Picture This!

There are many statues at the Walt Disney World Resort. You will find them in all the parks, resorts and shopping areas. They depict famous people, animated characters, movie characters and historical places and things. You can find anything Disney from Ariel to Walt Disney, himself.

China, the country, is host to thousands of statues of Buddha, dragons and other mystical creatures. Back in 2007, China, the Epcot pavilion, brought in a re-creation of the Terracotta Warriors who were placed in China's first emperor's tomb to protect him in the afterlife. Located in the gallery inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Tomb Warriors: Guardian Spirits of Ancient China exhibit is captivating. Each figure, wagon and animal is unique. I spent a good hour looking over the statues and feel I found the fiercest warrior among them. He just happened to be in the very front. I believe the emperor is being well taken care of and is a good introduction to this week's Disney Pic of the Week on Statues. Barrie and Lisa will show you their favorite statues on Thursday and Saturday.

One of the statues in Tomb Warriors Guardian Spirits of Ancient China exhibit.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 10s, f/11, 200 ISO, +1.0 EV, 170mm Focal Length, tripod

This was Challenge #118:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 0.0015s shutter, f/8, ISO 200

I always thought it was weird that they had these kind of ugly green metal boxes across from France on the wall of the lagoon. What an odd place for some sort of utility box. Usually Disney hides that kind of stuff backstage, or disguises it somehow. Then I got to go to Paris a couple years ago and finally, I understood.

Epcot's France was influenced by Paris. In Paris, inside these boxes are entire stores that are unpacked in the morning and then packed away again at night. The bouquinistes (riverside vendors) who own the boxes sell books, prints, watercolors, and some touristy trinkets. The boxes are all painted the same green color and sit right on the walls that overlook the Seine in Paris.

Ed Aleszczyk was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Ed and all the other readers who got the answer right: Amanda M, Amy Martel, Amy Reed, Anne Hainsworth, Annette Nuenke, Ashley Hill, Baines Family, Barclay Bakkum, Belicia Dawson, Brent Lollar, Bruce Hinterleitner, Bruce Lawson, Caitlin Burns, Charity Maas, Charlie Scheer, Chris Masse, Christine And Erin Claeys, Christine Dagney, Christopher Barnes, Cindy Dore', Cindy Hershey, Colin Buchanan, Dallas Hamilton, Darlene Harmon, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Elizabeth Scarborough, Ellie Argaluza, Emily Dagney, Erin Loring, Evelyn Wilson, Frank F. Fincken Iii, Gary E Genteman, Heather Coursen, Heidi Goodhue, Heidi Summers, Hillary Waldroop, Ian Falk, Jacquelyn Law, James Berry, Jamie Poynton, Jane Johnson, Jay Reagan, Jen Bruno, Jennifer Tremley, Jenny Haas, Jeremy Coto, Joy Johnston, Kameo Crea, Karen Nelson, Kathy Berry, Kris Nixon, Kristy Holland, Kurt Knappman, Kye Layton, Laura Pranaitis, Leslie Dameron, Linda L. Abbate, Linda Mac, Lisa Cash, Marc Acosta, Marina Crober, Marissa D'ambrosio, Mark Carty, Mark Franklin, Mary Dannahey, Matt And Danielle Murgia, Matt Cofone, Michael Haven, Michele Delorenzo, Michelle Raimist, Michelle Wilinski, Mike Malampy, Nicole Ruzinski, Noreen Rachuba, Penny Urell, Robert Bostic, Robin Mcconnell, Sarah Smee, Scott Cullen, Sharon Blickensderfer, Sharon Dale, Sharon Lee, Sherry Klinefelter, Theresa Rucando, Tiffany W., Tim Johansen, Tim Rachuba, Tracey Mayfield, Tricia Noble and Wendy and Rob Crober. Each of you will be entered in the February winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #119: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, February 11, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

After I found out I was going to be attending Extra Magic Hours at night in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I had this photo idea in my head. The Yeti Shrine at night with Expedition Everest beautifully lighted in the background. I knew I would need a tripod, remote shutter release and a lens that could handle the sweeping image I had dancing in my head like the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens I have.

Now, you can imagine my disappointment when I rounded the corner and saw the scene below which greeted me. I never thought the Yeti Shrine would NOT have a light or two on it like the stone column off to the right.

Unlighted Yeti Shrine.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16mm, 25s, f/11, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 16mm focal length, tripod

As I pondered this I came upon another idea. An even better one as it turns out. I took out the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight (flash unit) from my camera bag and set it and my camera to trigger the flash remotely. On any Nikon dSLR cameras with a pop-up flash, you can use the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with either the SB-600, SB-800 or SB-900 Speedlights. Other Nikon dSLR cameras will need either an SB-800, SB-900 or the SU-800 Commander Unit. If you own another camera brand, refer to your manual to see how you can set up remote flash.

I am not going into the detail on how to use the CLS (see link and Google for more information) this time but just give you the results you see in the next photo. Here is the photo I had in my head. By using off-camera flash held at camera left, I angled it in such a way as to illuminate the Yeti Shrine. I set the camera to Rear-Sync Flash mode to capture the purple-white colors of Expedition Everest in the background.

Illuminated Yeti Shrine.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16mm, 25s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 16mm focal length, tripod, rear-synced off-camera flash at -1 power

What do you think? See, flash is not a dirty word but another tool to correctly expose your subjects.

The Adventure Room entrance to the World of Disney store.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/4, ISO 320, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length, Flash

What better for a Disney Pic of the Week featuring Storefronts than a photo of the biggest Disney store I have ever seen. The World of Disney store in Downtown Disney's Marketplace has three entrances. This is the entrance to the Adventure Room full of pirate booty and overseen by the lovable alien, Stitch. Watch out! He spits!

Copyright © 2010 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/160 sec, f/8, ISO 200

There’s no such thing as a boring storefront when you’re at a Disney park. Every shop is another opportunity for Disney’s designers to tell a story and show their stuff. Take this camera shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s no mistaking what you’ll find inside here.

Later this week, watch for Lisa and Scott to share some of the storefronts they find most interesting.

You'll find this pretty little area of Disney's Animal Kingdom when you exit It's Tough to Be A Bug. I think Animal Kingdom is just a beautiful park.

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

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

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

Desktop Wallpaper:

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This was Challenge #117:

And here's the answer:

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

In the queue of It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will be entertained by several movie posters introducing you to some of the bugs starring in the attraction.

Dawn Burns was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Dawn and all the other readers who got the answer right: Deb Ragno, Charlie Scheer, Phil Vickers, Sharon Pierce, Ed Aleszczyk, Tiffany Gibb, Marc Acosta, Joseph Tortorici, Ronnie Lane, Sandra Shaw, Allison Caputa, James Steele , Brian Yesutis, Christopher Masse, Jake Thompson, Joanna Snow, Sam Rossman, Jessica Folan, Joshua Barnett, Sherry Klinefelter, Jennifer Mccurry, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Brian Haas, Julie Wickware, Douglas Mcknight, Hoekzema Family, Mark Smith, Cara Richards, Lisa Palmer, Matthew Brisbin, Daniel Record, Allison Palmer, Jamie Miller, Jen Cerce, Theresa Peake, Brian Martin, Paula Munson, Theresa Rucando, Jennifer Harmon, Colin Buchanan, Kathleen Harmon, Kirsty Butler, Christine Dagney, Emily Dagney, Kye Layton, Cindy Dore', Jeremy Coto, Jay Bartels, Billy Luce, Jennifer Tremley, Angela And David Blevins, Marissa Dambrosio, Baines Family, Jason Albucker, Ken Gravitt, Tina Firestone, Kris Nixon, Erica Sipich, Karen Nelson, Cameron Love, Brittany & Jesse Siminitz, Kevin Scharf, Jonathan Thomas, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Caryn Schill, Steve Cummings, Cathy Schill, Hillary Waldroop, Jennifer Townsend, Chris Connors, Amy Young, Linda Scrivano, Michelle Mcspadden, Joyce Tofflemire, Krista Penno, Tommy Carty, Travis Grim, Kelly Zanauskas, Robin Mcconnell, Bruce Hinterleitner, Donna Currier, Harry Wilson, John Dupre, Amanda M., Jessica Deans, Cameron Lange, Dallas Hamilton, Jaclyn Kelch, Erin Loring, Wade A. Williams, Carri Marotto, Steve Pocopanni, Mary Tackett, Bruce Lawson, Sarah Connors, Michelle Wilinski, Jamie Poynton, Michelle Wilinski, Quincy Delcolletti, Jennifer Schwing, Dan Owens, Melissa Dye, Allie L, Mickey Eckert, Anjanette Tournillon, Scott Junkin, Nicole Ruzinski, John Leach , Ana And Lucas Marlett, Wendy Snelgrove, Noreen E. Rachuba, Heidi Goodhue, Stacey Van Dyke, Misty Mehelic, Matt Cofone, Kathy Lutz, Tom Koval, Jared Orth, Erin Savoie, Christian Baas, Carrie Kenney, Robert Bostic, Trudy Vespucci, Josh Kight, Roye Ann Morris, Jay Reagan, Nicole Lopresti, Rob Frinzi, Kandise B., Louise Herrick, Bruce Arnold, Heather Coursen, Heather, Kelley H, Eileen Miller, Suzanne S., Tim Wingfield, Marie Phillips, Kelly Kobiela, Matt And Danielle Murgia, Kirsten Stark, Michael Fiedler, Theresa Maradei, Tom & Susan Linder, Tim Rachuba, Elizabeth Scarborough and Richard Nussbaum. Each of you will be entered in the February winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #118: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, February 4, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Tomorrowland Transit Authority long exposure abstract.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 5s, f/4, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Still working on seeing abstract compositions. While riding the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland Transit Authority and watching the colored lights changing I created this for my Disney Pic of the Week on Abstracts.

When photographing an event or show which features fast action, I use what photographers refer to as Burst mode. Camera companies call it Continuous mode. Refer to your camera's manual on how to set it. This mode will continuously fire your shutter as fast as the camera is able. The Nikon D70 I use is rated at 3 frames per second (fps). The cameras used by today's sports photographers can go as fast as 11fps.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, I used burst mode when photographing the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show to catch all the exciting action sequences like the finale you see below.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show finale sequence.

