Picture This!

Barrie, Lisa and myself would like to welcome you to a new feature here on the Picture This! Photo Blog. One of the things you told us you wanted to see in the survey we conducted back in April was more theme park photography. In response, we are going to post three Disney Pic of the Week entries, one from each of us, every week. To add even more interest (we hope!), each week will have a theme for us to follow and subjects will not be limited to just Walt Disney World but any Disney property or event in the world.

I get the honor of introducing the first Disney Pic of the Week theme which is (drum roll, please)...Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival

Butterfly topiary at Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/3.5, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

This butterfly topiary was just outside the entrance to Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden during Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival in 2007. It was very late in the day and I used my camera's onboard flash to add just a bit more light to bring out the colors of the topiary's flowers.

Oh, I almost forget. Disney Pic of the Week's will be published on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Shiver me timbers, it's Captain Hook and he's trying to take over Peter Pan's Never Land Garden. A new addition to this year's festivities, the garden was located in the Imagination Walkway and features not only Captain Hook but Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and his worst nightmare, a crocodile. Tick tock. Tick tock.

Canon Powershot S5 IS, f8, 1/125, ISO 100

Read more about Epcot's yearly Flower and Garden Festival.

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 week's pictorial theme is Rides.

An intriguing and famous image we've all seen is that of Walt Disney walking through Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland. What you see off in the distance behind him is King Arthur Carrousel, one of the park's original attractions. Sitting in the center of Fantasyland, it draws kids and adults alike with its beautiful handcarved horses, lustrous royal colors and enchanting music.

Canon EOS A2, Canon 75-300 USM, Fujicolor Pro 400H

Be sure to check out both Barrie's and Scott's Disney Pic of the Week this Thursday and Saturday.

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.

At speed on Test Track's high banked turns in Epcot.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/40s, f/8, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

I'm a big NASCAR fan. I even did Richard Petty's Driving Experience once at Walt Disney World. For my Disney Pic of the Week featuring a Ride, I picked the next best thing to feeling like you are on a big track which is riding the high banks on Test Track in Epcot's Future World. In this picture I sat in the back seat to get more of the car, slowed the camera's shutter speed down to capture the motion of the car on the track and rode it late in the day for better lighting. I secured the camera with the strap around my neck and looped around my wrists.

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.

The Morocco pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase at night.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/10s, f/3.5, 1600 ISO, -0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

The Koutoubia Minaret (prayer tower) in Epcot's Morocco pavilion is beautifully lighted every night and makes an excellent Disney Pic of the Week for our Night theme.

This building in Disneyland formerly housed Carousel of Progress. Personally, I wish it were still there.

Inside Innoventions you'll find video games, trivia contests, a glance into electronics that are coming our way and opening any day now, Dream Home. I haven't seen it but the images I have seen of the previous Home of the Future makes me think of those old cartoons where Goofy carried his house around in a briefcase. I love those cartoons.

Canon EOS A2, Canon 28-90mm, Fujicolor NPS 160.

This week's Disney Pic of the Week theme is Parades!

Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/100s, f/4.2, 400 ISO, +0.3 EV, 35mm Focal Length

The chimpanzee puppeteer entertains guests during Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The colors, costumes, music and floats with Disney characters and guests makes for one of the "fun-est" parades at Walt Disney World.

Barrie and Lisa will be along this Thursday and Saturday to share some of their parade pictures.

For those of you who haven't experienced Pixar Block Party Bash yet, it is a high energy, bold colored, character-filled explosion of a street party. While seldom seen Monsters Inc. creatures George Sanderson (orange fellow with the sock on his back), Needleman (big red nose, horns on side of head), and Smitty (large, green, moptop hair) excite fans, gymnasts flip and bounce on trampoline's. Little Green Men call out orders, acknowledge guests, and attempt to dance to an eclectic mix of party tunes like Celebration, Dancing in the Street, and Macarena.

Canon Powershot S5 IS

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena
que tu cuerpo es pa' dale alegria cosa buena
dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena
hey Macarena, ahi.

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.

No matter which Disney park you are visiting or attempting to hide overnight in, you'll discover lots of visuals to catch your attention, even when you're waiting on line. Thus, Barrie, Scott and I present to you this week's theme, Queues.

My entry comes from Snow White's Scary Adventure at Disneyland.

Did you know that if you tap the top of the apple upon entering the queue, you'll get a surprise?

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!

One of the creepy statues in the Tower of Terror gardens framed by American Sycamore trees.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/125s, f/4.4, 200 ISO, 0 EV

It is my opinion the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the best themed attraction at Walt Disney World. A few years ago, and before Disney invented FastPass, I spent a long time in the Tower's queue which snakes through some overgrown gardens before you enter the lobby. When looking around, I spied this creepy looking statue through some American Sycamore trees. I felt it would make a good contribution to the Disney Pic of the Week Queue Line theme.

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.

Pop Century Resort's 1950's building and bowling alley pool area.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

As an avid bowler, when I came upon Pop Century's 1950's area, I was thrilled. The huge bowling pin stairwells, the sock-hop icons on the buildings and the bowling pin and alley themed pool put a big old smile on my face and perfect for my Disney Pic of the Week Resort theme photo. To come upon it early in the morning with great light and not a guest to be seen was, well, cool. It's too bad those bowling balls are not disguised floatation devices.

It goes without saying that I absolutely LOVE Disneyland. On those occasions when I've been able to treat myself to a stay on property, my number one choice is Paradise Pier Hotel.

If you enjoy beach theming and soft pastel colors as much as I do then you too will adore the rooms and decor there. There's something extra sensational about looking at all the twinkling lights and hearing the music coming from the park when you stay in a room that faces Disney's California Adventure.

You can see the hotel behind the Orange Stinger. Just imagine the view from one of those high floor rooms. This is my entry for Disney Pics of the Week.

What sets a Disney themepark apart from the all the others is the attention to detail. Some details are little and some large. Some go unnoticed until pointed out or stumbled upon. The latter is what happened to me a couple of years ago. Thus I introduce you to this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme: Theming Detail.

Main St. Railroad Station at the Main Street USA Station platform.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/8s, f/4.5, 1600 ISO, 0 EV, 52mm focal length

I was on the platform where the Walt Disney World RailRoad trains take on and disburse guests. I had my back to Main St. Railroad Office as I was concentrating on taking pictures down Main Street USA. I turned around and there it was. An authentic turn of the 20th Century office for a railroad. Like all of Main Street, the attention to detail right down to the sepia photos and conductor cap makes you feel like time hasn't passed at all. The next time you are waiting for a parade or fireworks show on this platform, turn around like I did. You will find other items in this office to discover.

Lisa and Barrie will be along later this week to share their theming detail photos.

As you recall, this week's category is theming and so I submit 2 images for your viewing. The first, is found on the Disney Wonder, as Mickey's hand points to the floor where the elevator is currently...elevating.

The 2nd photograph is that of a metal identification tag, if you will, nailed into a post on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

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 week's assignment is mammals and it was a challenge for me because I don't have many animal photos from...Animal Kingdom. Why? I have been to zoos so many times (I love them) that I've become a bit of a zoo snob. If you're ever in Miami, Florida, check out The Miami Metro Zoo.

I thought to myself, where else have I photographed animals. My first self-answer was Disneyland! Of course they are photos of me feeding feral cats and that's not very exciting to anyone but me.

Now what do I use? Pluto? No, I can't get away with that. Shamu? Wrong park besides I don't have any pics of Shamu. My cat? I could super impose her into Earl of Sandwich. She loves turkey breast. I thought and thought and scoured my digital files and found shots I had done back in 2006 for a project.

With super duper extra special thanks to my friend John for helping me out when my photo editing software program failed to work properly, here is my entry:

Ken, the ruggedly handsome cowboy, alongside a pony at the Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.

Be sure to come back on Thursday and Saturday for Barrie and Scott's Disney Pics of the Week. Yeehaw!

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!

The Alpha Male Gorilla as seen from the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
Nikon D70/80-200D, 1/60s, f/5.6, 400 ISO, +0.3 EV, 200mm Focal Length

After disembarking from your Kilimanjaro Safari, I recommend taking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail back to the African village of Harambe in Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the trail, you may come face to face with some of Animal Kingdom's great apes, the Sliverback Gorillas, in the glass viewing area. After checking out the excellent educational displays, I encourage you to continue on to the suspension bridge. This is where you'll often find the Alpha Male Gorilla, the leader of the family. For this photo, he was just appearing on to his favorite "pride" rock for the morning. He makes a wonderful example for my Disney Pic of the Week theme on Mammals.

