Mike Kaczanowski, Amanda Campbell, Tim Sayler, Liz Moreau, Alicia Henderson, Chip Vermette, Evelyn Cowdell, Anne Hainsworth, Barclay Bakkum, Matt Naldzin, Heather Coursen, Wendy Kinkade, Allison Dibiase, Suzanne Brown, Jill, Wayne Haney, Ed Charbonnet, Sarah Haas, Lee Anastasi, Scott Button and Scott Button. Each of you were entered in the September winners’ drawing.

An honorable mention goes to Zack Dameron for the most creative wrong answer of the week – thanks for the laugh Zack!
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Challenge #52: 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 11, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f11

My Pic of the Week is a photo from my favorite Disney mountain, Expedition Everest, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We had nearly reached the summit when I took this picture of the damaged track up ahead. Obviously, there was no getting past that point! Hopefully, it’ll be fixed and we’ll make it past the Yeti when I return to Anandapur for another go at reaching the top.

This was Challenge #52:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/6s shutter, f4

This mischievous tiki can be found at the Polynesian Resort. He stands outside the window peering in at his mate who is behind the register in BouTiki. BouTiki is the resort's largest gift shop, located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Amy Young was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Amy and all the readers who got the answer right: Deb Ragno, Sharon Dale, Debbie Hudson, Joey Price, Cameron Love, Sara Lewis, Denise, Hillary W, Joy Johnston, Alicia Henderson, Chris Bertelmann, Tim Rachuba, Jennie Connelly, Melea Broekers, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Laura Pranaitis, Gaylin Chev, Derek Carty, Jennifer Horst, Sarah Haas, Sunny Skyes, Jamie Poynton, Jenny Anderson, Heather Coursen, Jeremy Reichelt, Mary Dannahey, Hope Schiemer, Linda Mac, Chris Freeman, James Boyd and Kim Steiner. Each of you were entered in the September winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #53: 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 18, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

The adorable Winnie the Pooh will be your companion for the month of November! I took this photo of Pooh as he rode on his float in the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at 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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

A good way to add drama to a digital photograph is to convert it to black and white. This week we’ll showcase some black and white photos from around Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Look for Lisa and Scott’s Pic of the Week photos on Thursday and Saturday.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f5.6

I really love black and white when it’s applied to portraits of people. This is Malificent in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. She looks very foreboding, doesn’t she? She really knows how to give someone the eye!

In the color version of this photo, your attention is drawn very much to the bright colors of her make-up and costume. Also, the color in her staff and some of the stage decorations that are behind her are distracting.

When I converted it to black and white, the photo looked much more striking and dramatic. In black and white, the distractions become less noticeable and the focus of the photo is shifted to Malificent’s intensity. Anytime you can draw attention to an emotion in your photo it is going to make it more interesting. Black and white photography can really help to do that.

This was Challenge #53:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f4.5

This supply boat is docked on Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As you go over the bridge from Discovery Island to Asia, you will see this boat over the right side of the bridge. It is docked behind Drinkwalla, a snack stand that sells cokes and chips.

Sharon Pierce was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Sharon and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Shannon Milair, Alex Karr, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Lindamac, Psychic Powers Lisa, Olivia Lobaugh, Alicia Henderson, Dave Cole and Elizabeth. Each of you were entered in the September winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #54: 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 25, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f5.6

For my Pic of the Week I chose this photo of a Snowy Egret I took in Frontierland last January. He didn’t seem to have a care in the world. Perhaps that is because he has feathers instead of fur!

This was Challenge #54:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f3.8

As you can see, this birdhouse is on the Splash Mountain Fastpass distribution sign, located in front of the Frontierland railroad station.

Sharon Dale was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Sharon and all the readers who got the answer right: Caryn Schill, Ryan Stevens , Emma Poprock, Nancy, Chloe', Zach C, Josh Rohrbach, Alicia Henderson, Tim Rachuba, Jennifer Schwing, Marie H, Lorrie, Nancy, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kellie Carter, Nicole Cyr, Jamie Poynton, Lee Anastasi, Chip, Kameo Crea, Karen Schlumpf, Michael Joel Gainey, Sharon Leitgeb, Dana Hall, Veronica, Chip Vermette, Mickey Eckert, Heidi Summers, Emily, Heather Coursen, Christine Claeys, Diane Jones, Holley Blyler, Karen Dresser-smith, Emily Rennie, Diane Ramos and Kim Garabed. Each of you were entered in the September winners’ drawing.

Holley Blyler gets a special mention for entertaining me this week. Holley went out on a limb, WAY out on a limb, when she provided her answer. Thanks for the laugh Holley!

It’s monthly drawing time again! This month’s winner is Heather Young! Congratulations Heather, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

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Challenge #55: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 2, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 26s shutter, f8

Choosing a Pic of the Week for architecture was really hard! Walt Disney World is an amazing place to take architectural photos and I love that kind of photography. So let’s just say I have more than a few photos that would have worked for this week. Narrowing it down to just one was definitely a challenge. I ended up picking this night time photo of the Japan pavilion in Epcot for no other reason than it makes me remember being there.