Copyright © 2010 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/40 sec, f/8

Abstract photography concentrates on texture, form and color rather than the bigger picture, leaving more to your imagination. Here’s another look at that giant xylophone outside the Calypso building at Disney's All Star Music Resort. Last time, I showed you the big picture. For an abstract look at it, I zoomed in to focus attention on the colors and lines of the pipes. Then I flipped them on their side for a different perspective. The more I play with it, the more I like abstract photography. You can really go wild with it at Walt Disney World.

This was Challenge #116:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/40s shutter, f/5, ISO 800

Donald's nephews are having a good ole time over at Fulton’s General Store at Port Orleans Riverside. That's Louie climbing the rope. Huey is cheering him on while Dewey holds the rope steady. Do you know how to tell the triplets apart? Huey wears red, Louie wears green and Dewey wears blue.

Anne Hainsworth was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Anne and all the other readers who got the answer right: Sharon Pierce, Marina Crober, Debbie Hudson, Denise Owen, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Tim Rachuba, Heather Pedulla, Jen, David And Angela Blevins, Lauren Foss, Paula B, Sharon Dale, Paul Cooper, Julie Wickware and Suzanne S. Each of you will be entered in the January winners’ drawing.

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

Good luck to everyone as we begin another month! Here we go…
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Challenge #117: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, January 28, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/5 sec, f/22

The late afternoon sun gives a nice warm glow to this waterfall in the back of the Canada pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Rim Light is a strong light that hits the edge of the main subject of a photo. In a studio, photographers will use lights behind their subject which is brighter by one or two stops to create the rim light effect. Outdoors, the best way to create rim lighting is putting the Sun behind or to one side of your subject. Below are three examples of rim lighting. For each one, I used a flash unit or speedlight as a fill flash. If you don't have a flash you can use for filling in the shadows, you can meter off the subject directly using spot metering.

While watching Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial in the Magic Kingdom, I caught the action of Captain Jack Sparrow and his young band of pirates in late afternoon sunshine. A perfect setup for creating rim lighted photographs.

The first one is subtle rim lighting with just a hint of it on some of Captain Jack Sparrow's dreads. This was the end of the show when Jack exclaims, "Look! It's the Governor's daughter!", before rushing off stage.

Subtle Rim Lighting.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 250, EV +0.3, 90mm focal length, flash at -1.0 power

The second one is strong rim lighting with very bright backlighting on Captain Jack Sparrow.

Strong Rim Lighting.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/40s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 200mm focal length, flash at -1.0 power

The last one is what I'd call just right rim lighting. Not to subtle and not too strong. Really shows the young guest having a ball with the rim lighting separating her from the background.

Just Right Rim Lighting.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/6.3, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 170mm focal length, flash at -1.0 power

Notice the shutter speed and aperture changes for each photo which I varied using my camera's controls. This caused the different rim lighting affects along with the changes in the angle of the light as Jack and his recruits moved during the show.

I grew up about 100 miles from the Canadian border in upstate New York and visited Canada often in my youth to play ice hockey. It was always a treat to be in a country which considers hockey it's national sport and everyone would have an opinion about their favorite National Hockey League (NHL) teams. It is the same when I visit the Canada pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase and I enjoy bantering with the cast members in the stores, kiosks and Le Cellier restaurant about how my team, the Montreal Canadiens, are doing against their teams.

With that knowledge, it's no wonder my Disney Pic of the Week for the theme of Canada features all the jerseys of the Canadian NHL teams seen hanging in the Trading Post and Northwest Mercantile store. Well, if you can see the others behind the red Montreal Canadiens jersey that is.

National Hockey League team jerseys of all the Canadian teams.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, 1600 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/25 sec, f/8

Here's a close-up of the giant xylophone outside the Calypso building at Disney's All Star Music Resort. I love how colorful this resort is. If you've never visited the All Star, it's worth a trip just for the fun photos you can take.

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are of “opposite” hue in some color model. The most popular color model is the artist color wheel where complementary colors are seen opposite of each other. Analogous colors are found next to each other on the same color model. Disney uses this knowledge when designing its themeparks and movies to create pleasing eye-catching color schemes.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee which, just finished entertaining guests at the Magic Kingdom, is an excellent example of complementary colors. Below are decorations for Tiana's Showboat Jubilee that waere placed on the riverboat Liberty Belle where the jubilee took place.

Complementary and analogous colors used to decorate the Liberty Belle for Tiana's Showboat Jubille.

On the color wheel, purple and yellow are found opposite of each other making them complementary. While yellow and green are next to each on the color wheel or analogous. The three together form a color triad. Disney designers and animators study color theory to come up with visually exciting productions based on such tools. They also make for pleasing photographs.

Tiana's Showboat Jubille on the Liberty Belle rounding the corner on the Rivers of America.

Here is the Liberty Belle with the full complement of entertainers in Tiana's Showboat Jubille from the Disney animated movie, The Princess and the Frog. You will notice the colors purple, yellow and green are used in most of the costumes like the lovely Southern Belle seen below.

One of the lovely Southern Belles of Tiana's Showboat Jubille.

Finding complementary colors will make your photos pop and add to your travel photos at Walt Disney World.

All Star Sports Resort Bus Stop.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Everything at an All Star resort is oversized including the letters spelling out the All Star Sports name where guests wait for the Walt Disney World Transporation buses to take them anywhere on property. Makes for a large Disney Pic of the Week on the All Star Resorts.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/500 sec, f/8

Where’s a guy gotta go to get a little peace and quiet around here? Something’s not right here – can you see it? Just click on the photo if you need to see a larger version. This week we’re sharing photos of things that seem out of place. Let me tell you, that’s not easy to find in Walt Disney World!

This is the Beach Club Resort near Epcot. I decided to have a little fun and give this image an artistic look. Hope you like it. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a desktop wallpaper version of March’s calendar.

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

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

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

At least a few of you liked the wallpaper last month so I'm including it again this month.

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1280 x 1024
1440 x 900
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This was Challenge #115:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/125s shutter, f/1.4, ISO 1250

These little cuties live in It’s a Small World in the Magic Kingdom. I used to be one of those people who avoided this attraction like the plague. Once that song started there was no way I could get it out of my head for at least three days. Then I took on the challenge of trying to get some decent photos from inside the attraction. Now, I’ve actually grown kind of fond of all those darling little children.

Craig was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Craig and all the other readers who got the answer right: Dawn Burns, Ken Jackson, Anthony Oneto, Cara Richards, Brian Milller, Brian Haas, Ed Hogan, Bryan Timko, Maryann Eckenrode, Chris Masse, Jodi Cook, Christopher Bourassa, Samantha Levine, Deb Ragno, Sharon Dale, Tracey Mayfield, Frank & Sharon Pierce, Julie Wickware, Katie Proctor, Wendy And Marina Crober, Jennifer Snapp, Cari-ann, Brittany & Jesse Siminitz, Sarah Smee, Michelle Thompson, Jeremy Coto, Jane Bradley, Ronnie Lane, Cindy Hershey, Melesia Love, Katie Wolfe, Kirsty Butler, Robin Fitts, Jennifer Chartier, Isabelle Boivin, Allison Caputa, Amy Schweizer, Trish Babler, Irene Kleintop, Mary Beth Tarbet, Cindy Dore', Sherry Klinefelter, Stacey Van Dyke, Lisa Mccormack, Kye Layton, Debra Kuklinski, Scott Khachadourian, Karen Hotchkiss, Teri Jo Fuson, Theresa Rucando, Paula Munson, Daniel Meagher, Kristen Baustert, Katy M. Robinson, Caryn Schill, Andrew Weed, Melody Salemi, Louise Barton, Erica Sipich, Anjanette Tournillon, Jeff Schoeling , Cathy Schill, Aruna, The Jarcewski Family, Jen Hofman, Maureen Handy, Paul Cooper, Matthew Jadro, David And Angela Blevins, Jen Cerce, Mary Tackett, Robin, Emily Currier, April Pangburn, Sue Mcdonald, Chuck Wright, Kameo Crea, Double Family, Joyce Tofflemire, Seth Walker, Tina Santacroce, John Agnew, John Dawes, Bill Mckim, Jeremy Hardy, James Berry, Linda Mac, Kathy Berry, Gabby Stapp, Charity Maas, Elizabeth Howarth, Maureen Hanlon, Carol Baranowsky, Christopher Barnes, Stephanie Servaites, Brenda Hawk, Shannon , Karen Nelson, Diane Furtado, Susana Dominguez, Lee Anastasi, Laurie W, Liz Weiter, Carrie Henderson, Erica Adkins, Annette Nuenke, Wade A. Williams, Nicole Alley, Van, Jessica Gruhlke, Nicole Amidon, Erin Kubicki, Joanna Snow, Linda Abbate, Michelle Mcspadden, Karen Ramirez, Joshua Swainston, Tim Johansen, Tim Wingfield, Hillary Waldroop, Ashley Ryan, Jennifer Townsend, Cathy Skiba, Leah Nan Broussard, John Leach, Emily Currier, Tina Benco, Jennifer Mccurry, Baines Family, Duane Wisniewski, Michele Delorenzo, Clarissa K, John P, Chris J, Stephanie Hutchens , Ali S., Sarah Chenoweth, Jillian Smith, Jennifer Harmon, Christie Condit, Sarah Rz, Penny Urell, Michael Jamison, Mike Haeberle, Jessica Deans, Dan Hawkins, Steve Pocopanni, Christopher Linscott, Denise Cavallaro, Alison Rosenberger, Tricia Noble, Elizabeth Scarborough, Douglas Mcknight, Vicki Vaught, Paula Massarelli, Leigh Mertz, Diane Ramos, Jaclyn Kelch, Jaron Goldberg, Kendall Huffman, Marie Phillips, Linda Scrivano, Dale Knight, Scott Price, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Sarah Connors, Kerry Finnamore, Nancy Ahlsen, Megan E., Elaine Leviner, Matt Degrandis, Carri Marotto, Kristen Carde, Caitlin Rush, Aubrey Cooper, Mike Venere, Debbie Hicks, Elizabeth Macgregor, Laura Barnes, Michelle Wilinski, Ed Suscreba, Jessica Peterson, Amy Smith, Megan Loftin, Karen Schlumpf, Bruce Lawson, Lisa Laskowski, Jim Finley, Cameron Love, Amy Senseny, Joann Albrecht, Brenda Glover, Laura Pranaitis, Megan Turcotte, Marjorie Schmitt, Karl Kaups, Kerry Kendrick, Steve Knapp, Rob Blundin, Mary Zajchowski, Ana Marlett, Judy, Kelly Zanauskas, Noreen Rachuba, Kathryn Perkins, Diana Mathis, Kris Nixon, Terry, Bert Corliss, Ashley Hill, Pollyanna Buff, Kirsten Stark, Bruce Hinterleitner, Jackie Purcell, Carolyn Como, Peggy Saeger, Ted, Darlene Harmon, Chuck Sands, Ray Stephenson, Michelle Sunde, Katarina Whitmarsh, Robin Mcconnell, Danielle Berkovitz, Chuck, Annie Hulsey, Lisa Graham, Kelly Kobiela, James Greene, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Amanda Campbell, Christa P., Crystal Lee, Stephanie Hardhouse, Nicole Ruzinski, Jared Orth, Melissa Littman, Kristen Gainey, Darren Fuller, Jill Fogg, Bonnie Tulenko, Barclay Bakkum, Tammy Kallenbach, Bambi Eckelbarger, Julie Ellis, Elizabeth Collins, Betty Gurruchaga, April Ramey, Shannon Milair, Michael Barker, Aj Perras, Angela Fennell, Jenny Shenold, Daniel Record, Mukta, Jodi Kloss, Jen Schultz, Michelle Boudreau, Stephanie Pcolinsky, Kellie Harpel, Shane Stack, Joe Brewer, Debbie Desimone, Angie Young, Louise Aleszczyk, Bruce Arnold, Heidi Summers, Jonathan Thomas, Kelli Vancil, Luis Rodriguez, Cecilia Bruce, Sharon Leitgeb, Christine And Erin Claeys, Robin Crane, Alicia Henderson, Dana Hall, Tracy Discher, Kristy Holland, Rosemary Renton, Carol Donoghue, Samantha French, Liz Moreau, Deb Ruscitelli, Betsy Gardner, Allison Burgess, Patr Pratt, Amy Cox, Paula Massarelli, Tom & Susan Linder, Janet Robinson, Mickey Eckert, Walter N. Clark, Thomas Auckland, Jamie Miller, Phil Vickers, Jennifer Tremley, Mike Horn, Maryann Daly, David Rowe, Kristine Gallatin, Felice Ciccione, Debbie Bolen, Karen Montagna, Rachel Pavey, Eileen Miller, Carinne Kight, Heather Coursen, Sandra Ednie, Al Desimone, James Hickey, Nancy Bennett, Jo Ann Bailey, Dallas Hamilton, Lisa Doerr, Christina Cella, Dan Potts, Elena Argaluza, Melissa Rebelo, Danielle And Matt Murgia, Karrie Duffey, Lisa Cash, Sherri Pell, Theresa Maradei, Christine H, Robert Anderson , Maureen Ohare, Pat Morin, Derek Carty, Louise Maxwell, April Haddock, Caroline Dupre, Vanessa Gordon, Shirley Garcowski, Becky Sterusky, Emily Dagney, Jaime Thomson, Anna Mansfield, Candace Dadswell, Kerry Cormier, Chrissy Cooper, Vanessa Olmedo and Chris Connors. Each of you will be entered in the January winners’ drawing.