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.

I'll conclude this week's theme, characters, with some extremely humorous images of Pluto taken at Disney's California Adventure. During my latest visit "home," I waited in line to meet Pluto and when he realized I just wanted photos of him, he told me in gesture, to wait a moment while he thought. In less than a minute he began posing and modeling for me. It was the absolute highlight of my day.

Please put your paws (or hands) together for Pluto, the Supermodel!



Canon 30D and Canon EF-S 17-84mm USM IS

Believe it or not, there's a whole lot you can do at Walt Disney World besides spending time in one of the themeparks. Besides swimming at your resort, there are all sorts of recreational activities like golf, minature golf, surfing, tennis, horseback riding, parasailing, waterskiing, driving a race car and fishing. What did you say? Fishing? There are some hardy people who get up early (just like us photographers will for the AllEars.net Picture This! PhotoWalk at Mousefest) so they can go after the big ones.

To lead off this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on Recreation, I choose this photograph of some fishermen who are not only enjoying some early morning fishing but where else in the world could they see a monorail quietly going by while they are doing it?

Barrie and Lisa will be along with their Recreational photos on Thursday and Saturday.

Fishing on Bay Lake.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/800s, f/7.1, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 200mm Focal Length

When I saw the list of themes that Barrie, Scott, and I were going to cover in these, our Disney Pic of the Week blogs, I panicked a bit. You see, I come from a family of non-athletes and so sports and major physical activities aren't something I look for, especially at Walt Disney World. Sure I can swing a golf club so long as the ball is only supposed to roll about 25-30 feet away from me but even that can be cause for mass hysteria. Just ask anyone who's mini-golfed with me.

I joked with Barrie that I had THE perfect photo for this series but I second guessed myself and therefore looked up the definition of "recreation". Thankfully, I was right. With the approval from www.dictionarycom, I give you my entry.

Taken with the Canon PowerShot S5 IS at Caribbean Beach.

recreation–noun
1. refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the like.
2. a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment.

Hiya kids! This week Barrie, Scott, and I will share some of our favorite photos of Main Street with you. Just the thought of walking down Main Street is sure to put a smile on your face. Right now I can smell the English toffee coming from the Candy Kitchen in Disneyland. I see the lamp posts glowing and I can hear the sound of metal horseshoes clanking on the pavement.

And while all of these images are certainly wonderful photographs, I'm going to take a slightly different approach this week.

I remember quite clearly when in the early 2000's Disneyland wasn't as pristine as it should have been. Then a new sheriff came to town in late 2003 by the name of Matt Ouimet. He turned things around rather quickly, making the park shine again by having the Enchanted Tiki Room refurbished to a beautiful paradise and had all of the burnt out bulbs replaced, and Snow White's Grotto cleaned up. He did a fine job of leading the way and getting the park ready for it's 50th anniversary.

With this one photo I'd like to applaud all of the men and women who made Disneyland a sparkling, gorgeous, and glorious part of America once again. You should all be proud. Thank You!

People checking in for their dining reservation at The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street USA.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/160s, f/6.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Do you think Main Street USA ends at Casey's Corner and the Plaza Ice Cream Palor? It actually extends around both corners to include the Crystal Palace and Plaza Restaurants. The photo above of the Plaza Restaurant is my selection for this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on Main Street USA. My two daughters rate this restaurant a 10 out of 10 and has the best grilled sandwiches at Walt Disney World. Honest, that's what they've told me.

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.

A quick story to share first. Way, waaaay, way back in October of 2004, I finally got my grandparents to go to Walt Disney World with me. One of the attractions we enjoyed was Living with the Land. Now, you and I know this is a slow moving boat ride that explains how produce, plants, and vegetables can be grown outside of common thinking. Well, you know the early part of the ride when you sail by the vegetation and farm scenes. You know how it's a teeny bit misty there? My baubie (bubbe if you spell it properly unlike us) grabbed onto my arm and said if she knew it was going to rain indoors she'd have brought her raincoat. Hee hee. I laugh every time I think of that. Whoooo.

When you have an opportunity to solely use natural light for indoor shots, take full advantage of it. Nothing is better than that giant fireball in the sky we call the sun. The greenhouse is filled with beautiful colors, shapes, and textures. Shoot as much as you can with a high shutterspeed to avoid blur because afterall you are riding through in a boat.

Canon EOS 30D, Canon 28-135mm USM IS, f7.1, 1/200, ISO 1250

If there is one thing a Disney themepark has plenty of it's SIGNS. Signs telling you where you parked, what bus to take, when a show starts, who to see, and how to use the emergency bag in Mission: Space. There are humorous signs, serious signs, small signs, huge signs and purple road signs. So, this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme is (you guessed it) signs.

People tend to forget when they enter Disney's Hollywood Studios, they are entering one very large movie set. In essence, the backlot starts at the Studio's entrance. If you look at the signs, you'll get the feeling you are on a working set in almost every corner. This sign was across from the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular entrance.

A movie set sign across from the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, +0.6 EV, 31mm Focal Length

Lisa and Barrie will be along on Thursday and Saturday showing you some of their favorite Disney signs.

This week's entry was extra difficult for me because I have a large sum of photographs of signs at Disneyland. Oy, the stress. Do I use this one? Is it not as funny as I think it is? How about this one? Maybe the readers haven't been to Disneyland and don't recognize it. What to do!? What to do?! I settled on just one, something that you'll easily identify whether or not you have been to my home away from home.

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!

She'll be coming 'round Space Mountain when she comes. She'll be coming 'round Thunder Mountain when she comes. She'll be coming 'round Splash Mountain, she'll be coming 'round Mt. Everest. she'll be coming 'round Matterhorrrrnnnn when she comes. Yeaaaah. (jazz hands)

In case that was too subtle, this week's theme is mountains and I'm not talking about Old Smokey, all covered in cheese. Whether or not you've conquered the drenching onslaught of water you should never drink at Splash Mountain, the Yeti representin' the West Coast in Matterhorn or the Yeti protecting the East Coast turf in Mt. Everest you still look at them in wonderment.

Today, I give you the basic shot of Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom as taken with a Nikon Coolpix 7600. It's nothing fancy unless you count my intentional angle of shooting from a Smurf's viewpoint.

Come back on Thursday and Saturday for other mountainous photos from Barrie (who lost her poor meatball) and Scott (who sneezed).

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.

Fall colors surround Space Mountain in mid-December.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/160s, f/6.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 50mm Focal Length

Normally, you don't think of fall colors when you think of Walt Disney World unless some Disney Imagineers work their magic during a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. For my Disney Pic of the Week Mountain theme, I chose this fall-like scene of Space Mountain which was taken from the Resort Monorail as it was waiting for traffic to clear the Contemporary Resort station during Mousefest back in 2006. It was a cool, clear day and the trees surrounding this Disney mountain were showing some color.

You may recognise this photo as it has appeared in a couple of other Picture This! Photographic Innoventions in the past: Showing how to use an HDTV to display photos and as a work of art hanging in a museum.

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.

The Tower of Terror Lobby as it would have looked like in an episode of the Twilght Zone TV show.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/160s, f/6.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 50mm Focal Length

This week's Disney Pic of the Week Black & White theme gave me an opportunity to show you what the lobby of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror would have been like in one of those classic Rod Serling produced episodes.

When I was in photography school, I used to argue with my Photojournalism teacher. I was 100% certain that I only wanted to shoot in color and at the time it was because I was completely entranced by the crystal blue oceans, bright green grass, and constant sunshine of California. No, I wasn't living in CA (yet) but I'd made a few trips out West and well, everything just looked more vivid there.

I learned quickly though that black and white photos have their own place in my world. And as the years go on, the photojournalist in me enjoys shooting in B&W even more.

While looking for detail in Disneyland's Fantasyland, I saw this metal sign attached to Pinocchio's Daring Journey.

I find it to be both elegant and simplistic and for those familiar with the movie, it'll give you visuals of various scenes from the classic tale.

This week's theme for our Disney Pic of the Week is Birds. Naturally, I went through my Animal Kingdom shots looking for birds. As you know, most birds fly. The subject of my photo, an Ostrich, does not. He is, however, the second fastest animal on Earth, and the fastest 2 legged animal, and can run 45 miles per hour (70 km. per hour). Ostriches can maintain that speed for at least 30 minutes.

The Ostrich is the largest bird in the world.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/7.1, 800 ISO, 0 EV, 65mm Focal Length

Barrie and Lisa will share their Disney bird photography this coming Thursday and Saturday.

I really love photography and wish I had the time to learn more about this amazing hobby.