This was Challenge #55:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f6.3

Getting a hot dog at Casey’s Corner on Main Street USA is a “must do” whenever I am in the Magic Kingdom. You can always find this guy hanging out in front just waiting for someone to holler, “Batter up!”

Scott Price was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Scott and all the readers who got the answer right: Aj Perras, Alicia Henderson, Allie Reckendorf, Allison Dibiase, Allison Meredith Lowry, Amber Keen, Amy Lucas, Angela Jones, Anna Mansfield, April Ramey, Barbie Lawless, Belicia Dawson, Brenda, Brian Petras, Brian Sherwin, Brian Yesutis, Bruce Arnold, Bruce Lawson, Cameron Love, Cari-ann Smith, Carol Donoghue, Caryn Schill, Chris And Alison, Chuck Sands, Colin And Katy Christenson, Damon Carter, Dan Record, Dana Schirnhofer, Danielle Destefano, Dave Cole, Debbie Hudson, Derek Carty, Diane Furtado, Dina Grassi, Double Family, Ed Nawrocki, Elizabeth Akerley, Emma Poprock, Erin Hammer, Erin Kubicki, Glenn Meyer, Heather Coursen, Heather Mcfall, Holley Blyler, Jackie K, Jared Orth, Jeanne Cundiff, Jen & Ansley, Jen Cox, Jen Norris, Jennie Connelly, Jennifer H., Jennifer Tremley, Joanna Snow, Joy Johnston, Jude Toups , Julie Fahrner, Kameo Crea, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kate, Kathy Francis, Kathy Lutz, Katie Rich, Kellie Harpel, Ken Fischler, Ken Kleiner, Kevin Cowdell, Kevin Toomey, Kim Garabed, Kristopher Nixon, Kye Layton, Leslie Dameron, Marcie Soderlund, Marie Phillips, Mark Trigg, Matthew Waga, Merrie Tesh, Michael Gainey, Michael Nanney, Michelle Buchecker, Michelle Whalen, Neil Taylor, Noreen Rachuba, Paul Amico, Paul Ignudo Jr, Penny Urell, Richard Nussbaum, Robin Fitts, Ron Harper, Ronni, Rusty Podbelski, Ryan Stevens , Sarah Steill, Scott Cullen, Scott Junkin, Shane Stack, Sharon Dale, Sharon Leitgeb, Sharon Powers, Shelly Ranney, Stuart Hale, Tammie Sparks, Theresa Rucando, Tim Rachuba, Tim Sayler, Tom Koval, Tom Linder, Tommy Carty, Trish Babler, Vicki Vaught and Wendy Snelgrove. Each of you have been entered in the October winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #56: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 9, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

The theme for this week’s Pic of the Week is Fireworks! The fireworks shows in Disney parks are truly spectacular events. This week, Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing some of our favorite photos from the breathtaking fireworks displays that Disney produces.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 2.4s shutter, f11

This photo was taken at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, during Hallowishes. I like standing right in front of the Partners statue, where the Photopass photographers set up shop, to photograph the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. The backlighting of the castle and the fireworks gives me a nice silhouette of the statue from this spot.

Here’s a tip. It’s usually pretty crowded there at the hub, but if you set up your tripod right next to the Photopass photographer’s tripod, people will be less likely to stand right in front of you or trip on your tripod legs. Give it a try next time you are there.

How to Photograph Fireworks

This was Challenge #56:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f1.6, ISO 1250

This one turned out to be trickier than I thought. So many people guessed It's a Small World or the Enchanted Tiki Room, Under New Management in the Magic Kingdom. I took this photo during Finding Nemo, the Musical in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I finally had a chance to see it when I was in Walt Disney World a couple of weeks ago. What a great show - I just loved it!

Sharon Dale was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Sharon and all the readers who got the answer right: Eli And Amy Young, Brandy White, Alicia Henderson and Bonnie Smith. Each of you have been entered in the October winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #57: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 16, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

If you read my December 25, 2007 blog, you know that my holiday gift to you is that each month I will post a photo calendar page that you can print out and use at home or work during 2008.

Peace on Earth. I can't think of a better sentiment to bring a close to 2008. This beautiful scene is from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I can hardly believe it's been nearly a year since I began posting these calendars! I've had such fun putting them together and sharing them with you that I've decided to go ahead and keep posting them into 2009. Hope that's ok with you!

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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 0.5s shutter, f5

My Pic of the Week for water is the reverse waterfall fountain, or water-rise, in Epcot in front of the Journey into Imagination Pavilion.

This was Challenge #57:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f8

Right on! There are a lot of people really paying attention to Disney’s details! This photo was taken outside of the LEGO Imagination Center in Downtown Disney. Here, LEGO Dad is videotaping the LEGO Dragon.

Everyone who guessed the LEGO store and Downtown Disney will be entered in the October winners’ drawing this week - and those of you who told me the photo came from the camera will be entered in the drawing twice!