As some of you may know, I am heading down to Walt Disney World to run the Disney Half-Marathon this week. That means that I’ll be taking the next two weeks off from posting the Where in the World challenge. Please come back on January 24 for Challenge #117.
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Challenge #116: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, January 21, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/200 sec, f/7.1

Generally, leading lines are designed to lead your viewer into your image. But sometimes, you just have to break the rules. This photo of the Mission Space sign is composed to deliberately lead the viewer’s eyes out of the frame, giving them the sense that the ship is actually heading into outer space.

For more information on leading lines, check out this blog I posted awhile back.

Lines in photography are used to lead the eye to the point of interest and prevent the eye from wandering. Lines can put emphasis on distance or illustrate a relationship to foreground and background elements. Lines can be straight. Lines can be curved like the monorail tracks I photographed from the front of an express monorail headed towards the Contemporary Resort.

Monorail tracks heading towards the Contemporary Resort.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/11, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Come back on Thursday and Saturday to see Barrie and Lisa's take on our Disney Pic of the Week on Leading Lines.

This was Challenge #114:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/5000s shutter, f/3.5, ISO 400

You may never have noticed these fishing boats along the riverside unless you’ve ventured over to the wall along the side of the Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Over the edge, you can catch a glimpse of the day’s catch.

Sharon Dale was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Sharon and all the other readers who got the answer right: Robert Anderson, Sherry Klinefelter, Jeremy Hardy, Rick Ivnik, Kevin, Tim Rachuba, Jennifer Paolino, Aruna, Cameron Lange, Bev Carson, Gary E Genteman and Brian Haas. Each of you were entered in the December winners’ drawing.

It’s time for the monthly drawing. This month’s big winner is Kevin, the same Kevin who got the challenge above correct! Congratulations Kevin, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

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

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Challenge #115: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, December 31, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Rainbow colors light up Cinderella Castle during the Christmas holidays.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/15s, f/3.5, ISO 1250, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

From Barrie, Lisa and myself, have a Merry Christmas!

I'll be taking next week off but will be back for another year of Disney photography here on the Picture This! blog.

Kiosque à journaux (news kiosk) in the France pavilion.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 20s, f/16, ISO 200, EV -0.7, 24mm Focal Length, Tripod

Kiosque à journaux or news kiosk are found throughout Paris. It's a great detail the Disney Imagineers caught and added to the France pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. I thought it would make a good Disney Pic of the Week on France.

Visit the France pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase and you’ll be transported back to the beautiful city of Paris of the late 1800’s. Here you will see the mansard roofs and dormers that are so recognizable as Parisian architecture. Above the fountains and arcade entrances, the Eiffel Tower lets you know that you have arrived in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Join Scott, Lisa and I this week as we take a look at Disney’s take on this breathtaking city.

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/500 sec, f/5

Children eagerly await le Pere Noel (Father Christmas), who arrives on Christmas Eve to deliver wonderful presents. During the holiday season in Epcot, Pere Noel tells the story of Christmas in France as part of Holidays Around the World.

This was Challenge #113:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1.6s shutter, f/8, ISO 800

Season’s Greetings to you all! I thought this was a good week for a picture of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Five million lights sure look beautiful decorating the Streets of America in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is truly an awe-inspiring show.

Dave Wang was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Dave and all the other readers who got the answer right: Louise Barton, Robin Fitts, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, David Manning, Wendy Ip, Sharon Dale, Sarah Haas, Jen Cerce, Elizabeth Collins, Derek Mullins, Jerry Weldon, John C. Lacasse, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Brian Haas, Aubrey Cooper, Heidi Summers, Bill Androckitis Jr., Josh Kight, Double Family, Lee Anastasi, Clarence Diggles, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Annette Nuenke, Carrie Henderson, Jennifer Tremley, Jared Orth, Bruce Lawson, Jason Skow, Sue Mcdonald, Kelley H, Tim Rachuba, Wendy Snelgrove, Michael Nanney, Julie Wickware, Aruna, Gary E Genteman, Jay Reagan, Carri Marotto, Katarina Whitmarsh, Heather Coursen, Jennifer Schwing, Paul Cooper, Sharon Lee, Maureen Ohare, Sharon Pierce, Brian Miller, Daniel Record, Katy M. Robinson, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Jessica Deans, Jamie Poynton, Christine and Annie Goodenbour. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #114: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Due to the holiday this week, please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Wednesday, December 23, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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

The famous Hollywood and Vine intersection.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/7.1, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 55mm Focal Length

In the Magic Kingdom, there are lands. In Epcot, worlds. In Disney's Hollywood Studios, you have famous streets like Hollywood Blvd., Vine St. and Sunset Blvd. As an added touch, Disney Imagineers put an old time working traffic light at the intersection of it's Hollywood and Vine for my Disney Pic of the Week on Disney's Hollywood Studios' Streets.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/5 sec, f/8, ISO 800

Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all decked out for the holiday season.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/320 sec, f/9, ISO 400

I love goats. They have so much personality. You can get up close and personal with them at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Just watch out for those tongues.

For this month’s calendar, we’re taking a trip to France – in Epcot that is. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a desktop wallpaper version of February’s calendar.

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

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

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

This month I was feeling inspired and created a wallpaper calendar that you can use on your desktop. Let me know if you’d like to have more of these.

1024 x 768
1280 x 800
1280 x 1024
1440 x 900
1600 x 1200

This was Challenge #112:

And here's the answer:

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

There were so many creative answers this week! I could just tell that you all knew where this was, even if you didn’t quite know the exact name I was looking for - Cool Wash. Cool Wash is a cooling station near Test Track in Epcot, where you can get a little respite from the Florida heat. It looks like a car wash and sells Coke products. Many of you confused Cool Wash with Club Cool, which is on the other side of Future World in Innoventions West. It was such a common mistake that I included you folks in the drawing too.

This next week I’ll be in Walt Disney World, taking lots of pictures and having fun with friends, so I’ll be taking a short break from Where in the World. That means you have two weeks to answer Challenge #113. Come back on December 20 to see if you got it right.

Mike Malampy was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Mike and all the other readers who got the answer right: Angie Young, Caroline Cupre, Jodi Cook, Pollyanna Buff, Emily Currier, Teri Jo Fuson, Louise Barton, Chloe, Deb Ragno, Marina And Wendy Crober, Sharon Dale, Jennifer Townsend, Amy Miller, Kris Nixon, Frank & Sharon Pierce, Michelle Raimist, Baines Family, Claressa Nisley, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Brian Miller, Jen Bruno, Lee Anastasi, Cindy Dore', Erin Kubicki, Marc Acosta, Paula Munson, John Lacasse, Jeannette Shippee, Jessica Deans, Ben'jamin Dameron, Jason Skow, Jason Betit, K.l. Beasley, Kellie Harpel, Paul Cooper, Jen Cerce, Jeremy Hardy, Julie Wickware, Karen Nelson, Sue Thompson, Ed Aleszczyk, Tim Wingfield, Kristen Gainey, Michael Joel Gainey, Amanda Perkins, Z Cheven, Maureen Ohare, Linda Abbate, Mike Zendler, Christopher Bourassa, James Greene, Melesia Love, Wayne Witherspoon, Elizabeth Scarborough, Jerry Marceau, Jaclyn Kelch, Maryjean Kancel, Irene Kleintop, Carri Marotto, Brent Lollar, Erin Hammer, Misty Lyons, Dennis Blackburn, Jerry Felder, Tim Rachuba, Frank W, Aubrey Cooper, Kelly Kobiela, Walter N Clark, John Klein, Pasquale Crea, Jared Orth, J Breezy, Ken Fischler, Robin Mcconnell, Tim Johansen, Sabrina Bogart, John Leach, Thomas Auckland, Anthony Collins, Tom Koval, Kristin Dormuth, Bill Macbride, Nicole Cyr, Theresa Rucando, Wesley Brent Lollar, Jennifer Schwing, Heidi Goodhue, Barclay Bakkum, Anna Mansfield and Angela and David Blevins. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #113: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, December 17, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Where in the world is Scott? He's vacationing in Walt Disney World this week and enjoying sights like Cinderella Castle in the holiday Dream Lights display. Ah, but he is not alone. Scott will be with over 50 other Disney fan photographers this weekend. He'll tell you all about it when he gets back.