I couldn't resist adding one of my favorite bird photos to the PhotoBlog Pic of the Week.

This photo is of an Animal Kingdom Greater Flamingo that I took February 2008. You can also find the Flamingos at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Uzima Savannah.

The Greater Flamingo is the largest in the flamingo family.

This photo was taken with my Canon S5 IS. I set the camera on a near by post to steady it.

Exposure time: 1/1600
Shutter speed: 1/1613.80
F-stop: 4.5
ISO speed: 80
Focal length: 72.0000
Exposure mode: Auto
White balance: Auto
Aperture: 4.3438

P.S. I didn't tell the PhotoBloggers I'd be adding a photo...hope it's ok!!!

As Scott previously stated, this week's theme is birds. I love birds but I'm especially fascinated by parrots. I think it started when I was a child and we'd visit my aunt and uncle in Miami. They had tons of animals, including a few parrots. One of them would call to my cousin whenever the phone rang, "Ellis, telephone." Another would whistle at my aunt. Those birds gave me very happy memories.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to a great variety of birds including several types of macaws. Here we have a Hyacinth Macaw doing what comes naturally.

If you'd like to explore and learn more about birds, visit Jungle Island (formerly Parrot Jungle) in Miami.

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!

Welcome to another installation of Disney Pic of the Week. Today, I'll erect this week's theme with a shot of Cirque du Soleil's tent situated at Downtown Disney Westside. Inside you'll find their show La Nouba. I haven't seen it myself but I have visited the gift shop.

Canon EOS 30D with Canon 17-40mm USM L IS shot at f14, 10 seconds, ISO 250

Stay tuned for Scott and Barrie's structurly sound entries on Thursday and Saturday.

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.

Replica of the Stave Church in Epcot's Norway pavilion.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/250s, f/5.2, 100 ISO

My entry for the Disney Pic of the Week on Architecture can be found in Epcot's Norway pavilion. The Stave Church is a replica of the Gol Stave church found in the Norwegian Folk Museum in Oslo, Norway. Don't forget, as the AllEars.net webpage will tell you, there's an exhibit inside where you'll learn about some very famous Vikings.

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

Cinderella's Castle during a performance of Wishes .
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/3.5, ISO 200, 18mm Focal Length

In reviewing all my digital photos of fireworks at Walt Disney World, I didn't have many to go over. I keep saying I'm going to bring a tripod one of these days. On my last trip, I used a Disney furnished quadpod (you would call it a trash can) to capture this moment during a performance of Wishes as my Disney Pic of the Week for Fireworks.

Suffice it to say I'm not one who photographs fireworks so when the topic came up for the week I knew I had better get some shots. Barrie and I attended Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Sept. 23rd. While she set up her tripod in a perfect location, I sat on the ground right in front of the castle with a small bendable tripod that was less than cooperative. So please be gentle as I submit this pic taken with the Canon PowerShot S5 IS on the Fireworks setting.

Disney Imagineers use water for landscaping, entertainment and transportation and is the theme for this week's Disney Pic of the Week. The close up of the Liberty Bell's water wheel show transportation and the beauty of water use in the Magic Kingdom. Lisa and Barrie will be showing their wet visions on Thursday and Saturday.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat Water Wheel.
Nikon D70/80-200D, 1/250s, f/4.5, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 80mm Focal Length

As discovered by Dr. Albert Falls deep in the jungles of the cruise, I give you the backside of water. Ooh, ooh! Ooh, ooh!

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.

Street performers not street walkers! This is a family-friendly website, people. Geez. ;-)

No matter which Disney park you visit, you'll find a vast amount of extremely gifted Cast Members who sing, dance, tell jokes, act, perform magic tricks, and improvise on the spot. Actors have character names such as Otto Von Bonn Bahn or Officer Duncan Donut and are Citizens of Hollywood over at Disney's Hollywood Studios. While at the Magic Kingdom you'll find the Dapper Dans and the Main Street Philharmonic filling the air with music.

EPCOT is home to the World Showcase Players who can be found in the UK and Italy. No matter where in the World you go, you'll enjoy endless talent. Disneyland, too, has Dapper Dans harmonizing on Main Street along with jazz musicians in New Orleans Square.

I stumbled across two most hilarious ladies at Disney's Hollywood Studios last month. Having only caught half of their act, it seemed as though each took turns writing a script for the other which had to be acted out on the spot. Dressed in shades of blue is Tallulah (Tuitti) Fruiti and donning a bright red ensemble is Minerva Limpwhistle. With luck, I'll catch their writing skills in action again at MouseFest.

This is when I found their show. I've no idea what's going on here.

Tallulah is on the left behind the car. She's limping her way into the street per Minerva's direction.

Stay tuned for Barrie and Scott's entries this week as well.

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.

A Streetmosphere performance of The Dating Game in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/137s, f/4.2, ISO 100, 0 EV

When I am walking around Hollywood or Sunset Boulevards in Disney's Hollywood Studios, I keep my eye out for those lovable characters Disney calls Streetmosphere entertainers. Back in 2003, I came upon them doing their version of the The Dating Game. The lady acting as the host gave me a look of "Do you believe he said that!" to an answer given by one of the eligible bachelors. It makes for a humorous entry for my Disney Pic of the Week on Street Performers.

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.

Spooky pirates found in the Pirates Bazaar.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/30s, f/2.6, ISO 400, 0 EV

What could say Halloween more than those cursed pirates from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies that I found in the Pirates Bazaar gift shop you walk through when exiting the ride in the Magic Kingdom. I added a line from the song using Picnik.com to add some fun because at Walt Disney World, Halloween is all about the fun. Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week for Halloween.

This decadent-looking candy apple caught my eye at Süssigkeiten (Sweets) in Germany's pavillion in EPCOT. The Mickey ears treat is drenched in milk chocolate, designed to look like it's covered by a cobweb and boasts two happy candy pumpkins. Yummy!

Ever wonder how those Hollywood stunts are done? The stunt shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios take you behind the scenes of how stunts are safely planned and performed and is this week's theme for Disney Pic of the Week. Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show features the Red Hero Car being chased all over the large outdoor set by a group of Black Villain Cars. Stay tuned as Lisa and Barrie will share their best stunt shots coming up this Thursday and Saturday. And you can share yours with us by posting your favorite stunt show photo in this flickr post.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Hero Jump.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/8, ISO 200, 32mm Focal Length

I enjoy a good challenge, photographically speaking. Lighting is key as any photog knows so when you are faced with low light and action you have to think fast and set the proper settings on your camera. Another factor that's extremely important with photojournalism, weddings, concerts, etc...is to anticipate the action. I waited for Indy to move slowly or stop moving because I was shooting at a not-so-fast yet not-so-slow rate of 1/80 and the aperature opened up as much as it can at f4.5 and an ISO of 1000 which sadly, is noisier than 1000 ISO film is grainy.

Since the image has specs of red and green from the noise and I thought it made the shot look dirty, I cleaned it up and removed all color, thus making it a black and white photograph. Personally, I think it looks cool and something I can imagine framed up on Indy's wall at home.

Canon 30D, Canon 75-300mm USM

Disney Pic of the Week: Stunt Shows

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.

Are you a shopper? Do you enjoy dining out? Have you danced the night away? If you answered Yes to any of these questions then odds are you have been to Downtown Disney. It is broken down into 3 separate areas: West Side, Pleasure Island, and Marketplace. It's free to wander about, people watch, and window shop. Some of the cooler things to do that require paid admission are Cirque du Soleil and Disney Quest. The clubs at Pleasure Island closed permanently on September 27th.

My personal favorite shopping destination is Virgin Megastore. As for dining I'd say Portobello Yacht Club but I haven't been since it's recent makeover.

Over in the Marketplace you'll find a merry-go-round. I took this shot last September when Barrie and I set off for some night shooting. In order to make the horses look as though they were moving, I set up the shot and then while holding down the shutter button, swung the tripod's head, panning.

Canon 30D, Canon EF 17-40mm L USM, ISO 250, f11, .3 seconds

Cap'n Jack's and Rainforest Cafe restaurants at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/250s, f/8, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 56mm Focal Length

Any time you can take pictures during the Golden Hour of the day, they just have a wonderful look about them. Downtown Disney Marketplace was the first area in Lake Buena Vista Disney developed and has grown to include Pleasure Island (or what is left of it) and Disney's West Side. Given my other Walt Disney World hobby, I tend to include restaurants in a lot of my photography. So, I thought it fitting to use this as my selection for this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on Downtown Disney.

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.

