Picture This!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.