Cinderella Castle all decked out in her holiday finest.
Nikon D70/70-200VR, 1/8s, f/3.5, ISO 400, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Using objects in the foreground of your shot to frame your subject is a good way to focus attention where you want it and add depth to your photo. This week we’ll show you some examples of framing in our Pics of the Week. For a more in depth look at framing, check out this past blog entry.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/500 sec, f/8

In this shot I used the tree canopy and bushes below to frame out Germany and Italy in Epcot’s World Showcase. I got two for the price of one by framing Italy within the trunk of the tree.

This was Challenge #111:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/640s shutter, f/14, ISO 400

Right next to the Barnstormer at Mickey’s Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Donald’s Boat – the Miss Daisy. This is the whistle on top of the boat.

Jennifer Harmon was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Jennifer and all the other readers who got the answer right: Shannon Milair, Sharon Lee, Carla C., Mary Beth Tarbet, Kye Layton, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, John Lacasse, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Erica Sipich, Lee Anastasi, Carol Baranowsky, Julie Wickware, Chloe, Kelley Lord, Robbie Olmedo, Sherry Klinefelter, Daniel Record, Emily Currier, Kris Nixon, Frank & Sharon Pierce, Maryann Eckenrode , Baines Family, Double Family, Jennifer S, Anne Hainsworth, Jim Riley, Charity Maas, Katie Wolfe, Ben Cooper, Paul Cooper, Elizabeth Collins, Marina And Wendy Crober, Kristen Mccoy, Karen Hotchkiss, Chris And Alison, Christine Holzman, Karen Desantis, Luis Rodriguez, Hillary Waldroop, Michael Joel Gainey, Jay Reagan, Jennifer Mccurry, Anjanette Tournillon, Diane Furtado, Kristen Gainey, Annette Nuenke, Frank F. Fincken Iii, Katy M. Robinson, Nicole Alley, Eric Hoffman, Teri Jo Fuson, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Jennifer Townsend, Jerry Weldon, Gabby Stapp, Carrie Henderson, Misty Mehelic, Sue Good, Joshua Thorne, Dallas Hamilton, Kelly Zanauskas, Jared Orth, Cameron Lange, Jessica Deans, Kellie Harpel, Vincent Maltese, Angela Fennell, Erin Loring, Chris Grabowski, Nancy, Davida Kosa, Phil Vickers, Kelley H, Scott Price, Jennifer Schwing, Christian Baas, Mark Franklin, Christopher Hall, Theresa Rucando, Walter N Clark, Jillian Domings, Mike Kaczanowski, Isabelle Boivin, Mike Thomson, Tim Rachuba, Stephanie Pcolinsky, J Brizzle, Colin And Karyn Christenson, Jamie Poynton, Christine Dagney, Melissa Dye, Bethan Newman, Noreen Rachuba, Mary D., Chris Warren, Tammy Kallenbach, Christopher Barnes, Heidi Summers, Jonathan Thomas, Amy Kleinfieldt, Brian Miller, Sharon Dale, Jon Solomonson, Heather Coursen, Katarina Whitmarsh, Trish Babler, Marjorie Schmitt, Matt And Danielle Murgia, Matt Cofone, Vittoria Vignone, Paula Munson, Ana Marlett and Kimmie Linder. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #112: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, December 3, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Epcot's Italy pavilion at night.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 13s, f/16, 200 ISO, -0.6 EV, 18mm focal length, tripod

This Disney Pic of the Week on Italy lets me show you another photo from the night I toured World Showcase with a tripod.

Last year I gave you some tips on how to photograph Christmas light decorations at Walt Disney World and at home. This year I want to show you a couple of my results using those tips.

I visited the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios last December. Putting my camera into Rear Sync Flash mode or what I referred to as dragging the shutter in last year's article, I was ready to capture those spectacular light displays. I used Manual mode and set the aperture to f/4. By using flash, I kept the ISO low at 200 but I had to be very aware of the shutter speed. In Rear Sync mode, the camera can use longer shutter speeds to capture as much ambient light as it can before the flash is fired. At a 1/4 of a second, I had to make sure to steady my camera using Da Grip and an image stabilized lens (the Nikon 18-200VR) when taking this photo of these lighted bicycles.

Lighted bicycles are part of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/4s, f/4, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 28mm Focal Length, Rear-sync Flash at -3 Power

Without the flash, you would only be able to see the colored lights. With the flash, you can see the bicycles, the flat tires, the sidewalk and the background. Notice I had the flash set to its lowest power setting at -3 so as not to wash out the lights. I don't randomly set the flash power. I take shots at various power levels until I find the one that works the best.

This technique can also be used for any lighted displays. The entrance to Mission: Space features a rotating Earth with the ride's logo with space ship leaving orbit and Hewlett-Packard's logo, the attraction's sponsor. While I would have rathered taken this photo at dusk with a tripod like I did in China, this was the last night of my trip and the tripod was already packed. Again, using Manual mode, I set the aperture at f/8 and a shutter speed of a half second. The longest shutter speed I would ever attempt a hand held shot. I did the best I could to steady my camera by getting down on one knee, using Da Grip and the flash set to Rear Sync and full power to cover the large area and distance. It took several photos to make sure I got some good images like the one you see below. The long shutter speed gave a nice blur to the moving globe while keeping everything else sharp. The flash filled in the dark areas nicely.

The Mission: Space sign in Epcot's Futureworld.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/2s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length, Rear-sync Flash at Full Power

Twitter fans, I will be tweeting from Walt Disney World next week on my @Scottwdw twitter account. Request to follow me and you'll be seeing lots of pictures from the Disney parks and Sea World.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/60 sec, f/8

During Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival, I think Italy has the prettiest flower displays of all the countries in World Showcase. Here's Lady and the Tramp looking cute as can be!

This was Challenge #110:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2005 Barrie Brewer

This week’s challenge is from the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So many of you got it right this week – way to go!