Disney's Boardwalk comes to life after sunset.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/15s, f/2.6, 400 ISO, 0 EV

Disney's Boardwalk Resort Area comes alive after sunset with arcade games, entertainers and kiosks selling popcorn, drinks and other yummy snacks. I took this from a balcony overlooking the Boardwalk with my Nikon Coolpix 995 digital camera. Due to the slow shutter speed, I used the balcony's railing to help steady the camera. I think I captured some of the magic you feel walking on the boardwalk as my selection for this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on Disney's Boardwalk area.

Don't forget, Barrie, Lisa and myself are hosting the AllEars.net Pictures This! Photowalk at Mousefest in the Boardwalk area. Check out the link for more information and to sign up!

The photos I place before you were taken by Mr. Jack Spence, as I your humble Picture This! blogger cannot for the life of me find my old prints from the Boardwalk. Please enjoy the images while I am tarred and feathered* by Scott and Barrie.

Enjoying some peace and quiet.

Surrey bikes are available to rent.

Keep up with The World According to Jack right here on AllEars.net. Thanks for lending me your photos, Jack.

*That's colonial humor, I'm from Massachusetts!

Disney Imagineers use plants from all over the world to create landscaping for places not thought of or finding "look-alike" replacements which will grow in central Florida. Landscaping at Walt Disney World is our theme for this week's Disney Pic of the Week.

Landscaping of the 110-acre African savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a blend of African and domestic plants.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/400s, f/10, 400 ISO, -0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

The African savanah of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a mix of African and plant species both domestic and from other parts of the world to create an ecosystem for African animals. Additionally, Animal Kingdom Horticulture and outside vendors produce thousands of pounds of cut browse weekly. This browse is positioned throughout the animal habitats such as the savannas for the animals to feed on which in turn reduces the impact on the planted landscape. Insuring the savannas stay stable and still properly feed the grazing animals.

Barrie and Lisa will be showing their favorite landscaping photos on Thursday and Saturday.

This week's theme is landscaping. Disney parks and resorts have pristine greens and flower beds throughout the parks but they wouldn't be that way without guys like these.

These gentlemen were working in EPCOT across from Nemo. I'm not sure what they pulled out of the tree but even from far away I could tell it wasn't something that belonged there.

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 is sure to be a favoite subject with everyone because who doesn't love great food?! Repeat visitors to Walt Disney World and Disneyland have favorite restaurants and are always willing to suggest them and other dining options to newbies. Then there are the dining establishments that you haven't tried yet and are eager to cross off your To Do List.

I picked a snapshot from an eatery that you might not be familiar with, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store. Located on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, it sits beside El Capitan Theatre and across the street from Mann's Chinese Theater. Literally, the Soda Fountain and Studio Store are in the same space so while you're waiting for your food, you can poke around and get an idea of what you'll be buying once you've got a full tank.

Their menu offers yummy milkshakes, ice cream, sandwiches and what I had, a Mickey Mouse Belgian waffle.

Hungry for more? Come back on Thursday and Saturday for more food pics by Scott & Barrie.

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.

Tonga Toast, here presented by my lovely daughter, is my Disney Pic of the Week for the theme of Food. This decadent, deep-fried breakfast favorite has been served at Kona Café in Disney's Polynesian Resort for more than a quarter of a century. Sourdough bread, bananas, sugar and cinnamon are all it takes to make it -- except for the oil to fry it in.

Tonga Toast is a favorite breakfest treat at the Polynesian Resort's Kona Cafe.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/400s, f/10, 400 ISO, -0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

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.

For years I was convinced I was seeing the future of public transportation when I would see the Disneyland Monorail on television. When I first visited Walt Disney World I marvelled at the ease I could get from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom. The monorail system is quiet, comfortable and gives a scenic view of the massive resort. While Las Vegas is the only US city to use a similiar monorail system, Walt Disney World has the most extensive system and is my Disney Pic of the Week for the theme on Transportation.

A Monorail arriving at the Magic Kingdom station.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, 200 ISO, +0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Beep. Beep.

Hello and welcome to the Disneyland Resort, the Happiest Place on Earth. If anything should fall from the tram then you should have held onto it more tightly. Please keep arms, hands, feet, and legs inside the tram at all times as we will be passing jousters. We are approaching Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Knott's Berry Farm is in Buena Park, you are in Anaheim. When the tram comes to a complete stop please exit to the driver's right and right hand side only. No, your other right. Thank you and have a magical day.

Canon EOS 30D, Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM f10, 1/250, ISO 400

Taken from atop the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is a full-length view of the tram. In the background is the Disneyland Hotel. It was completely overcast and a wee bit smoggy on this day.

Kids at a Disney park. Brings smiles to our faces, doesn't it? Whether you have them or not, kids show the pure Disney spirit in their faces when they feel the magic of walking down Main Street USA with Cinderella's Castle and Fantasyland awaiting them.

My daughters grew up at Walt Disney World and when I began thinking of this Disney Pic of the Week theme about Kids, I naturally thought of them. They are in their 20's now but I have a photographic history of them at Walt Disney World.

Scottwdw's Daughters Grow Up at Walt Disney World

Barrie and Lisa will share some Kid moments of their own on Thursday and Saturday.

Star Wars fans rejoice at the Jedi Training Academy in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The 30 minute show is filled with lightsabers, Padawans, the Dark Side, and fun for all. Well, I suppose the grown-ups wish they were the ones getting the chance to fight off Darth Vader but they'll have to deal with just watching instead.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS using the Action Mode

Disney Pic of the Week - Kids

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/50s shutter, f4.5, ISO 400

This is Isabel Moskov pointing out a fish to her little brother, Charlie, on their very first trip to Walt Disney World. I snapped this photo in Disney’s Animal Kingdom this past September. I think the best photos of children are often the ones taken when they are unaware of the camera. You can really capture some special moments, without those cheesy fake smiles.
Even from behind, this photo tells a nice story of a big sister's guidance and a little boy's wonderment.

Right now it's snowing, the wind is blowing, and there's over eight inches of snow accumulated on the driveway. I just tried clicking my heels together 3 times and saying "There's no place like home," and wound up standing in front of my house freezing my tush off. Clearly, that plan backfired.

There are many, many holidays that take place during Winter months. People celebrate everything from groundhogs to presidents to my birthday with many, many other special events inbetween.

The greatest New Year's Eve I ever spent was at Disneyland ringing in 2003 with my friends. By telling ourselves it was going to be packed and not to be disappointed if we didn't get on more than a ride or two but to just enjoy the night and each other's company, we had THE best time ever. Not only did we manage to get in several attractions, we had a nice dinner, visited both parks and stayed up till 1am (or later) which is a major feat if you know my friend Yoli.

I don't have any fancy pictures to share with you from that night as all I took with me was my infamous $12 purple 35mm camera. Here we are, girls just having fun.

Cast Members handed out party hats, noise makers, and balloons to guests. I brought my own beads which I got in New Orleans Square from musicians on previous trips.

Happy New Year!!!

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!

Some of the Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/8s, f/4, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

A trip to Walt Disney World during the end of the year holiday celebrations isn't complete without a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios' Streets of America where Disney has brought the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. A jaw-droppng experience which now dances to Christmas music.

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.

Belle kicks her way through a musical number in the Beauty and the Beast, Live on Stage.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/6.3, ISO 400, EV +0.3, 35mm Focal Length

Disney Hollywood Studios offers three stage shows and two stunt shows and by far my favorite is the Beauty and the Beast, Live on Stage based on the popular Disney animated classic. Disney helped to resurrect the Broadway musical when they brought this story to New York City in 1994 and later with traveling shows throughout the world. This is my Disney Pic of the Week for Stage Shows.

When they took my Tarzan (aka Tarzan Rocks, a musical with muscle, uhhh) away and sent him and his rollerblading monkey friends to Japan, it hurt my...soul.

Things constantly change at Walt Disney World and so arrived Finding Nemo: The Musical and do you know what? I liked it. It is completely different from any other stage production I've ever seen, anywhere. In other theatrical productions with puppeteers, you aren't suppose to see them, however, here the actors are the puppeteers. Actually, they're triple threats because some of them also sing and do stunts. Quadruple threats?

It's a shortened version of the movie, "Finding Nemo" with new music, a colorful set, fantastic lighting (two thumbs up from this photog), and a few surprises. I've only seen it twice and I can't wait to see it again.

Dory and friend will make you laugh and smile as they just keep swimming.

Catch the show at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Shows are daily.