Sharon Pierce was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Sharon and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Neil Taylor, Bryan Timko, Ed Aleszczyk, Angie Young, Debbie Hudson, Lesley Strawderman, Cameron Love, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Mike M., Brianne, Laura Tarbet, Danielle Murgia, Willie Tople, Holley Blyler, Caitlin Barringer, Debra Kuklinski, Chloe Williams, Jeff Schoeling , Michael Thrash, Alex Karr, Zachary Dameron, Amanda Campbell, Jessica Reed, Amy Sooy, Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Kelley H, April Haddock, Chris Bertelmann, Michael Gainey, Brandy White, Alicia Henderson, Joanna Snow, Kameo Crea, Tim Rachuba, Cam Lange, Teresa, Gretchen Freudenheim, Baines Family, David Uchtman, Lee Anastasi, Amy Wenzel, Zach C, Jared Orth, Jennifer Schwing, Christine Mckay, Jamie Poynton, Glenn Meyer, Nancy, Lynn Barber, Heather Stevens, Kim Garabed, Angie Winter, Mary Jo Collins, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Carinne Kight, Heather Coursen, Norma Hatfield , Ruth Cookson, Jodi Cook, Cheri Palmisano, Cheryl Costello, Noreen Rachuba, Theresa Rucando, Jen Cox, Carla Leger, Allison Lowry and Nathan Firth.

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Challenge #58: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 23, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f5

Here’s my Pic of the Week for street performers. I always love watching the drummers from Tam Tams of Congo, a percussion and dance group who perform in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll find them next to the Dawa Bar in Africa several times throughout the day.

This was Challenge #58:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f7.1

This cool tile wall is in front of the Universe of Energy in Epcot’s Future World. It’s a great place to take some really fun pictures.

Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Deb Ragno, Darlene Harmon, Allison Lowry, Maryann Eckenrode, Jodi Cook, Brittany Irish, John Dupre, Brandy White, Steve And Kala Bieniek, Jennifer Chartier, Austin O'blenis, Ken Jackson, Chris Bertelmann, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Bryan Timko, Nancy Ahlsen, Linda Mac, Richard Uhler, Amanda Campbell, Neil Taylor, Elizabeth Akerley, Jennifer Tremley, Dale Knight, Brianne F, Ben Dameron, Sherry Klinefelter, Evelyn Cowdell, Debbie Hudson, Jen Campbell, Alicia Henderson, Bonnie Smith, Becky Terjung, Cam Lange, Tim Rachuba, Carrie Kenney, Sabrina Bogart, Karen Schlumpf, Diane Cripps, Elizabeth Scarborough, Hollie Hinton, Kendra Hettel, Jen Cox, Dave Cole, Jaime Thomson, Kellie Carter, Russell Hickerson, Pollyanna Buff, Kim Garabed, Hayley Lawson, Betsey, Suzanne Brown, Carla Leger, Kevin Toomey, Cheri Palmisano, Jamie Poynton, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Brian Haas, Cheryl Costello, Bruce Arnold, Jerry Marceau, Karen Pizzuta, Jennifer Bogdan, Danielle Destefano, Patti Sturgis, Roye Ann Morris, Liz Moreau, Chris Kotcamp, Mike Kaczanowski, Jen Norris, Bruce Dormuth, Allison Dibiase, Maria Root, Matt Naldzin, Tammy Persons, Cheri Palmisano, Jen, Kathy Lowe, Robin Mcconnell, Jen Harrelson, Eric Bouchet and Noreen Rachuba. Each of you were entered in the October winners’ drawing.

It’s monthly drawing time again! I’m happy to announce this month’s winner is Sharon Dale! Sharon’s name may look familiar to you. She’s been the first one to get the answer in the weekly contest more than once. Congratulations Sharon, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

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Challenge #59: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 30, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Happy Halloween! Guess what the theme is for this week’s Pic of the Week! That’s right… Halloween!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 50mm, 1/6s shutter, f1.4, ISO 1250

During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you’ll find that one of the ghosts from the Haunted Mansion has made her way outside to taunt and haunt the guests arriving at the mansion. Be sure not to miss her - she has a lot of attitude!

As always, Lisa and Scott will be sharing their Pics of the Week on Thursday and Saturday. The three of us love sharing our photos with you each week, but we've decided it's just not enough. We think it would be great fun to see your photos too! So beginning this week, we’d like to invite you all to join in on Disney Pic of the Week. If you'd like to play along, you can share your favorite Halloween photos here.

This was Challenge #59:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 2.5s shutter, f3.5, ISO 800

You’ll find this sign on the tour operator’s desk in the queue for Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s near the end of the queue, just before you reach the boarding area.

I haven’t spent a lot of time in this queue because I don’t fancy getting wet, but on my last trip I decided to go through the line just to take pictures. I lucked out because I happened to hit the ride at the end of the day when there wasn’t any line. I was able to wander around taking photos to my heart’s content - something to keep in mind for future Where in the World challenges – hint, hint!