Marc Lorenzo was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Marc and all the other readers who got the answer right: Frank And Sharon Pierce, Melody Salemi, Brenda, Scott Kinzel, Anthony Oneto, Marc Acosta, Donna Currier, Diane C., Ed Aleszczyk, Mike Malampy, Megan Krainski, Ken Jackson, Chrissie Rose Cooper, Kathy Love, Lee Lastovica, Liz Patterson, Eric Hoffman, Douglas Mcknight, Caitlin Barringer, Emily Currier, Teri Jo Fuson, Susan Doucette, Tim Rachuba, Alicia Roth, Anne Hainsworth, Paula Massarelli, Heather Williams, Misty Mehelic, Amy Filliben, Christopher Barnes, Brendan Abel, Barbara Cerimele, Dawn Bach, Mossimo Gallo, John Lacasse, Andrew Weed, Ed Nawrocki, Paul Cooper, Michael Jamison, Pollyanna Buff, Sherry Klinefelter, Betsey Whitehead, Caryn Schill, Angela And David Blevins, Brian Gallant, Bill Monahan, Bill Monahan, Katie Wolfe, Brittany & Jesse Siminitz, Rich T., Vanessa Olmedo, Courtney, Chandler, Jordan & Maryann Eckenrode , Mary Beth Tarbet, Wendy And Marina Crober, Mckinley Yeaman, Scott Otis, Brian Yesutis, Liz Zappitello, Sarah Haas, Clare C, Irene Kleintop, Stephanie Visco, Sharon Lee, Christie Condit, Tommy Carty, Michael Utesch, Becky Norman, Mike Walter, Tom, Paula Munson, Jerry Felder, Ben Dameron, Travis Grim, Barbara Sims, Nicole Amidon, Amy Leblanc, Lee Anastasi, Kathryn Perkins, Christine Benoit, Joy Johnston, Jeffrey Dunne, Chad Ryan, Brett Landry, Carolyn Como, Doug Brigger, Mark Brigger, Ronnie Lane, Christine H., Carla, Tim Johansen, Jeff Schoeling , Jen Bruno, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Melissa Ruggieri, Cara Richards, Heather Young, Daniel Toxey, Andrew Mcspadden, Ken Gravitt, Robert Anderson , Melea Broekers, Brian Haas, Joseph M Zafia, Nathan Cripe, Jen Cerce, Duane Wisniewski, Boris Beckert, David And Melissa Lizewski, Jackie Purcell, Harry Wilson, Judy, Bryan Gibson, Annette Nuenke, Tom Hertzel, Heidi Summers, Vincent Maltese, Daniel Record, Rick Hemsley, Julie Wickware, Erin Kubicki, Rochelle, Charlie Scheer, Laurie Walker, Betsey Whitehead, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Chris J, Sue Mcdonald, Amanda, Quincy Delcolletti, R Engel, Jeremy Coto, Samantha French, Chris B, Ron Renz, Nick Straka, Melissa Gvist, Gloria Martin, Dennis Kargol, Stephanie Pcolinsky, Hillary Waldroop, Linda Scrivano, Kameo Crea, Beth Mcmeekin, Kelli Olthoff, Garry Herrick, Mary Brennan, Karrie Duffey, Bob Hendrix, Z Cheven, Jennifer Dealmeida, Patrick Albrecht, Liz Weiter, Doug Buchheit, Bill Mckim, Ali S., Jennifer R, Pat W. , Kris Nixon, Jennifer Mccurry, Mickey Eckert, David Mickley, J Breezy, Chris Connors, Tj, Jaime Thomson, Lisa Hoffman, Jennifer Harmon, Joyce Tofflemire, Angela Quirk, Rich Kacprowicz, Irene Kleintop, Jared Orth, Nicole Alley, Charity Maas, Louise Maxwell, Steve Wilmot, Phil Vickers, Jill Fogg, Jessica Deans, Craig Canady, Betty Gurruchaga, Cari-ann, Berry Morris, Paul Sanschagrin, Ken Fischler, Dallas Hamilton, David Singer, Christopher Hall, Melesia Love, Thomas Hermes, Eric Gasser, Emily, Bruce Lawson, Wayne Witherspoon, Scott Button, J Breezy, Steve Pocopanni, Angela Fennell, Karen Schlumpf, Doug Armstrong, Russ Morgan, Kerry Kendrick, Chris Miller, Scott Junkin, James Steele, Alison Rosenberger, Matt Degrandis, Chad Ryan, Paul Ignudo Jr, Danusia Rogacki, Nancie Lymer, Sarah Connors, Mark Franklin, Caitlin Lewis, Tim Wingfield, Michelle Roth-smoot, Debbie Hicks, Bruce Arnold, Teresa Cole, Joe Armeni, Jim Riley, Wendy Snelgrove, Amy Lucas, Gennaro Rosato, Joseph M Zafia, Steve Jordan, Bryan Blochberger, Mary, Blake Schmidt, Jason Skow, Trish Babler, Kalin Johnson, Chris Grabowski, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Julie Olson, Dennis Blackburn, Stephanie Servaites, Mike Gillardi, Amanda M, Lauri Uzee, David Gould, Jennifer Schwing, Steve Knapp, Kevin Corcoran, Denise Cavallaro, Mike Kaczanowski, Kathy Slomka, Donna Hawkins, Kellie Carter, Tammy Mcenturff, Angie Sheffield, Samantha Krzewick, Collette Beuther, Kurt Knappman, Jody Erdfarb, Jennifer S, Jen Schultz, Angi Clark, Sharon Dale, Paul Newman, Mia W., Joe Armeni, Brian Miller, Jim Finley, Heidi Goodhue, Jerry Weldon, Todd Tavender, Kerry, Steve Toponak, Steve Bieniek, Double Family, Mark Swayze, Humberto Ciucio Junior, Matthew Herman, Kerry Fox, Vanessa Gordon, Gerald M., Susan M. Thompson, Danielle Fitzgerald, Amanda Perkins, Tim Jeltes, Carrie Kenney, Erica Adkins, Dylan Zendler, Christopher Jackson, Cheryl Costello, Aruna, Nick Dickens, John Arena, Dan Potts, Randy Dimarco, Katarina Whitmarsh, Jen Norris, Kelley H, Ed Suscreba, Rich Esker, Jennifer Townsend, Jennifer Horst, Veronica Haines, Karen Dresser-smith, Denise Dossat, Robert Dean Bostic, Tom & Susan Linder, Thomas Auckland, Isabelle Boivin, Gabriella Rizzo, Jo Ann Bailey, Diane Furtado, Glenn Meyer, Tammy Kallenbach, Renee Drainville, Carol Donoghue, Aesha Richardson, Renie Mistretta, Jennifer Bogdan, Keith Rawlinson, Lisa Cash, Roye Ann Morris, Brenda Strohmeyer, Marcella Spear, Matthew Waga, Sandy Miller, Janet Theriault, Kathryn Mccallister, Luis Rodriguez, Nicole Lopresti, Jane Johnson, Joanne O'brien, Michele Yon, L Hopkins, Peter Ball, Barbara Cerimele, Paul Thorp, Kelly Zanauskas, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Carinne Kight, Kristine Gallatin, Tom Higbee, Barclay Bakkum, Lori Hausrath, Leigh Mertz, Paula Massarelli, Jim, Josh Kight, Vicky Jacobs, Nancy Ahlsen, Jeff Finger, Sandra Ednie, Bill Monahan, Carrie Henderson, Claire , Matt And Danielle Murgia, Aurora , Lou Baker, Vickie Scioneaux, Matt Smith, Joe S., Jeff Blank, Jullie Pudem, Patrick Akers, Melissa Rebelo, Ron And Beth Dye, Gary E Genteman, Ashley Hill, Amanda Hostetler, Jim Thompson, Mark Cullison, Jay Reagan, Kirk Hardy, Matthew Jadro, Michael Nanney, Emily Nussbaum, Kim Steiner, Joy Palmer, Guillermo Morales and Sam Kovac. Each of youwere entered in the November winners’ drawing.

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

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

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Challenge #111: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 26, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/50 sec, f/29, ISO 400

Daisy out on a hike with Hewey, Louie and Dewey.

Camp Minnie-Mickey is situated in New York State's Adirondack Mountains and Disney Imagineers have done a good job depicting the woodsie feel from that location. I spent many days hiking, camping and photographing around the Adirondacks while growing up in nearby Syracuse. However, there's one thing you will not find in New York's Adirondacks that you will find in Disney's: Character Greeting Trails! Nor will you find Ranger Donald Duck high up in a fire tower on Whiteface Mountain but he is my Disney Pic of the Week for Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Ranger Donald Duck posing with guests at Camp Minnie-Mickey.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/5.3, 280 ISO, +0.3 EV, 90mm Focal Length, Flash Used

Barrie will be here later this week with a photo from Camp Minnie-Mickey. Lisa is experiencing computer trouble and will not be able to post this week.

This was Challenge #109:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/100s shutter, f/8

It’s always “that time of year” on the Streets of America with a snowman that never melts. You’ll find this jolly guy outside It’s a Wonderful Shop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, near Mama Melrose’s. Seems this is a very popular photo spot. Several of you commented that this is where you take pictures of your growing children on every visit. Several others mentioned that they have used this as their Christmas card.

Ken Gravitt was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Ken and all the other readers who got the answer right: Jen Snapp, Sharon Lee, Tommy Carty, Theresa Rucando, Pollyanna Buff, Mark Swayze, Mary Beth Tarbet, Dale Knight, Todd Ritter, Marc Acosta, James Berry, Irene Kleintop, Kathy Berry, Sharon Pierce, Heidi Summers, Leigh Mertz, Roseann Brent, Caryn Schill, Ed Nawrocki, Lee Anastasi, Chloe, Stephanie Visco, Emma Poprock, Paul Cooper, Ashley Hill, Sherry Klinefelter, Jill Hiers, Kathryn Perkins, Linda Mac, Maryann Eckenrode, Jamie Kelly, Kris Nixon, Beth Mcmeekin, Courtney Marlowe, Sarah Smee, Emily Currier, Sue Mcdonald, Double Family, Sharon Dale, Karen Adamakis, Joy Johnston, Melissa Jennings, Mary Brennan, Brian Haas, Tim Johansen, Tom Koval, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Frank F. Fincken Iii, Wendy And Marina Crober, Alissa Ammons, Pat W., Diane Furtado, Brian Miller, Kelley Lord, Darlene Harmon, Baines Family, Kristen Mccoy, Ronnie Lane, Annette Nuenke, Jason Skow, Tracy Sinatra, Mike Timmer, Brittany Siminitz, Michele Delorenzo, Michael Jamison, Lin Fales, Sarah Haas, Deb Staples, Stacey Hutchinson, Tiago And Rocco De Oliveira, T.j. Valentine, Christie Condit, Brian Yesutis, Kim Meyer, Tim Wingfield, Jane Bradley, Ashley Salters, Duane Wisniewski, Michael Utesch, Russ Morgan, Debbie Hudson, Alicia Henderson, Bob Kourofsky, Jessica Deans, Brenda Mcguire, Christine Lograno-weinstein, Sheilah Smith, Regina Shuster, Debbie Austin, Kathy Wong, Yulady Rodriguez, Regina Baker, Greg Gallo, Barbara Cerimele, Lori Fein, Heather Melito-dezan, Nadine Kuntz, Julie Eurich, Nik Morley, Scott Junkin, Mary Jane Keeble, Tom Hicks, Carol Baranowsky, Dara Giannotti, Suzanne Samse, Doug Brigger, Diane Boorum, Valerie Beals, Dave Soto, Natalie Ashton, Mary Butler, Judy Terrell, Mary Lynn Ranger, Betty Jo Howell, Michelle Stuck, Alison Rosenberger, Lesley Laplant, Susan Feeback, Charles Wright, Diane Welch, Tricia Noble, Margot Garofalo, April Ramey, Ellie Argaluza, Mercedes Cluck, Linda Scrivano, Kathleen Batchelder, J Brizzle, Janice Dion, Norm Balko, Ken Fischler, Linda Wigginton, Brandon Emerson, Julie Bridges, Judy Davies, Joni Januszewski, Matt Degrandis, Chad Ryan, Ruth Amaio, Andrew Gump, Cindy Hershey, Allie Laguardia, Molly Laspada, Tim Rachuba, Eric Enli, Laura Carter, Sarah Connors, Maria Alessi, Kim Requa, Debbie Hicks, Pam Vanaustin, Mike Schelfhaut, Marietta Falk, Jen Marx, Mike Gillardi, Nicole Lauzon, Joan, Mickey Eckert, Alison Mccrum, Teresa Cole, Laura Barnes, Loretta Reed, Jill Bent, Sandy Hamel, Carolyn Poirier, Lisa Mckenzie, Evelyn, Curtis Bille, Kendra, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Kurt Knappman, Lauren Russell, Kelly Zanauskas, Shane Stack, Robin Holcomb, James Greene, Glenn Meyer, Sandy Hunt, Carri Marotto, Cheri Mccoy, Michael Smith, Suzanne Kennedy, Linda, Amanda M., Amy Music, Jeremy Reichelt, Robin Mcconnell, Jay Reagan, Robert Anderson , Steve Lenkel, Laurie, Nicholas Gonzalez, Linda Reynolds, Brendan Abel, Jillian Domings, Debra Soley, Kirsten Stark, Cindy Ferenburg, Heather Courtney, Lorne Harris, Amie Mattson, Rochelle Moser, Stacey Cangemi, Charity Maas, Amie Mumpower, Betty Rozum, Craig Canady, Ken Jackso, Bonnie Ford, Jay Bradfod, Noreen Rachuba, Jen Norris, Tammy Mcenturff, Dionne Chamoun, Steve Pocopanni, Amanda Diresta, Jim, Allison Newman, Donna Mcguire , Matt And Danielle Murgia, Maureen Hanlon, Lynn Barber, Joanna, Emily Dagney, Sharon Leitgeb, Liz Moreau, Katie Wetzel, Bridgie Auckland, Mike Graham, Alicia Roth, Dominic Cooper, Mike Zendler, Mike Zendler, Mike Graham, Crissy Wertz, Christopher Barnes, Janice Broussard, Veronica Schreyer, James Hickey, Carol Donoghue, Terri Thornton, Angela Haire, Vanessa Gordon, Lisa Cash, Tom & Susan Linder, Jamie Poynton, Bob Mchale, Lauren Mcgowan, Mike Zendler, Dawn Bach, Ashley, Christine Dagney, Tracy Cegielski, Marie Phillips, Ashley Hill, Susan Hines-brigger, Peggy Hickey, Emily Nussbaum, Isabelle Boivin and Janet Theriault. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #110: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 19, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Photography is a visual art which makes it a challenge to convey the other senses. Walt Disney World on the other hand fills our senses with the smell of buttered popcorn, feel of acceleration on Rock'n Roller Coaster, taste of a pineapple Dole Whip and then there is sound. As soon as you enter a Disney park you hear it. Each area has unique music being played in the background. Sounds are everywhere.