This week's Disney Pic of the Week is on Restaurants (and not food). Walt Disney World has a feast (pun intended) of places for you to eat at to meet anyone's culinary tastes. Disney puts in as much imagineering into their restaurants as they do their parks. Such that you can be in Downtown Disney or a Disney Resort and still feel the magic and taste the difference.

Flying Fish restaurant on Disney's Boardwalk.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 2s, f/16, 200 ISO, +1.0 EV, 18mm Focal Length

The Flying Fish is an elegant restaurant fitting the theming of Disney's Boardwalk area. If you have your camera with you, be sure to ask the chefs to stoke up the fires for a great photo.

Barrie and Lisa will be strolling in with their own restaurant favorites on Thursday and Saturday.

Way over yonder in Disney's California Adventure, a restaurant sits on columns above the man-made body of water, Paradise Bay and beside a pier, which coincidentally is named Paradise Pier. In this dining establishment you will find oceanic theming and princesses. Here at Ariel's Grotto, guests select an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert from a fixed price menu.

I've been several times prior to the Grotto being taken over by princesses. Back in my day, Chip and Dale, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy dressed in nautical attire and mingled with diners when not leading a conga line. Ariel hung out in the lobby until Eric came and whisked her away. She is a mermaid, afterall.

Once you step inside the restaurant you either take the staircase or elevator downstairs. Dining is available indoors and outdoors.

Good evening (insert city here)! Are you ready to rock? I can't hear you! The people upstairs, are you ready to rock? Right on! (guitar riff)

Disney parks are known for having first class entertainment and the musicians and singers who perform there year-round are top-notch. During various special events like Food & Wine at EPCOT you'll also find famous performers like David Cassidy, Sheena Easton, and Jon Secada.

This week Barrie, Scott, and I would like to share with all of you, a few images of these outstanding artists.

The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps perform at American Adventure in EPCOT.

Canon 30D, Canon 75-300mm USM, ISO 200, f10, 1/250

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 0.8s shutter, f3.5

Technically, my Pic of the Week photo is of a lounge, but it’s a lounge in a restaurant so I’m hoping it counts. Actually, if you really want to get technical, this photo should have been posted on Saturday, during the week we were doing restaurants! I hope you'll forgive me while I catch up!

This groovy blue cove is in The Wave, the Contemporary Resort’s new upscale dining establishment. Looks cozy, doesn't it?

Now for my Pic of the Week photo for musicians...

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

My musician Pic of the Week is a photo of one of the Village Beatniks from Disney's Animal Kingdom. He is playing a Zendrum which is a unique, handcrafted MIDI drum controller.

I have one more post to catch up with Lisa and Scott. Still to come... my Top 10 favorite things to photograph in Walt Disney World.

The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet entertain guests along Main Street USA.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/40s, f/13, 200 ISO, +1.0 EV, 11mm Focal Length

If you are walking down Main Street USA, keep an ear out for the Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet. Performing since Walt Disney World's opening in 1971, you'll find them sometimes dressed all the same or, as I photographed them, in their very colorful candy-striped attire and singing turn of the 19th century songs. Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week for Musicians/Singers.

This week Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing photos of Cast Members who work in the countries of the World Showcase.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50.0mm f/1.4 lens, 1/40s shutter, f1.4

I’d like to introduce you to Shoko. She is from Osaka, Japan and works in the gift shop in the Japan pavilion at Epcot. She was very sweet to let me take her photo even though I could tell that she thought it was very odd.

I really liked the background she was standing in front of as she worked the cash register. Having someone stand in front of a patterned background is a good way to make a portrait “pop”. Using an aperture setting of f1.4 blurred the background a fair bit, making Shoko stand out even more.

A Norwegian Cast Member pours some spirited beverages at Epcot's Norway Pavilion.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/4.8, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 52mm Focal Length

While waiting for Illuminations to start, I noticed this cart with a nice Norwegian Cast Member serving bear and other drinks in the Norway pavilion. He makes a rather good addition to this week's Disney Pic of the Week on World Showcase Cast Members. It was a cool December night in Orlando but he was all smiles. The carts lighting nicely highlighted his face and colorful costume. World Showcase cast members are very far from their home and appreciate guests inquiring about them and their countries.

This week's series is about Cast Members who work at EPCOT's World Showcase and it is one of my very favorite subjects. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with the kids (of all ages) who absolutely love telling you about their home country and answering any questions you have regarding customs, food, clothing, anything that peaks your interest. A few of the boys in France have taught me phrases in French and I always try to talk to someone in Mexico to practice my Spanish.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to

Badr from Morocco

Ann-Helen and Linda from Norway

Andrea, Salvatore, and Alessandro from Italy

Pins from the movie, Bolt, hanging in the Epcot Future World Pin Station.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 50mm Focal Length

Don't you wish you could have been given credit for the idea of Disney pins? Pin trading is an extremely popular hobby for fans. Disney creates pins about everything and anything related to, well, Disney. I felt a photo featuring some pins would make a great kick off to our Disney Pic of the Week featuring Merchandise.
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Look for Barrie and Lisa to share thier favorite Disney merchandise on Thursday and Saturday.

One sound you will hear everywhere you venture off to is that of a cash register. It might be the bell tone of a drawer opening up and the clinking of coins or the sound of dial-up as your credit card number is sent through cyberspace awaiting approval. No matter the sound, the fact is people buy souvenirs constantly. A friend of mine and I collect pins and popcorn buckets while others get themselves a new T-shirt on every visit to Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland.

My addition to our display of merchandise photos is this crystal Minnie Mouse I saw in Kunstarbeit In Kristall in Germany's pavillion.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 0.1666s shutter, f5

Here’s my Pic of the Week for merchandise. It’s easy to be a Princess for a day – just make your way to one of the many gift shops at Walt Disney World. My attention was caught by the color and dreamy look of these sparkly dresses at the Grand Floridian.

Motion is this week's theme.

This club closed down on Sept. 27, 2008 along with the rest of Pleasure Island's nightlife.
Canon 30D, Canon 17-40mm L IS, ISO 250, f14, 1.3 seconds

Do you think I am being too literal?

OK, OK all or some joking aside, there are several ways to both capture and show motion in still photos. What I did is I set my camera up on a tripod and slowed down the shutter allowing light in for a longer period of time but also leaving it possible for people walking by to create a blur. If I'd left the shutter open longer, let's say for 3 seconds, the partygoers would have looked like faint streaks but the neon may have bled. Do you see how in the bottom right side of the image, it looks like there's a faint tan/yellow cast? That's the effect of a woman who walked by in a beige tank top. She was closer to the camera than the people in line.

There's plenty of room to play with digital cameras and all you have to do is keep trying. I know you can do it.

Next up, Barrie and Scott give the subject a spin.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 2.5s shutter, f5, ISO 800

My Pic of the Week for motion is a shot of the Liberty Belle’s paddlewheel in the Magic Kingdom. Capturing motion in your picture can completely change the look and feel of the photo. I could have used a much faster shutter speed to show the movement of the wheel, but I’m drawn to the slightly abstract look that comes with this longer exposure. It’s a fun way to let the camera show me something that my eyes don’t see.

Racing along Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/20s, f/18, 200 ISO, 0 EV, 95mm Focal Length

Racing along Tomorrowland Indy Speedway in the Magic Kingdom, this young driver is taking his Mom for the ride of her life. Can you tell how fast this car is going? Tomorrowland Indy cars can only reach a maximum speed of 7.5 mph.

To blur the background but still keep the car and occupants sharp, I panned the camera and is great way to show this week's Disney Pic of the Week on Motion. I'll be going into more detail on how to use panning to show motion in an upcoming blog entry.

It’s Cast Members who make the Disney parks magical. They go above and beyond everyday to make sure our experience is one to be remembered. Disney’s Cast Members really are something special. This week we’ll be paying homage to them in our Pics of the Week.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/50s shutter, f4.5

This is Stan, a Photopass photographer at Epcot. He takes his job very seriously and has a good time doing it. I know, because I had an opportunity to watch him work when I was taking a little breather in Italy in the World Showcase. He was fabulous! He really went all out to make sure the people he photographed were going to love their vacation photos when they got home. This was just one of the many creative shots I saw him set up. Hats off to Stan!

It hadn't occurred to me that I'd be using this photo online so I didn't think to ask this family for permission to post the children's photos. Rather than lose the shot altogether, I turned it into a puzzle with a few key pieces missing.

Guest Services Cast Member processes an Annual Pass for a guest.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/4.5, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 36mm Focal Length

Cast Members, or CMs for short, make the magic come alive at Disney themeparks. From entertainers to street sweepers to guest services CMs, they all contribute to make our stay (the Guests) like no other found in the world. The Guest Services Cast Member pictured here outside of Epcot's International Gateway processed my very first Annual Pass (AP) and is my contribution to this week's Disney Pic of the Week on Cast Members.