Michael Pyle was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Michael and all the readers who got the answer right: Belicia Dawson, Scott Cullen, Marie Wolfe, Lauri Phillips, Leslie Dameron, Dave Wang, Lee Anastasi, Maryann Eckenrode , Matt Cofone, Angela Brown, Dave Cole, Debra Moscara, Angela Youngblood, Jeffrey Dunne, Amy Wenzel, Emily Rennie, Tammy Persons, Carla Leger, Marcie Soderlund, Karen Schlumpf, Cheri Palmisano, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Kelli Olthoff, Christina Rotella and Michael Gaineya. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #60: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 6, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 55-200mm, 1/640s shutter, f5.3

I like how nonchalantly the guys with the fire extinguishers walk up to this woman engulfed in flames. It’s as if they see this kind of thing everyday… oh yeah, they do! These cast members are stunt performers in the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They do an amazing job of showing us all how some of Hollywood’s most dangerous stunts are performed.

This was Challenge #60:

And here's the answer:

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

These colorful gondola mooring poles are in the water of the World Showcase Lagoon, in front of the Italy pavilion in Epcot. Uniquely painted poles were used to designate gondola “parking spaces” for various Venetian families. You can still see these multicolored poles in the canals of Venice, although they are more decorative than functional these days.

Chris Masse was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Chris and all the readers who got the answer right: Neil Taylor, Deb Ragno, Jennifer S., Heather Yjoung, Patrick Albrecht, Sherry Klinefelter, Brittany Irish, Brandy White, Jen Snapp, Jodi Cook, Dawn Bach, Barbie Lawless, Anjanette Tournillon, Marguerite Massett, Debbie Hudson, Lee Anastasi, Leslie Dameron, Sharon Dale, Penny, Ed Aleszczyk, Alyssa Nutter, Hollie Hinton, Becky Terjung, Kris, Jennifer Tremley, Kim Garabed, Elizabeth Akerley, Joyanne Johnston, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Linda Mac, Ben Howell, Samuel Shotick, Diane Cripps, Laura, Christina Dominique Cooper, Sharon Pierce, Sharon Powers, Lauren Foss, Jennifer Horst, Julianne Williams, Melea Broekers, Kelley H, Sarah Smee, Hillary W, Michelle Wilinski, Allison Lowry, Tina Roberts, Kellie Carter, Jennifer Rupert, Dan Record, Zach C, Alicia Henderson, Jeremy Hardy, John Agnew, John Dawes, Jill Fogg, Bonnie Smith, Angie, Amy, And Eli Young, Bob Patterson, Anne Hainsworth, Mike Thomson, Jennifer Schwing, Shannon Milair, Elizabeth Scarborough, Patricia Shea, Stephanie Servaites, Karen Schlumpf, Ashley Salters, Tim Rachuba, Judy Koslowski, Noreen Rachuba, Laura Barnes, Amy Miller, Becky Sterusky, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Amanda Diresta, Kye Layton, Allison Burgess, Karen Dresser-smith, Anderson Dun, Cindy Carrigan, Hope Schiemer, Kate Lavoie, Sarah Haas, Chris Bertelmann, Douglas Beasock, Ken Jackson, Jeffrey Dunne, Dina Grassi, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kelli Olthoff, Christine Angelo, Matt Cofone, Dana Hall, Carol Donoghue, Amy Cole, Sherri Pell, Jennifer Bogdan, Katy Robinson, Beth Dye, Michelle Gates, Amy Gamble, Barclay Bakkum, Heather Coursen, Rachele Hawkins, Wendy Snelgrove, Amy Kleinfieldt, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Allison Dibiase, Patti Sturgis, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Heidi Summers, Sue Castanien, Alison, Maryann Mignano, Beth Kandravi, Theresa Rucando, Wendy Cacka, Carinne Kight and Ryan Conway. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #61: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 13, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

This was Challenge #61:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f8

You guys are good! This was a hard one. This postal box is in the United Kingdom, in Epcot’s World Showcase. I’ll go easier on you this week…

Anne Hainsworth was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Anne and all the readers who got the answer right: Leslie Dameron, Neil Taylor, Heather Young, Walter Fletcher, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Debra Kuklinski, Joyanne Johnston, Anita Ponton-brown, Glenn Meyer, Sarah Smee, Sharon Lee, Julie Ellis, Wendy Snelgrove, Ruth Woodhouse, Julie Wickware, Michelle Shewbridge, Liz, Kevin Jones, Peter Tucker, Steve Green, and Melea Broekers. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #62: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 20, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Everyone has that one special thing that they have to do on every trip to Walt Disney World. It might be a particular ride that can't be missed or a favorite snack that just doesn't taste as good anywhere else. For me, a Disney vacation just isn't complete until I spend some time on the Boardwalk. That's our theme for Pic of the Week this week, my favorite place in all of Walt Disney World - the Boardwalk.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200mm VR, 1/20s shutter, f5, ISO 800

These rockers outside the lobby of the Boardwalk Inn are the perfect place to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Add a good book and a refreshing beverage and you may never want to get up again.