How do you capture sound in a photograph? You can photograph things which reference sound like musical instruments, CDs, iPods, fireworks explosions, cars smoking tires and so on. Another way is to show people playing those instruments, cheering, yelling or singing. The latter is what I did in the photo below of the a cappella group, The Voices of Liberty, who perform approximately fifteen minutes before each showing of the American Adventure.

The Voices of Liberty a cappella group perform in the rotunda of the American Adventure.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 800, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal Length

The Voices of Liberty sing American folk songs and patriotic music under the American Adventure pavilion rotunda which was built to enhance sound. If you have never heard them I encourage you to take the time on your next visit to Epcot. As their sound is a beautiful as they look.

Have any questions? My next trip to Walt Disney World is coming up fast. Is there something at the WDW resort you would like to know how to photograph? Let me know and I'll do my best to come back with information and a photo for you. Thanks!

Country Bear portraits hanging in Grizzly Hall.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4, 250 ISO, +0.3 EV, 28mm focal length

When visting Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom, I make it a point to stop by and see the Country Bear Jamboree. The first major attraction to premier at Walt Disney World before later debuting at Disnelyand and Toyko Disneyland. While waiting for the show to start in Grizzly Hall, I took this photo of Henry, the Five Bear Rugs and Wendell paintings for my Disney Pic of the Week on Frontierland.

Frontierland is best described by Walt Disney himself - "Here we experience the story of our country's past... the colorful drama of frontier America in the exciting days of the covered wagon and the stage coach, the advent of the railroad and the romantic riverboat. Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America." This week, we’re heading to the wild west for our Pic of the Week photos.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/30 sec, f/4, ISO 500

This is Walt Disney’s depiction of a Native American village, taken from the top deck of the Liberty Belle.

Happy New Year everyone! January’s coming and we’re starting the year off right – with Mickey Mouse leading the way. This is the start of our third year of calendars. My, how time flies!

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

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

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

This was Challenge #108:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/50s shutter, f/3.5, ISO 1600

What a mess Mickey’s kitchen is! And it’s looked this way for years. I think Mickey needs a new contractor! You can visit Mickey’s Country House in Mickey's Toontown Fair when you visit the Magic Kingdom – for now anyway.

Brenda Mcguire was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Brenda and all the other readers who got the answer right: Lee Anastasi, Nick Straka, Kye Layton, Leslie Dameron, David Manning, Alissa Ammons, Marc Acosta, Charles Wright, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Fred Shakeshaft, Sharon Pierce, Emily Robinson, Douglas Mcknight, Jennifer, Tiffany Gibb, Paul Cooper, Danielle Fitzgerald, Christie Condit, Tim Wingfield, Derek Carty, Jay Reagan, Tommy Carty, Diane Curfman, Cynthia Harrison, Evelyn Wilson, Julie Wickware, Christina, Natalie & Tasha Rotella, Misty Mehelic, Ronnie Mehelic, Danusia Rogacki, Stephanie Servaites, Jen Snapp, Michael Pyle, Scott Khachadourian , Sarah Christopher, Kelly Scott, Nicole Amidon, Alicia Henderson, Joshua Swainston, Brendan Abel, Debbie Locklair, Chris Connors, Clarissa K, Jen Bruno, Matt And Danielle Murgia, Mike Malampy, Darlene Harmon, Tina Benco , Shannon Brueggemann, Walter Fletcher, Tom Koval, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Annette Nuenke, Jordan Miller & Chandler Crowe, Bruce Arnold, Jennifer Tremley, Christopher Barnes, Quincy Delcolletti, Tim Johansen, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Brittany Irish, Ronnie Lane, Wendy Snelgrove, Michael Nanney, Sharon Dale, Brandon Emerson, Karen Klein, Sharon Lee, Mike Z, Carol Baranowsky, Greg Gallo, April Ramey, Mike Haven, Anne Hainsworth, Michele Delorenzo, Erin Loring, Joann Albrecht, Mike Cerce, Anna Mansfield, Erin Hammer, Karrie Duffey, Elizabeth Scarborough, Joe M. Rials, Veronica Pelton, Scott Otis, Mckinley Yeaman, Nancy Johansen, Kristen Mccoy, Kurt Knappman, Kameo Crea, Lisa Ackerman, Sue Mcdonald, Chad Ryan, Tammy Mcenturff, Christian Baas, Gabby Stapp, Stephanie Pcolinsky, Jennifer Schwing, Karen Dresser-smith, J Brizzle, Tim Rachuba, Clare C, Double Family, James Hickey, Mary Anne Szymeczek, Jackson Hart, Brenda Glover, Jillian Domings, Daniel, Matthew Waga, Aruna, Jennifer Cerce, Scott, Jennifer Townsend, John Leach, Jennifer Hicks , Allison Newman, Noreen Rachuba, Sam Kleinfieldt, Danielle Aston, Ashley, Thomas Auckland, Peggy Hickey, Peggy Hickey, Theresa Maradei, Christine And Erin Claeys, Vicki Shearman, Cindy Koerper, Rob Disanto, Tom & Susan Linder, Kristine Gallatin, Heather Coursen, Angela And David Blevins, Blake Schmidt, Douglas Beasock, Steve Knapp, Jill, Cameron Lange, Ashley Pizzino, Peggy Saeger, Stacy Lee, Jessica Deans, Cheryl Costello, Robbie Olmedo, Walter N Clark and Diane Furtado. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #109: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 12, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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

Early morning light casting shadows.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/50s, f/16, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 72mm focal length

As photographers, we all work with light and shadows to create our images. However, when I was looking for something with these two elements for this Disney Pic of the Week on my last trip to Walt Disney World, I had a hard time. While walking back from the Boardwalk Bakery early one morning I saw this composition without the person walking over the bridge to the Swan/Dolphin Resort area. That photo lacked something. Then, this person walked past me and I realized what was missing and quickly took this photo.

Perspective is defined as " to look through". For photographers, it means to look at something differently. To find new perspectives. At Walt Disney World, where people take millions of photographs each year, finding new perspectives can seem a daunting task. I look at it as finding "my" perspective and sometimes a little help can open up whole new ways of looking at things.

The photo below of Minnie Mouse's statuette was pointed out to me by another photographer. I have seen similar photos on flickr, too. But, I had never seen it at dusk with an orange castle softly focused in the background which turned out to be "my" perspective on this subject.

Minnie Mouse admiring Cinderella Castle.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/10s, f/4.8, ISO 1600, EV +0.3, 52mm Focal Length

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/15 sec, f/4.8, ISO 800

I really struggled to find any photos that I might have of shadows for this week’s Pic of the Week. This is definitely not one of my finest shots, but it does remind me of how amazed I was at the beautiful shadows this lamp was casting on the side of the Boardwalk Inn. I didn't come even close to showing how cool they looked. Now I know one thing I'll be looking for on my next trip. That’s what I love about photography at Walt Disney World – I'll never run out of subject matter.

This was Challenge #107:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1.8s shutter, f/8

This statue of St. George and the dragon is in the center of Epcot's Germany pavilion, in front of the Biergarten.

Lee Anastasi was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Lee and all the other readers who got the answer right: Scott Otis, Alissa Ammons, Louise Barton, Erica Sipich, Ashley Pizzino, Baines Family, Tim Wingfield, Jamie Kelly, Jeremy Coto, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Jennifer Otis, Jen Bruno, Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Mike Mecchi, Joanna Sng, Stephanie Visco, K.l. Beasley, Kevin Toomey, Maria M, Kathryn Perkins, Joshua Swainston, Phil Vickers, Ken Fischler, Brian Gallant, Kim Perry, Melea Broekers, Elizabeth Scarborough, Wendy Snelgrove, Marc S, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Teresa Cole, Jared Orth, Christopher Hall, J Brizzle, J Breezy, Karrie Duffey, Chris Forner, Chris Miller, Todd Ritter, Michael Joel Gainey, Michael Fitz, Cameron Lange, Mike Cerce, Megan Loftin, Stephanie Servaites, Angela Fennell, Michelle Roth-smoot, Julie Ellis, Kirsten Stark, Jay Reagan, Tim Rachuba, Evan Zanauskas, Cara Richards, Paula Bender, Kristen Gainey, Clarence Diggles, Jennifer Horst, Valencia Holliday, Quincy Delcolletti, Benjamin Dameron, Harry Wilson, Aruna, Berry Morris, Jen Cerce, Sharon Dale, Tracy Discher, Jennifer Schwing, Steve Jordan, Robert Anderson , Paul Newman, Diane Boorum, Debbie Poole, Jessica Deans, Lisa Cash, Rob Blundin, Jon Solomonson, Bill Monahan, Rochelle, Kye Layton, Shannon Milair, Barclay Bakkum, Donna Brandt, Mary Virginia Clause, Danielle And Matt Murgia and Diane Furtado. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.

Reminder: Don't forget to set the clock on your camera back today!
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Challenge #108: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 5, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/1250 sec, f/5.3

This belly dancer performs with MoRockin, an Arabic rock band that plays in Morocco. MoRockin is a very popular Epcot band and I suspect she may have just a little to do with that!

After riding the latest version of Spaceship Earth, I was pleased to see the exhibit area being used again. The new sponsor, Siemens AG, has created Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. As you enter the exhibit, you can not help but notice the huge Earth before you. In a bit of technological wizardry, the photo that was taken early in the ride of you has now appeared indicating the location where you live. Project Tomorrow houses interactive exhibits featuring various Siemens AG technology. These interactive displays and games allow guests to see the future of medicine, transportation and energy management.