One of the delights on Main Street is seeing bunches of balloons being carried (and sold) by Cast Members. They colorfully bounce about and sway in the breeze. Balloons have been photographed trillions (I counted) of times just for the simple reason that they make us happy.

Before hurling myself to the ground for this shot, I asked Brian if he minded my taking some photos of him. He was cool with the idea. I will say that my angle caused me to become lightheaded and dizzy and so this shot is a smidge off from what I wanted but ya know what, I can try again another day.

Canon EOS 30D, Canon 17-40mm L IS

Let's see, I introduced Restaurants, Merchandise and now Shops for the Disney Pic of the Week. I'm sensing another kind of theme myself here. Barrie? Lisa? Care to comment? Well, since I used the Epcot Pin Station for Merchandise, I'll stay in Epcot with a photo of the neon lighted MouseGear store which is the second largest shop on Walt Disney World property.

MouseGear is located in Epcot's Innoventions East.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/4.2, 900 ISO, +0.3 EV, 29mm Focal Length

Barrie and Lisa will be showing you their favorite Shops at Disney this Thursday and Saturday.

The good olde days are back in Mickey's Toontown where you can shop at the Five & Dime. Merchandise may change but generally you'll find household items, candy, snacks, and stationery. Mickey's Toontown is full of vibrant primary colors which give it a sunshine day kind of feeling.

Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/40s shutter, f3.8, ISO 500

I know it might not seem like it, but this be my Pic of the Week for shops, Matey! This gruesome trio will greet you as you enter the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney. They are in the pirate section of the store – imagine that!

This week, Barrie, Scott, and I bring you photos that reflect...Disney...stuff. Reflections abound at the parks whether it's glass, water, or a mirror that depicts where 7 dwarfs are at the moment. So sit back and relax as we present Reflections of Disney! (cue the fireworks)

Taken while riding the Liberty Belle steamboat in Liberty Square. This scene is designed specifically to show a boy looking at his reflection in the river. The turtle on the left is a freeloader who didn't pay park admission.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/200

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 5s shutter, f8

Visit Epcot at night and you’ll see Spaceship Earth reflecting its brilliant color in the World Showcase Lagoon. You can see Mexico’s Cantina de San Angel in the foreground. I took this photo from the left side of the America Gardens Theater across the lagoon.

Racing along Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/3.5, 1100 ISO, 0 EV, 18mm Focal Length

I had to wait until my last night before leaving to come home for this photo of Cinderella Castle being reflected in the moat. The days before were so windy there was too much water movement for the photograph I had in mind. The added bonus being the Dream Lights the castle is decorated in for the Christmas holidays which makes for a beautiful Disney Pic of the Week on Reflections.

If you really want to have some fun with photography at Walt Disney World, give abstract photography a try. It’s a perfect place to find all kinds of interesting shapes and colors. So, just what is it that makes a photo abstract? If the first thing you notice is the shape, the lines, the texture or the color rather than being able to identify what it is a photo of, then it fits the definition of abstract. Abstract photography leaves more to the imagination and helps you concentrate on texture, form and color rather than the bigger picture. This week, Lisa, Scott and I will share a few of our abstract interpretations.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1.6s shutter, f1

This is the Cirque du Soleil tent in Downtown Disney. If you’ve seen this tent, you know that it is just massive. I decided to focus my attention on just a small bit of it and this is what I ended up with. I know abstract photography is not for everyone. If you give it a try though, you may find that you like it more than you thought you would – I did!

A lighted close up of the panels on Spaceship Earth.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/8s, f/3.5, 1100 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Abstracts are not my strong point when it comes to photography. I am more along the lines of a photojournalist so this week's Disney Pic of the Week theme on Abstracts was a tough one. I wanted to make sure if you were a fan of the parks you would recognize it being from Walt Disney World. As I was walking under Spaceship Earth one evening, I looked up and there it was. Beautiful lighting transforming the daytime silver panels to a golden glow. The walk was close enough where I didn't need to zoom in allowing the widest aperture the lens had. I braced myself against the short fencing and got my abstract. Hope Barrie is proud of me!

You know, it's a bit funny but these "assignments" we've given ourselves each week is like going through photography school all over again. Take for instance this week's theme, abstracts. That's not something I normally go out and shoot often, as I'm a photojournalist and by nature, we record history in the making. Certainly we have the broadest range of stock from portraits to landscapes to events but abstracts...well, not so much. My point is that I had to make myself shoot in ways I haven't in a while and I liked it!

Canon EOS 30D, Canon 17-40mm USM L, ISO 400 1/50, f4

Barrie didn't tell us if we're supposed to inform you of where our abstacts were shot but here goes. I needed to escape from the cold and defrost during our photowalk at MouseFest. Inside the Beach Club lobby they have new fancy chairs. The chairs have tall backs and arch over your head. I looked up and grabbed the shot.

If you can not pass one of Walt Disney World's popcorn carts after smelling the fresh popped goodies or need an ice cream upon seeing a Cast Member loading up a cart on a hot Florida afternoon. Then this Disney Pic of the Week on Snacks is for you. One of the first memories of Epcot for me was getting ice cream from the carts that were frozen hard to last in the Florida heat long enough to eat. Of the six snacks this CM was selling, Minnie's Strawberry Bar is what I'd choose.

An Epcot Cast Member reaches in to take out one of a half-dozen frozen treats for a guest.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/50s, f/18, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 50mm Focal Length

Come back on Thursday and Saturday to see which snacks Barrie and Lisa would eat at Walt Disney World.

Last year at the Food and Wine Festival I tried a "Gypsy Arm" guava roll from Puerto Rico. It was very good, not cavity-causing sweet and had coconut all around. Que sabor!

Senor, I'll have another, por favor.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/80s shutter, f5.3

I can sum up this week’s Pic of the Week in one word – yum! Head on over to the Boardwalk Bakery to experience this little piece of decadence.

Audio-animatronics are a substantial part of Disney parks as they are attractions. What would it's a small world or The Enchanted Tiki Room be without them? Nothing. And as the years go on they become more and more impressive. I only wish I saw Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew peddling their way around CA Adventure and/or EPCOT.

Most audio-animatronics don't move too quickly, so photographing them isn't much of a challenge unless you're moving and/or the lighting is dim. Thar be no flash photography of Captain Jack Sparrow or the redhead in Pirates of the Caribbean. What are ye to do? Pray yer boat gets stuck, that's what. Arrrrg.

This entry of mine was hanging around so I thought it'd shine some light on it and make the subject a star. Humans, put your hands together for....Flik!

Canon EOS 30D, Canon 75-300mm USM, f4, 1/100, ISO 800

You can see Flik and his bug-eyed pals at It's Tough to be a Bug located in the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Flik's Fun Fair in Disney's California Adventure. Not familiar with Flik? He starred in "A Bug's Life."

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50mm lens, 1/100s shutter, f5, ISO 1600

For my Pic of the Week, please allow me to introduce you to John, the audio-animatronic Dad from the Carousel of Progress in the Magic Kingdom. That’s his dog, Rover, on the floor in front of him. He’s also an audio-animatronic.

The Buzz Lightyear Audio-Animatronic in the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/40s, f/5.3, ISO 640, EV -0.3, 95mm Focal Length

The Audio-Animatronic Buzz Lightyear in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin interactive ride in Tomorrowland briefs the hundreds of new Space Ranger cadets daily on the mission to save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. To get this shot, I waited for Buzz's movements to pause so I could use a slow enough shutter speed to get a close up of him for my Disney Pic of the Week on Audio-Animatronics.

Water, water, everywhere – it’s Florida after all! Our Pic of the Week theme this week is watercraft. One of the things I love about Walt Disney World is how many different opportunities there are to ride on the water. Ferries and water taxis of all sorts transport guests from resorts to the theme parks and Downtown Disney. All over the property, there are marinas where guests can rent Sea Racers and canopy boats. There are fishing excursions and fireworks cruises. And on really special occasions, it's a treat to a sail on Breathless or the Grand1 yacht!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 14s shutter, f8

Late one night I happened upon these pontoon boats docked at the marina at the Yacht and Beach Clubs. Earlier that evening they were used to take guests on Illuminations Cruises.