This was Challenge #62:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/200s shutter, f5.1

Nobody specifically mentioned Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats in their answer this week, but that’s ok - I didn’t lose my head over it! Everyone who named the Jungle Cruise is a winner. You’ll find both at the Magic Kingdom in Adventureland.

Joseph Tortorici was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Joseph and all the readers who got the answer right: Theresa Rucando, Sharon Pierce, Maryann Eckenrode, Zack Dameron, Caryn Schill, Holley Blyler, Evelyn Wilson, Debbie Hudson, Jared Orth, Danielle Murgia, Barbie Lawless, Sharon Lee, Tom Carty, Benjamin Dameron, Vicki Vaught, Olivia Lobaugh, Chris Connors, Austin O'blenis, Lee, Amanda Campbell, Katarina Whitmarsh, Ramona Gaylor, Jennifer Schwing, Jennifer Romano, Hillary W, Pollyanna Buff, Josh Rohrbach, Alicia Henderson, Chrstina Rotella, Curtis Bille', Scott Junkin, Cameron Lange, Sabrina Bogart, Tim Rachuba, Wendy Snelgrove, Noreen Rachuba, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Kye Layton, Cara Richards, Brian Haas, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Valanie, John Thurman, Lauren Foss, Julie Ellis, Betsey, Jennifer Horst, Emily Rennie, Alan Lynn, Dan Record, Kevin Edwards, Rebecca Krull, Mike Kaczanowski, Carinne Kight, Heather Coursen, Kelli Vancil, Nicole Lopresti, Stacy Alello, Stacy Alello, Patti Sturgis, Bill Mckim, Jeremy Coto, April Haddock and Jamie Poynton. Each of you were entered in the November winners’ drawing.

And speaking of that monthly drawing… this month’s big winner is Alan Lynn! Congratulations Alan, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!
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Challenge #63: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 27, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/640s shutter, f4.5

Being a gardener myself, I really appreciate the work of the landscaping crews at Walt Disney World. They do such a wonderful job of transporting us to the corners of the earth with the gardens they create. My landscaping Pic of the Week was taken near the Japan pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. If you didn’t know better, you’d never guess this picture was taken in Central Florida.

This was Challenge #63:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f5.6

Woohoo! I knew there’d be a lot of correct answers this week. The Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. Be sure to visit the AllEars Haunted Mansion page for lots of interesting facts about this beloved attraction.

Neil Taylor was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Neil and all the readers who got the answer right: Anne Hainsworth, Evelyn Wilson, Ken Fischler, Clarissa K, Angie Young, Sharon Pierce, Kim Davis, Heather Young, Ed Aleszczyk, Da, Robin Fitts, Jennifer S., Tommy Carty, Leslie Dameron, Deb Ragno, Pollyanna Buff, Cheryl Costello, Daniel Meagher, Rochelle, Alice Aucoin, Jamie Kelly, John Dupre, Caryn Schill, Diane Ramos, Katelyn Anguish, Mike M., Barbie Lawless, Danielle Murgia, Dawn Bach, Sherry Klinefelter, Belicia Dawson, Scott Cullen, Kayleigh Dawson, Kye Layton, Allison Caputa, Lee, Colin Christenson, Sharon Lee, Tim, Joseph Tortorici, Travis Grim, Kevin Cowdell, Chris & Alison, Matt Cofone, Vicki Vaught, Ryan Conway, Christie Condit, Rich Kacprowicz, Alex, Debbie Hudson, Bethie Vechiarelli, Robert Greenwood, Denise Owen, Jennifer Tremley, Steve Bieniek, Mary Beth Tarbet, Frances Phebus, Kathy Lowe, Amanda Campbell, Hillary W, Chris Bertelmann, Angela Brown, Christine Dagney, Sarah Smee, Teresa Huynh, Spring Smith, Derek Carty, Megan Krainski, Sabrina Bogart, Hayley Lawson, Debra Kuklinski, Dan Record, Ed Nawrocki, Melina Hillis, Jeremy Hardy, Jim Logue, Linda Mac, Louise Barton, Cameron Lange, Lynn Barber, Sarah Connors, Kim Riley, Jennifer Schwing, Elizabeth Scarborough, Kirsty Butler, Dennis Dunkman, Scott Junkin, Jared Orth, Erin Hammer, Stephanie Whitehouse, Brian Haas, Wendy Snelgrove, Hope Schiemer, Lisa Zitek, Gary Genteman, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Sharon Powers, Shane Stack, Christine Mckay, Mike Venere, Karen Dresser-smith, David Singer, Tim Rachuba, Rodney Green, Jen Norris, Amy Sooy, Gary Sooy, Amy Miller, Kelly Kobiela, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Debby & Andrew Webber, Holley Blyler, Debbie Hicks, Steve Benson, Emily Rennie, Tom Hermes, Chuck Sands, Alicia Henderson, Julie Fahrner, Mike Kaczanowski, Berton, Lisa Berton, Katarina Whitmarsh, Christopher Bourassa, Doug Armstrong, Glenn Meyer, Bill Mckim, Tracy Discher, Carla Leger, Lesli Smith, Cheri Palmisano, Maria Root, Jamie Poynton, Shannon Milair, Laura Pranaitis, Kathy Coppola, Cindy Vaught, Melissa Littman, Michele Loffredo, Amy Wenzel, Heather Stevens, Janet Theriault, Liz Moreau, Vickie Scioneaux, Kala Bieniek, Sheila Saey, Sheila, Dana Hall, Paula Terrill, Bob Sertic, Danielle Destefano, Walter N Clark, Patti Sturgis, Shirley Garcowski, Sharon Murphy, Chip Vermette, Matt Naldzin, Jessica Reed, Barclay Bakkum, James Hickey, Kristen Costa, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Troy Vandeschraaf, Heidi Summers, Amy Kleinfieldt, Heather Coursen, Allison Dibiase, Dan Mcdonald, Sharon Dale, Shelley D., Joseph Zafia, Ellie Argaluza, Richard Waters, Del Rhea Watson, Bob Patterson and Anjanette Tournillon. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #64: 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, December 4, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Welcome to 2009! Here’s your first calendar for the new year. I thought I’d start us off with a trip to Europe. This is the Disneyland Hotel and the entrance to the Disneyland Resort Paris. Again this year, each month I’ll post a new calendar that you can print off to use at home or work. Hopefully, they will bring a little Disney magic everyday!