Project Tomorrow exhibit area in Spaceship Earth.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1400, EV +0.3, 11mm Focal Length

How I took this photo: You will notice I was standing in the middle of the ramp from the ride exit (you can see the railings on the far left and right of the photo). As much as I would have liked to set up a tripod, I doubt Disney security would have approved. I had on a fast lens, the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, set to it's widest aperture of f/2.8 and focal length of 11mm. My camera, a Nikon D70, was set to Auto ISO which only allowed the shutter speed to go as slow as 1/30th of a second. At this exposure, the camera set the ISO at 1400. I took this hand held using Da Grip. This is one of several images I took in burst mode and the best of the lot. I had good timing as I did not get run over by any other guests coming off the ride.

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

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

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

This was Challenge #106:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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Challenge #107: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 29, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Dumbos, a magical carousel, tiny children singing “It’s a Small World”… Even before I had ever visited Walt Disney World, I had a picture in my head of what I would see when I got there. That image was Fantasyland. To me, Disney World was Fantasyland. This week, Scott, Lisa and I will be sharing some images we’ve captured of the land where elephants fly.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/1.4, ISO 1250

One of the many vignettes from It’s a Small World in the Magic Kingdom.

This was Challenge #105:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/60s shutter, f/8, ISO 1600

I think Mama Melrose’s is a real hidden gem. I’m a big fan of Caprese salad and the one I had here was delicious. This shot was taken in the lobby where there is a display of photos of the Legends of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A lot of people guessed Hollywood Studios this week but remember, you have to give me a bit more detail than just the name of the park to be entered into the drawing. Dan Owens was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Dan and all the other readers who got the answer right: Alissa Ammons, Robert Anderson , Douglas Mcknight, Brianne F, Bruce Hinterleitner, Kristin Olmedo, Baines Family, Mike Thomson, Kye Layton, Karen Schlumpf, Sharon Lee, Jerry Weldon, Caryn Schill, Emily Currier, Amanda Campbell, Jennifer S., Scott Otis, Jennifer Townsend, Melody Salemi, Daniel Record, Doug Brigger, Kristen Gainey, Jen Norris, Danielle And Matt Murgia, Vanessa Gordon, Karrie Mooney, Lisa Graham, Ashley Salters, Ed Aleszczyk, Matt Cofone, Mike M., Lisa Mccormack, Anne Hainsworth, Jeremy Reichelt, Eric Gasser, Carri Marotto, Travis Grim, Tiffany Keenan, Sarah Connors, Matt Degrandis, Penny, Aubrey Cooper, Jillian Domings, Katy & Emily Robinson, John R. Frangakis, Donna Currier, Melissa Dye, Leigh Mertz, Lauren, Heidi Goodhue, Alicia Roth, James Dezern (dzneynut), Christopher Bourassa, Craig, Jessica Reed, Marie Phillips, Ashley Ryan, Holly Anderson, Nicole Mason, Barbara Cardarelli, Marianne Goode, Roye Ann Morris, Debbie Poole, Alicia Henderson, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Tim Rachuba, Theresa Rucando and Ronnie Schreyer. Each of you will be entered in the October winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #106: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 22, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Funmeister Mascot of Pleasure Island.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/6s, f/9, 500 ISO, +0.3 EV, 28mm Focal Length

The Funmeister or Moon Man mascot can still be found around the remains of the original Pleasure Island entertainment complex and thought it a fitting tribute for my Disney Pic of the Week on Pleasure Island.

Being Disney fans, we consider every hour at a Disney park or resort magical. In photography, each day has two Magic Hours. These are the half hour before and after sunrise and sunset. When the sun is low or just below the horizon, it creates amazing colors in the sky and on the objects around us. Landscape photographers know this and will show up far in advance of the morning or evening magic hours to set up their equipment in hopes of catching something spectacular.

I have talked about watching the sky as you walk around a Disney park before. In the photo below, I was taking a break at the Noodle Station seating area when I noticed how the light was starting to illuminate Cinderella Castle with a lovely golden color. I took many photos over the next several minutes and liked this one the best.

Golden sunlight illuminates Cinderella Castle.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/25s, f/16, ISO 200, EV +0, 18mm Focal Length

The above photo is more awareness than planning. My next trip to Walt Disney World is in early December. Checking the calendar for December, I found the Animal Kingdom will have Evening Extra Magic Hours (EMH) on Wednesday, the 2nd. Normally, Animal Kingdom closes before sunset so this is an opportunity to get some unique photos. One that came to mind is to get a Magic Hour photo of Expedition Everest but what time should I be there to get it?

The Internet quickly gave me the answer. I found the U.S. Naval Oceanography website had a Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day page which calculates sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset for any day and for any city in the world. To find out when the Sun would set on the EMH, I entered in December 2, 2009. Selected Florida for the state in the United States and the city of Orlando in Form A and pressed the Get Data button. It told me sunset would happen at 5:28 PM which tells me I should be set up at least by 5:00 PM. Local weather might interfere but the chances of me getting a spectacular photo have increased with this knowledge.

There are other sites with even more information like the compass reading where the sun will set on the horizon. Given that information and an accurate map, you can determine the best location to get front lighting, side lighting or backlighting at locations you want to photograph at.

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1.6 sec, f/11

When you see a shot like this, it’s pretty clear why they closed Pleasure Island. Still, I miss it. My Pic of the Week was taken on the last weekend that Pleasure Island was open.

This was Challenge #104:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/2s shutter, f/8, ISO 400

This beautiful inlaid wood floor can be found in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge.

Benjamin Esham was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Benjamin and all the other readers who got the answer right: Katie Wolfe, Jodi Cook, Heidi Summers, Mary Beth Tarbet, Kris Nixon, Sarah Koller, Alissa Ammons, Shannon Brueggemann, Jen Cerce, Elizabeth Scarborough, Emily Currier, Kristen Gainey, John Agnew, Dominic Plavny, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Lee Anastasi, Daniel Record, Scott Otis, Stephen Kiskamp, David Manning, Michael Utesch, Tom Koval, Donna Currier, Cameron Love, Mark Brown, Kathy Love, Julie Wickware, C Gibrich, Danielle And Matt Murgia, Cindy Hershey , Jennifer Townsend, Amanda Perkins, Dawn Bach, Michael Gainey, Melissa Dye, Tim Rachuba, S Mullins, Brian Haas, Harry Wilson, Frank F. Fincken Iii, Clarence Diggles, Cheryl Costello, Jeanne Cundiff, Craig, Jackson Hart, Anne Hainsworth, Christopher Hall, Caitlin Rush, Jeff Surette, Bruce Arnold, Cara Arnold, Kelly Zanauskas, Todd Ritter, Carri Marotto, J Brizzle, Dan Hawkins, Stephanie Pcolinsky, Dennis Blackburn, Mike, Laura Pranaitis, Karen Schlumpf, Sarah Haas, Quincy Delcolletti, Mike F, Wendy Palmquist, Heather Coursen, Kendall Huffman, Jennifer Schwing, Leah Nan Broussard, Dan Mangini, Nanette J, Carla, Tom Linder , Sara Beth Wade, Heather Stevens, Robert Longley, Gregory A. Strohmeyer, Karen Dresser-smith, Jamie Poynton, Paula Bender, Joyce Tofflemire, Dave Cole, Jacquelyn Law, Lee Ann Clary, Tim Johansen, Katy M. Robinson, Heidi Goodhue, Shirley Garcowski, Kristin Dormuth, Marikay, Gail Whigham, Angela Haire, Todd Lane, Amy Miller and Nunzio Vignone. Each of you will be entered in the October winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #105: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 15, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens

Although I have many pictures of the Main Street windows in the Magic Kingdom, none of them are very good. I took these in the worst possible light, so the exposure is bad and there are terrible shadows and reflections. You can even see the reflection of yours truly in most all of them.

For Pic of the Week, I decided to see what I could do to make my not-so-great photos seem a little more interesting. This is what Photoshop and I came up with – you be the judge.

Many times I have taken a photo which looked good in the viewfinder but, when reviewing it in the camera's LCD display, not so much. It happens when I am not careful and forget to look around the edges before pressing the shutter release. In the photo below I was intent on Space Mountain before me and missed all the foliage and tree limbs intruding. Now, I could just crop this photo in software. However, cropping too much loses image resolution and can make a photo grainy when viewing a smaller, cropped version.

Wide view of Space Mountain.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/320s, f/9, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 29mm Focal Length

In this case, I decided to use the power of the zoom lens and "crop in camera" by zooming in from 29mm to 75mm. I, also, took two images. One in a landscape orientation and, the one below, in a portrait orientation.

In camera cropped view of Space Mountain.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/16, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 75mm Focal Length

By doing the crop in the camera, it saves me time later at the computer. The image is cleaner and has your camera's full resolution for printing or displaying electronically.

Last December, I took my first tour at Walt Disney World called KEYS TO THE KINGDOM and learned about the history of the Walt Disney Company and the Magic Kingdom. Though I was aware of the windows on Main Street USA, I never actually took the time to read many of them. On this tour, the guide pointed out several and, when this Disney Pic of the Week on Main Street USA Windows rolled around, I knew which one I would be featuring.

Card Walker, a Disney Legend, was the man who would often have to figure out ways to get the Disney brothers, Roy and Walt, to sit down and talk. In that respect he was a Practicioner of Psychiatry and a Justice of the Peace within the Disney Company just as his window says.

Disney legend Card Walker's window on Main Street USA.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/80s, f/8, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 200mm Focal Length

Barrie and Lisa will be presenting their favorite Main Street USA windows on Thursday and Saturday.

Here’s Eeyore and Piglet, wishing you Happy Holidays from their home inside Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom.

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

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

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

This was Challenge #103:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f/11

This wooden sculpture of three kings is above the door to The Fjording shop in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. If you mentioned Norway in your answer, you got it right this week. I don’t really know the significance of this piece of folk art. If anyone does, please let me know by leaving a comment below.