A Ferryboat and Resort Motor Launch on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/14, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 56mm Focal Length

Walt Disney World was designed to use watercraft as a major way to move people around the huge entertainment and resort complex. In my Disney Pic of the Week on Watercraft I choose this photo showing two of the watercarft used on the Seven Seas Lagoon for guests. The large Ferryboat travels from the Ticket & Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom and back with up to 600 guests. The smaller Resort Motor Launches brings guests to the Magic Kingdom from the beautiful resorts on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

If there's one attraction at Disneyland that is overlooked more than the rest, it's the Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes. I've only done it once but I'd do it again. If you don't have any upper arm strength, you will after you paddle yourself around Rivers of America. That's right my friends, YOU have to paddle. Check it out next time you visit my home away from home.

When I suggested this theme, Barrie and Lisa were not too keen about it. I kept telling them to think about the National Treasure movies and look for them at Walt Disney World. In the meantime, Disney unveiled the National Treasures exhibit in the American Heritage Gallery which is located inside the American Adventure pavilion. This exhibit features over 40 special artifacts on loan to Epcot. From Abe Lincoln's stovepipe hat to items representing the lives of Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Senator Daniel Inouye and much more.

Below is the National Treasure I choose for this week's Disney Pic of the Week. A part of a moon rock brought back by Apollo astronauts and given by NASA to honor one of their own.

See Text below for More Information.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/25s, f/4.2, 1600 ISO, +0.3 EV, 32mm Focal Length

Ambassador of Exploration Honor bestowed on astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom is currently being displayed as part of the National Treasure exhibit in the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

These Ambassador of Exploration Honors are to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Each astronaut or a family member was presented a moon rock as part of a special ceremony honoring the 35th anniversary of Apollo 11 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC on July 16, 2004.

The moon rocks awarded were part of samples returned by the Apollo 17 mission from the Taurus Littrow Valley. Each will be encased in an acrylic sphere and attached to a plaque bearing images of a Saturn V rocket launch, an astronaut (John Young) jumping on the Moon, the planet Mars and the International Space Station.

The lunar samples will remain the property of NASA, but the astronauts and their surviving families, in coordination with NASA, will select a museum or other educational institution where their awards will be publicly displayed in their name to help inspire a new generation of explorers.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 1/500s shutter, 11

My Pic of the Week for national treasures is the Liberty Bell. This replica was cast from the mold of the actual Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania. I read that it is the only bell ever cast from that mold. You’ll find it in the Magic Kingdom near the Liberty Tree in Liberty Square, across from the Hall of Presidents.

Good times are had by all while romping around Disney parks but an even better time is had when we get to interact with the ride. Blasting aliens and battling Zurg alongside Buzz Lightyear or carefully selecting your future in the air or under the sea on Spaceship Earth are just a few examples of how we get to play within a ride. Then there are other interactive attractions such as becoming a lead actor or actress during a performance by World Showcase Players in EPCOT.

This week, Barrie, Scott, and I share our photos of interactive attractions. Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle at all times and watch your children.

Kids become Padawans at the Jedi Training Academy and learn to fight off the one and only evil Darth Vader. This little fella is serious about defending his people as he went straight for Vader's cranium!

Canon EOS 30D, Canon 75-300mm USM, ISO 200, f8, 1/400

Training is available at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 1/60s shutter, 4, ISO 3200

My favorite interactive attraction (our theme for Pic of the Week this week) is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in the Magic Kingdom, but not for the reason you might think. For the past couple years, instead of trying for the highest score, I’ve been trying to score a perfect shot. Between the darkness and the fast movement, getting a good picture on this ride is a real challenge. This is the best I’ve been able to get so far.

Toy Story Mania rider gets ready for a series of 3-D midway computer games.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/5s, f/3.5, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal Length

The newest interactive ride at Walt Disney World is Pixar's Toy Story Midway Mania which is part ride and part computerized midway gaming machine. The ride vehicle whisks you from one game panel to the next with Toy Story characters helping and cheering you along the way. Each panel uses 3-D visuals so you will be wearing those styling 3-D glasses. Oh and make sure you limber up your wrists while waiting in the queue. You'll thank me later. Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week for Interactive Rides.

A reptile is a cold-blooded vertebrate (an animal with a backbone) that lays eggs and has scales or plates on its skin. An amphibian is an animal that can live in both air and water. Amphibians can breathe air with their lungs and can absorb oxygen through their skin. It’s been a long time since I took biology. I actually had to google these to remind myself what the difference was! Guess what our Pic of the Week topic is this week – reptiles and amphibians!

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/320s shutter, f5.6, ISO 800

This Komodo Dragon can be found on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Komodo Dragons are the largest living species of lizard and can live as long as fifty years. They can be as much as 9 feet long and weigh 150 pounds. Their tail is as long as their body and they have about 60 serrated teeth that can measure up to an inch in length. I wouldn't want to happen upon this guy outside of Disney World, especially if he was hungry!

A baby American Alligator is warmed by light in the Conservation Station of Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/25s, f/5.6, ISO 200, 150mm Focal Length

For my Disney Pic of the Week for Reptiles and Amphibians I choose this baby American Alligator, a reptile, which was enjoying a warm greenish light in the Conservation Station of Rafiki's Planet Watch in Disney's Animal Kingdom. There's a little Picture This! history with this photo. When Barrie, Lisa and I were talking about how to post more photos of Disney themeparks as the survey Deb did for us indicated, I used this photo as an example of what was to become our Disney Pic of the Week feature.

I spent 6 months helping my cousins in Miami take care of their two tortoises. By taking care, I mean I tossed lettuce into their pens and on occasion let them out separately to walk around the yard. This meant keeping the puppy away from the tortoises, and the dog, and the parrot, the snakes, the cat, the iguana, annnnd that's it. Just thought I'd share that bit of trivia with you.

Here we have a Galapagos tortoise as found in Animal Kingdom's (you were thinking Hollywood Studios, weren't you?) Tree of Life Discovery Island Trails. I don't know if this reptile is a boy or a girl so I've held back from naming him/her. If you'd like to learn more about Galapagos tortoises, take a look at this page from The San Diego Zoo.

I'd like to give a shout out to my friends in the 305!

Adventureland, the subject of our Disney Pic of the Week is home to enchanted Tiki Birds, Aladdin's Magic Carpets, singing Caribbean Pirates and the ingenious Swiss Family Treehouse. Let's not forget the most grueling attraction of all, the Jungle Cruise! Where else in Walt Disney World are you held captive in a small boat by a Skipper whose main purpose is to outdo the other skippers to see who can tell the most gut-retching puns?

I knew on my last ride on the world's four most famous and dangerous rivers (all done in about 9 minutes, too!), the Skipper was going to get me home safely. How did I know? Look at the watch she's was wearing.

A Jungle Cruise Skipper addressing the crew in Adventureland.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/18, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 105mm Focal Length

Come back on Thursday and Saturday to see which adventures Barrie and Lisa take you on in Adventureland.

When I think of Adventureland, my mind conjures up the sound of beating drums, the greenery of the jungle and the scent of gasoline and it places them all in Disneyland. What can I tell ya, I'm a Disneyland girl at heart.

My entry this week is what's above you as you exit Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. There's so much colorful and beautiful detail in the outside of this building that if you don't stop to look at it, then you'll miss it. Extra kudos to the team that rethatched the roof and worked on the Tiki Room's exterior makeover.

Here's a closer look. I'm curious as to if there's any story or reasoning behind this artwork.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 2.5s shutter, f11

I’m sure most everyone recognizes this boney fellow. Perched high atop the sign for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland, this long-gone swashbuckler keeps an eye out for possible riches to be had. In fact, he has two eyes out!

Welcome one and all to this week's laugh riot theme, humor. There are always those mischievious moments that ocur when friends and families get together. A smart cookie has them captured for blackmail purposes or just posterity, the choice is yours.

Far beyond the gags of Toontown are numerous other locations and events that turn into funny situations. Join us as we explore our funny bones.

Ya know that specific soda over at EPCOT's Club Cool? Laura drank it. Well, it's funny to me. Heh heh heh.

*Only Laura's tastebuds were harmed in the making of this image.

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

On our photowalk in December, several people found the humor in this safety cone floating in Crescent Lake, including Lisa and Scott. However, knowing that humor was the topic for an upcoming Pic of the Week (and being the brat that I am), I quickly called dibs on using it!

Lisa is none too pleased about being to short to pedal a Surrey Bike.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/5, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 62mm Focal Length

For my Disney Pic of the Week on Humor, I wanted to share poor Lisa's reaction to finding out she was too short to pedal the Surrey Bikes around the Epcot resort area during last December's AllEars.net Photowalk event. That's okay, Lisa, you can always ride up front in one of the kiddie seats!