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.

Click here to see all of the calendars from past months.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/25s shutter, f5

I had such a hard time finding a picture of food for Pic of the Week this week. It seems that although I can definitely appreciate a good meal, I’m not drawn to photographing it. I have thousands of photos from Walt Disney World, but only four are photos of food. I finally found this one of breakfast. What? It’s just apples and cereal – sounds like breakfast to me! These yummy treats can be found on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom at the Confectionery.

This was Challenge #64:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f6.3

Off Kilter is a fabulous Celtic rock band that entertains guests near the Canadian pavilion in Epcot. This is Jamie Holton, the band’s bagpiper and front man. I wasn’t sure what kind of answers I was going to get this week. What I found amazing was that not only did folks know that these legs belonged to someone in Off Kilter, several people actually identified them as Jamie’s legs. Now that’s a little scary!

Bryan Timko was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Bryan and all the readers who got the answer right: Dusty Cheatham, Deb Ragno, David Wickware, Sandra Shaw, Jennifer Lazzaro, Jacquelyn Law, Alan Law, Deb Gallo, Erika Loboda, Devin, Austin O'blenis, Angie Young, Sherry Klinefelter, Leslie Dameron, Ed Aleszczyk, Kye Layton, Brian Harrigan, Patrick Albrecht, Sharon Pierce, Sharon Lee, Debra Kuklinski, Kathy Love, Dennis Dunkman, Ken Maikowski, Lori Posey, Kim Davis, Lauri Phillips, Brian Gallant, Jen Cerce, Jeremy Hardy, Jeff Kulisek, Mary Beth Tarbet, Trish Babler, Jackie Purcell, Melissa Demonbreun, Kelly Jean, Clarissa K, Joyce Tofflemire, Lisa Edmonson, Debbie Poole, Tim Wingfield, Joanna Snow, Shannon Milair, Hayley Lawson, Amanda, Michelle Wilinski, Dawn Bach, Kevin Toomey, Jeffrey Dunne, Gregg Mcglasson, Dallas Hamilton, Melesia Love, Krystal Pound, John Dupr, Robert Mcclean, Greg Gallo, Tim Rachuba, Elizabeth Scarborough, Debbie Hicks, Siobhan Mason, Jude Toups, Karen Schlumpf, Dan Mangini, Wendy Snelgrove, Sarah Haas, Nicole Lassiter, Carla Leger, Paula Bender, Evelyn Wilson, Glenn Meyer, Cheri Palmisano, Karen Dresser-smith, Rick Shea, Keith, Lisa, Tommy Montgomery, Luis Rodriguez, April Tucker, Anne Hainsworth, Allison Caputa, Marie Bertini, Angela Brown, Gloria Keenan, Heather Stevens, Janet Guay, Joanne Snoots, Matt Cofone, Patti Sturgis, Ken Taylor, Kathy Berry, Harry Wilson, Bob Sertic, Katie Fry, Kevin Cowdell, Morgan Stalker, Kristine Gallatin, Melissa Boyle, Sam Mortellaro, Lisa Zitek, Lisa Hoffman, Kelli Vancil, Kim Steiner, Patricia Ovesny, Regina L Tipton, Ruth Cookson, Patricia Siebert, Kurt Schmidt, Mlke Verlinghieri, Kirk Hardy, Terri Thornton, Cari-ann, Liz Patterson, Tere Rudy, Nancy Ahlsen, Lauren Foss, Mickey Eckert and Bruce Arnold. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.

I’ll be taking the next two weeks off from the Where in the World challenge to attend MouseFest. That gives everyone some extra time to get your answers in for challenge #65. Challenge #66 will appear on December 28.

If you’re attending MouseFest this year, don’t forget to join Lisa, Scott and me at our Picture This! Photowalk meet on Saturday morning. You’ll find all the details here.
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Challenge #65: 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, December 25, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

February's calendar features a meercat from the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom. These little guys (and gals) are so cute!

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.

One of the best things about vacationing on the Walt Disney World property is that you really never have to get in a car if you don’t want to. For some people, that’s worth the price of the whole trip! You could fill a whole data card with photos of all the boats, buses, monorails, trains and trams. This week Lisa, Scott and I will share just a few of our transportation photos.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 3s shutter, f5.6

We were docking at warp speed and I took this photo just as our spaceship was coming to a halt. Ok, not really, but you’ve got to admit, I probably had you going for a second there. I actually took this picture with a very slow shutter speed as the Friendship was docking at the Boardwalk. By playing around with your shutter speed you can get some really fun effects. Just be sure to stabilize your camera. I used my tripod and remote shutter release when I took this one.

Looking for the Where in the World Challenge? I'm taking a couple weeks off from the Where in the World challenge to attend MouseFest. That gives everyone some extra time to get your answers in for challenge #65. Challenge #66 will appear on December 28. See you then!
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Challenge #65: 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, December 25, by clicking HERE!

Looking for the Where in the World Challenge? I've taken a couple weeks off from the Where in the World challenge to attend MouseFest. If you haven't sent in your answer to challenge #65, you have until this Thursday to get it in. I'll see you next Sunday with the answer and Challenge #66. Happy Holidays everyone!
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Challenge #65: 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, December 25, by clicking HERE!

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50mm f1.4 lens, 1/200s shutter, f7.1, ISO 3200

Merry Christmas everyone! My Pic of the Week for winter holidays is the finale of the Celebrate the Season show at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom. You can click on the image for a closer look.

Whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of the year, may it be filled with love and good times. Happy Holidays!

This was Challenge #65:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f4.8, ISO 800

This abstract looking photograph is a picture of the chandelier that hangs over the escalators in the Dolphin Resort. Since you had a couple of extra weeks to figure it out, I thought I’d make you work a little harder on this challenge. This week’s challenge won't be quite so tough.

Anne Hainsworth was the first to send in the correct answer for this challenge! Congratulations to Anne and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Jane Bradley, Jeffrey Michaels, Devin Wisman, Adrian Jelenszky, Angela Mcgee and Chris Freeman. Each of you were entered in the December winners’ drawing.

And speaking of that monthly drawing… this month’s big winner is Hayley Lawson ! Congratulations Hayley, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!
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Challenge #66: 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, January 1, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

This week Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing a few of our favorite photos from the wonderful stage shows produced by Disney.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50.0mm f/1.4 lens, 1/100s shutter, f5, ISO 3200

I saw Finding Nemo – the Musical for the first time in September and fell in love with the show right away. I love the beautiful sets, the colorful costumes and the creative puppetry. You really get the sense that the action is taking place underwater. This show takes place in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

It can be a challenging show to photograph. The actors are moving all the time, sometimes in and out of light streams. While much of the set is dark, the main characters are brightly lit. I found that I had the most success using a very high ISO and setting my meter to spot metering.

This was Challenge #66:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/30s shutter, f4.8, ISO 3200

We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! You can follow the yellow brick road on the Great Movie Ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s where you’ll find the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and ToTo too as they cross the poppy fields to the Emerald City.

Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer for this challenge! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Vicki Vaught, Chris And Alison, Michelle Morrow, Dave Carriere, Tim Rachuba, Cheri Palmisano, Trish Babler, Jamie Poynton, Noreen Rachuba, Tim Wingfield, Paula Massarelli, Courtney Crowe and Lisa Doerr. Each of you have been entered in the January winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #67: 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, January 8, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

This was Challenge #67:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/100s shutter, f5, ISO 2500

There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow…

I think we might have set a record with this one! More than two hundred and fifty people knew that jack-o-lantern is part of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. What I found really interesting was, with the exception of one person, everyone else guessed 50’s Prime Time Café.