Disney artists work in many mediums, not the least of which is shrubbery. Topiary is the art of creating sculptures from living plants such as trees and shrubs. Disney gardeners also create topiary from moss and vines. Topiary dates back to the Roman times where you would have seen stylized hedges and geometrically shaped plants. Working with his film animators and the Disneyland landscaping department, Walt Disney created his own contemporary spin on this ancient art. Now you’ll find living sculptures around all of the Disney resorts and parks that resemble the loveable characters from the movies we all grew up with. This week, Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing some of our favorite topiary photos.

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

A perfect time to see a bunch of amazing topiaries is during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. My topiary Pic of the Week is of Captain Hook and Peter Pan, the star attractions at the 2007 festival.

Topiaries of Snow White and Dopey dancing in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/3.5, ISO 200, EV -1.0, 18mm Focal Length

I wonder if Dopey is thinking of auditioning for the American Idol Experience as he and Snow White are dancing in Disney's Hollywood Studios which I've selected for my Disney Pic of the Week on Topiaries.

Once upon a time a young photographer went to Orlando to see her favorite music group's reunion concert. It only made sense that she also visit Walt Disney World and stay there as well. This was her first time experiencing EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival. She found the temporary additions to the park to be quite beautiful and intriciate. The topiaries were especially eye-catching. The girl found Rabbit of the Winnie the Pooh stories to be her favorite of them all.

Taken with the Canon EOS A2 and Canon 75-300 USM. Fujifilm Reala 100.

Rabbit is my entry for our Disney Pic of the Week theme, Topiaries. Isn't he cute!

Norway, in Epcot's World Showcase, is the subject of our Disney Pic of the Week. Like all the World Showcase pavilions, Norway has a lot to explore and many details easily overlooked. Recently, Disney replaced the Viking Ship play area with a flower garden but some of the remains of the ship where kept in remembrance.

The remains of the Viking Ship play area in Norway.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/40s, f/7.1, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 32mm Focal Length

I haven't seen any commercials lately for Norway but something tells me if they were to spark a whole new advertising campaign to draw in tourists they'd have a catchy song that would go a little something like this.

When you're feeling adventurous
And you've had enough of churros
If you seek oceanic Viking sailings
And heard all of Mushu's story tellings
Come to Norway
We're waiting for you
Come to Norway
All the princesses do

Norwegian Watercolors is my entry for our Disney Pic of the Week.

When you return from sailing you stop in this quaint little dimly lit village.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/320s shutter, f5.3

My Pic of the Week for Epcot’s Norway is the Viking statue outside of the Stave Church. Inside the church is an exhibit featuring weapons and other artifacts, as well as figures of important Norwegians.

As I descended the ramp from the monorail station at EPCOT, I heard a small child excitedly point out to his father, "Look! It's the golf ball on legs!" This week, my friends and I present our photos of Spaceship Earth, the golf ball with legs.®

As you enter the geosphere, a mural by artist Claudio Mazzoli depicting man's accomplishments greets you. It's one of those things that I've seen but never paid attention to until fairly recently while :gasp: waiting in line. It's a nice touch and I wonder if they ever made any lithographs of it.

This is a portion of the mural taken on a lovely overcast day. :kisses fingertips: Perfect lighting!

There's more to Spaceship Earth. That's right, inside you'll find a slow-moving journey through time and you might even learn something.

Copyright © Barrie Brewer

It was hard to find a photo of Spaceship Earth for Pic of the Week this week. Believe it or not, I haven’t actually taken that many pictures of it. I know, amazing, but true. I’m not even sure when I took this one or what any of the settings were that I used. I like it though and hope you do too.

I even tried to recreate this photo on my trip last month, but it didn’t work out that well. The trees have been replaced and are much shorter and stockier now. They just didn't have the same impact. That goes to show that when you see a shot you like, make sure you take it then because it may not be there the next time you try for it.

Spaceship Earth as seen from a Monorail.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/320s, f/9, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Epcot's Spaceship Earth is as iconic as Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle. Riding the monorail around Epcot's Futureworld, I concentrated on Spaceship Earth's geodesic shape. This image has good light, good sun angle, height of the monorail track lifting me above all the guests in the park, great clouds for a background and a bit of help from the monorail's darkened windows which acted like a huge polarizer filter and is my choice for our Disney Pic of the Week on Spaceship Earth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The biggest challenge when doing group photos is to make sure everyone can be seen clearly. It's best to stagger people and create various levels. If you're working on one level, such as the ground or floor, put the taller people in the front and have them kneel down. Yes, the taller people because with the shorter folks behind them, it compresses the space in the shot and you don't have to back up as far.

My example shows using the staircase over by Tower of Terror's exit, if my memory serves me right. Each individual had personal space and is clearly visible. There are 5 levels in this group photo of the men and women of www.Tagrel.com.

Taken with the Canon EOS A2 and Canon 28-90mm USM. Fujifilm Press 400.

This is my entry for our Disney Pic of the Week theme, Groups.

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

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

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

Over at Innoventions West located in EPCOT you'll find a game show of sorts called, What's Your Problem? The answer is Velcro and how it'll help improve your life.

Seen here we have the classic case of packing for a family vacation. Draped in a poncho-style piece of velcro, Greg's (I name people I don't know) job is to stand still while his sister, Marcia (follow me on this) attaches items. At least that's what I think this game is. I know it's not the one where two men race to diaper babies on a conveyer belt! That photo is of Jack and Mr. Roper.

CAnon PowerShot SX100 IS, ISO 400, f4, 1/80, flash

Public service announcement: If you plan on taking photos, sit closer to the stage. Point and shoot camera flashes only throw light 8-10 feet.

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

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

Cuando ustedes estan en EPCOT y quieren sentir algo rico en colores, comida con sabor, y el deseo de escapar el caluroso sol, vaya a Mèxico donde siempre es de noche. Hay tantas cosas para comprar, mucho mas que un sombrero o un poncho como joyerìa, dulces, arte y por supuesto, las maracas. Pueden tomar un bote y descubrir el pais junto a el Pato Donald, Panchito, y Josè Carioca. No olviden que pueden enviar un video a su familia y amigos completamente gratis y eso es una cosa que es muy raro Walt Disney World. Pues, que estas esperando? Vayan ya!

Handpainted Oaxacan wooden figures are created right in front of you.

When you're at EPCOT and you want to feel rich, warm colors, eat food packed with flavor and escape the hot sun, go to Mexico where it's always nighttime. There are lots of things to buy much more than a sombrero or a poncho, like jewelry, candy, and of course, maracas. You can ride a boat and discover the country alongside Donald Duck, Panchito and Jose Carioca. Don't forget that you can send a video to your family and friends absolutely free, something that's very rare in WDW. Well, what are you waiting for? Go already!

A special thanks to my "little sister" Jenniffer Vazquez for editing my Spanish.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few friends and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge several years ago for 2 nights. It was one of those hazy and humid Summers with enough rain to demand ponchos. We were thrilled for the complimentary upgrade from a view of the parking lot to one of the savannah. We didn't see many animals so we pretended that a small boulder was a hippo and I named him Stone Phillips.

The design of the building was cool so I grabbed a quick shot of the balconies with my 35mm camera.

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

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

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

Little by little I'm learning to enjoy Animal Kingdom more and more especially all of the details and art that goes into something as enormous as the Tree of Life.

This was a tricky shot because shooting up into the sky gives you a completely different reading than metering off the under part of the branches which are darker. Then you've got highlights and running water. I aimed for the center, planning to dodge shadows and possibly burn highlights in later. Here's the end result with very little post-production.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS, ISO 80, f4, 1/80

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

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

Hello Disney fans! How is everyone? Are you ready for another installment of Picture of the Week?! My super friends Barrie, Scott, and I will show you how to fill the frame. Now this doesn't mean you need to visit your local frame shop and put in a magnificent photo one of us took, although not a bad idea. What we're discussing is a teaching tool. Come, I'll show you.

You never know which characters you'll come across or when. This day proved to be superior in that every time Laura Gilbreath and I turned around in California Adventure, we saw another one. In Hollywood Pictures Backlot we discovered Frozone and Mr. Incredible in the street meeting guests left and right.

Can you tell by this shot what my intended subject is? No, because there is far too much going on and no central focus.

Now it's obvious that I was aiming for Frozone. By zooming in closer and moving aside to place the kids out of the frame I have a clean shot. Sure, I'd be even happier if there weren't people in the background but far better that they're behind Frozone than in front of him.

This my friends, is filling the frame. Tadaaaa!

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

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

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

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