Once again, Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Debbie Hudson, Sharon Pierce, Kathy Lowe, Ken Kleiner, Maryann Eckenrode, Dawn Radke, Sharon Martinez, Chris Masse, Amy Lucas, Renee Drainville, Tim Wingfield, Vicki Vaught, Sharon Dale, Tom Linder, Kerry Finnamore, Sherry Klinefelter, Sarah Biggs, Dawn Bach, Kirk Hardy, D.owem, Erika Loboda, Christina Cella, Charles Wrightq, Melody Salemi, Stephanie Visco, Holley Blyler, Joyanne Johnston, Danielle Murgia, John Lacasse, Brianne F, Steve Bieniek, Cindy Hershey, Kala Bieniek, Brandon Emerson, Kirsty Butler, Mary Beth Tarbet, Erica Sipich, Al Desimone, Caryn Schill, Jane Rochefort, Jennifer Chartier, Hayley Lawson, Kristen Baustert, Brittany Irish, Travis Grim, Daria Hagemeyer, Sarah Smee, Ed Hogan, Will Bennett, Cindy Motta, Cindy Motta, Louise Barton, William Wangerien, Robin Fitts, Kelley H, Kris Nixon , Steven Long, Brandy White, Loretta Reed, Marie Wolfe, Erin G, Kimberly Kusser, Susan Pitts, Christine Dagney, Melissa Schipper, Leslie Dameron, Marie Phillips, Len Sodrosky, Len Sodrosky, Jen Cerce, Patty Lue Roosa, Elisa Dillon, Christine Holzman, Heather Stevens, Carrie Kenney, Melissa Littman, Kathy Love, Geri Neemidge, Jamie Gregg, Tom Armstrong, Jacquelyn Law, Jennifer Tremley, Jessica Persinger, Jessica Persinger, Chris And Alison, Devin Wisman, Debby Webber, Olivia Lobaugh, Scott Price, Joseph Tortorici, Dale Knight, Zachary Walzer, Drew Deapo, Penny Urell, Jill Linton, Trish Babler, April Tucker, Kelly Montgomery, Wendy Shain, Lee Anastasi, Lori Posey, Shannon Garms, Andrew Weed, Dave Cole, Ed Aleszczyk, Renee Engel, Karen Hotchkiss, Tom Koval, Emily Wilburn, Tyler Benson, Elizabeth Scarborough, Diane Furtado, Carol Pranis, Sharon, Ed Nawrocki, Jackie Purcell, Richard Uhler, Jeremy Hardy, Maureen O'hare, Maureen O'hare, Jeanine Yamanaka, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Daniel Meagher, Morgan Stalker, Sharon Lee, Len Beebe, Ken Fischler, Liz Patterson, Deb Koma, Cam Lange, Becky, Sarah Haas, Scott Junkin, Stephanie Servaites, Dana Schirnhofer, Paul Ignudo Jr, Robin Kennard, Susan Hunter, Carol Cox, Amanda Brand, Greg Gallo, Pat W., Jaron Goldberg, Jennifer Schwing, Tina Santacroce, David Singer, Jen Norris, Jennifer Rupert, Bill Mckim, Kim Steiner, Gregg Mcglasson, Marc Lorenzo, Becky Terjung, Wendy Snelgrove, Mark T. Franklin, Jody Erdfarb, Tim Rachuba, Jen Schultz, Susan Thompson, Emily Rennie, Julie Rider, Chloe', Amanda Diresta, Merrie Tesh, Dina Grassi, Amanda Diresta, Chris Ridgeway, Lisa Doerr, Melesia Love, Linda Mac, Rebecca Bean, Kelly Scott, Kelly Scott, Layne Morrison, Kathy Berry, Lisa Lisa Bo Bisa Bananafanan Mo Misa Me My Mo Lisa, Holly Cruz, Jennifer Campora, Ellie Argaluza, Bryan Timko, Daniel Record, Callie Conrad, Chris Joyce, Alicia Henderson, Marian Sargent, John Arena, Mark Beauregard, Marie Bertini, Carla Leger, Mikki Bunt, Kimberly Monahan, Cheri Palmisano, John Blackwell, Maria Root, Mary Dannahey, Carri Marotto, Shane Stack, Katie W., Tim White, Vickie Scioneaux, Double Family, Laney Wood, Jamie Kelly, Jeanne Kiraly, Mary Brennan, Danielle Destefano, Deb Mcdonald, Sharon Leitgeb, Mickey Eckert, Liz Moreau, Emily Nussbaum, Shellie Mathias, Jennifer Bogdan, Bill Sosebee, Susan Jackson, Emily Jackson, Scott Baxter, Andrew Bentz, Jeffrey Dunne, Bonnie Smith, Tammra Daugherty, Peter Tucker, Melissa, Dan Potts, Bruce Dormuth, Nancy Bennett, Heather Coursen, Nicole Amidon, Jane Kurtz , Carinne Kight, Kelli Vancil, Kristi Morgan, Matt Hanlon, John Carlo, Michael Nanney, Dennis Purton, Tessie Theriot, Cindy Oliver, Phyllis Masse, Kelli Olthoff, Caitlin Barringer, Karen Nelson, Noreen Rachuba, Ashley Deitchler, John Dupre, Lynn Barber, Melissa Rebelo, Amy, Sarah Connors, Jamie Poynton, Kim Ahlers, Sherri Pell, Jessica Thompson and Valerie Gugala. Each of you have been entered in the January winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #68: 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, January 15, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Here’s your Disney World calendar for March 2009. Feel free to print it out and share it with your friends. I love night time photos of Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. The colors and lighting are amazing. I took this from Main Street just before crossing over the bridge towards the castle. By increasing my ISO to 2500, I was able to get a pretty decent shot without using my tripod.

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.