Michael Dameron was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Michael and all the other readers who got the answer right: Jodi Cook, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Elizabeth Scarborough, Sharon Lee, Betsey Whitehead, Robert Anderson, Chris And Alison, Kristen Gainey, Shannon S., Matthew Brisbin, Sarah Smee, Merrin Donahue, Christine Benoit, Brendan Abel, Jennifer Harmon, Scott Khachadourian, Grace G., Shannon Brueggemann, Lee Anastasi, Paula Massarelli, Sandra Shaw, Sherry Klinefelter, James Greene, Sharon Dale, Sue Thompson, Jill Smith`, Scott Otis, Amanda Perkins, Michelle Wilinski, Amanda Marie Penhale, Pasquale Crea, Chris Marchant, Amy Miller, Jared Orth, Cheryl Costello, Anne Hainsworth, Alison Rosenberger, Kelly Zanauskas, Bruce Arnold, J Brizzle, Annette Nuenke, Chris Miller, Kristen Carde, Kurt Knappman, Caitlin Rush, Michael Gainey, Kelly Scott, Blake Schmidt, Cameron Lange, Karen Klein, Lauren Schuhow, Jennifer Townsend, Mike Cerce, Jen Cerce, Ashley Pizzino, Tim Johansen, Jason Skow, Susan M. Thompson, Vickie Scioneaux, Chris J, Clarissa K, Jeremy Hardy, Clarence Diggles, Paul Amico, Carinne Kight, Chad Simpson, Jamie Poynton, Amie Dodds, Melissa Silverman, Brent Lollar, Kirsten Stark, Katie Wolfe, Tom Koval, Elizabeth Collins, Diane Ramos and Christopher Barnes. Each of you will be entered in the October winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #104: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 8, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

I recently attended a photo workshop where I saw some fantastic panoramic images. As the presenter went through the steps to create them, I got so excited that when I got home last night I searched through my Walt Disney World photos to see if I had any candidates for a panoramic.

Though I did find some including the example I am showing you today, you really need to create images with the panoramic image in mind. Here's a list of tips when photographing for panoramics:

1. Use a level tripod. The key here is to make stitching the images together easier for the software. I will tell you the software I tried was very good a finding a way to match up images even if hand held. So, if you are going out to specifically create panoramic photos, then use a tripod. If you are in the middle of a themepark without one, go ahead and hand hold.

2. Use the same exposure for all images. Again, this will make matching up the images easier. Also, another good use of the Manual mode.

3. Make your exposures as fast as possible. This is help keep all your images even and, if you have any moving subjects, it will keep down the movements of those subjects.

4. Avoid using a polarizer filter. If you are trying to capture a wide expanse of sky, a polarizer will cause different hues as the camera is moved from one image to another and the angle to the sun changes.

5. If using a digital camera, turn off Auto White Balance (AWB). AWB can change the color cast of an image as the light changes from one image to another. If it's cloudy out, use the Cloudy setting. If bright sun, use the Sunny setting, etc.

6. Overlap the Images. For best results, overlap the images about 20% if you are using focal lengths of 35mm and up. If you are using a wide angle lens then increase that to 40 to 50% because wide angles can distort at the edges.

Now, let's create a panoramic of these two photos I took of a sunset at Epcot's World Showcase. As you can see they are level as I was using a tripod. They have enough overlap to make the stitching easy for software or to manually match them up if I choose to do so.

I have my photos selected. I edited them the same and matched up the sky colors as best as I could. Check to see if the software you use to edit photos with has a panoramic tool built-in. The last few versions of Photoshop has it and is called Photomerge. I tried out a few different programs and liked Arcsoft's Panorama Maker 5 (for PC or Mac) the best. It automatically did the hard work of stitching the photos together and even has virtual framing options available. There are many other programs out there so try them out to see which one is best for you. Here's the final version after Panorama Maker 5 got done with it's magic.

World Showcase Sunset Panoramic

Something to keep in mind. While this is a horizontal panoramic, I saw some vertical ones during the workshop which were gorgeous. I'll be looking for panoramic opportunities on my next visit to a Disney resort.

China's Temple of Heaven and reflection.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1s, f/16, 200 ISO, +0 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Epcot's China pavilion features it's own Temple of Heaven complex with the three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. Many of its architectural details, both inside and out, have important significance to the Chinese people. Inside the hall, there are 12 outer columns supporting the roof. They represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Closer to the center of the room are 4 columns representing the four seasons. These columns support a beam, representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven.

This photo was taken earlier on the same day as the one in the Using a Tripod at WDW article. Here I used a portrait orientation to show the reflection in the water pool and makes for a reflective Disney Pic of the Week for China.

This week we’re going to pass under the Gate of the Golden Sun and visit China in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 1/1000s shutter, f5, ISO 400

I always enjoy taking pictures of the Dragon Legend Acrobats. These young students from the Pu Yang Academy of Acrobatics in China are very talented and fun to watch. I used a very fast shutter speed on this shot to capture the performer’s bowls in mid-air.

This was Challenge #102:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f/11

Characters in Flight is a giant, tethered, helium balloon ride at Downtown Disney with spectacular views of Walt Disney World. I didn’t get a chance to ride it on the trip when I took this photo but I’m definitely looking forward to it in January. Check out how many people got it right this week - amazing!

Frances Phebus was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Frances and all the other readers who got the answer right: Craig, Tim Weston , Diane C., Anthony Oneto, Michelle Mcspadden, Hollie Hinton , Kris Nixon, Amy Knoche, Scott Greenbaum, Sharon Pierce, Brittany Irish, Elizabeth Collins, Jodi Cook, Denise Cayz , Jaclyn Koller, Ken Fischler, Mike Malampy, Ken Jackson, Amy Lucas, Wendy Osborne, Sharon Dale, Carla, Dawn Bach, Rich Kacprowicz, Shannon, Megan Krainski, Amy Filliben, Dawn Burns, Scott , Scott Otis, Jillian Domings, Matthew Sherman, Linda Scrivano, Danielle And Matt Murgia, Anthony Dearman, Alissa Ammons, Brian Yesutis, Leigh Mertz, Deb Ragno, Louise Barton, Betsy Bates, Katie, Emily Currier, Tina Cole, Alex Karr, Linda Coutu, Ed Aleszczyk, Ronnie Lane, Brendan Abel, Rich Esker, Ariana Stowe, Annette Nuenke, Monica Alderman, Noreen Rachuba, George Weigler, Sarah Haas, Lauren Sullivan, Cari-ann, Jackson Hart , Stephanie Servaites, Stacey Van Dyke, Berry Morris, Karen Adamakis, Debbie O'connell, Melody Salemi, Tim Rachuba, Michele Delorenzo, Teri Jo Fuson, Michelle Raimist, Danielle Ford, Jim Kayer, Mary Beth Tarbet, Austin O'blenis, Diana Fitzgerald, Phil Vickers, Danielle Berkovitz, Jenny Shenold, Grant Hart, Lin Fales, Jennifer Harmon, David And Melissa Lizewski, Jen , Barbie Lawless, Michael Pyle, Christine Dagney, Karen Diegel, Howard Schreiber, Emily Dagney, Mallory Bach, Marie Wolfe, Richard Caprio, Donna Currier, Douglas Mcknight, Theresa Rucando, Joy Johnston, Michelle Sunde, Stephanie Visco, Jocelyn L., Steve Toponak, Caitlin Barringer, Amanda Mccracken, Amy Rupp, Lee Anastasi, Jackie Purcell, Emma Poprock, Belicia Dawson, Scott Cullen, Bill Androckitis Jr., Karen Hotchkiss, Erica Adkins, Seth Walker, Wendy Shain, Jen Cerce, Brianne F, Jay Bradford, Bonnie Ford, Tricia Petty, Brian Haas, Bryan Blochberger, Baines Family, Victoria Vogt, Quincy Delcolletti, Charles Wright, Betsey Whitehead, Allie , Jacquelyn Law, Claressa Nisley, Alan Law, Valerie Gugala, Heather Young, Pat W., Letitia Faulkner, Gabriella Rizzo, Jeremy Hardy, Ann Fowler, Marie Phillips, Kameo Crea, Susan Pitts, Erica Sipich, Evelyn Wilson, Ssg, Amanda M., Eric Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, Jeremy Coto, Kristen Gainey, Caryn Schill, Kendall Huffman, Shannon Brueggemann, Jorge Caso, Mary Virginia Clause, R S Engel, Curtis Bille, Nick Straka, Maria M, Jennifer Tremley, Bryan Fencl, Marc Lorenzo, Karen Nelson, Wendy Ip, Double Family`, Richard Uhler, Jennifer Haas, Vickie Woods , Dan Mangini, April Pangburn, Mike M., Marissa, Chrsitine Holzman, Jill Smith, Elisa Dillon, Dominic Plavny, Rick Hemsley, Michelle Thompson, Stephanie Hardhouse, Kelly Zanauskas, Daniel Record, Robin Fitts, Julia Wickware, Lori Rienhardt, Humberto Ciucio Junior, Tina Santacroce, Sue Thompson, Erin Hammer, Jessica Gruhlke, Danielle Quatrella, Jamie Difatta, Irene Kleintop, Ana Marlett, Alicia Roth, Walter Fletcher, Erin Lundvall, Laurie, Ashley Pizzino, Patrick Albrecht, Tom Koval, Kelly H, Christina Cooper, Kidnurse, Tony Clay, Mike Kaczanowski, Elizabeth Scarborough, Annie Hulsey, Mike O'brien, Kim Steiner, Krystal Pound, Daria Hagemeyer, Bennet Creed, Amanda Perkins, Z Cheven, Chris J, Melissa Littman, Jennifer Glaze, Laura, Jennifer Mccurry, Gregg Mcglasson, Laura Laws, Erin Austin, Hoekzema Family, Kye Layton, Datosha Brigger, Doug Brigger, Susan Hines-brigger, Jeff Finger, Misty Mehelic, Dee Dee Chapman, Mike Zendler, Lynn Barber, Dave Cole, Callie , Dan Hawkins, Jane Dickerson, Angela Saulsberry, Duane Wisniewski, Christie Condit, Jeffrey Dunne, Linda Abbate, Pamela Meeker, Emma Ford, Louise Maxwell, Christopher Bourassa, Pollyanna Buff, Jill Linton, James Greene, Dana Grandinetti, Dallas Hamilton, Cara Richards, Kim Perry, Vincent Maltese, Sandra Edwards, Anne Hainsworth, Mike Gillardi, Karen Dresser-smith, Jerry Marceau, Alison Rosenberger, Teresa Cole, Scott Button, Cameron Lange, Christopher Hall, Nicole Lassiter, Paul Ignudo, Jr, Karen Desantis, Susan Flebotte, Dolores Riccio, Chris Miller, Bruce Arnold, John Leach, Deanna Simmons, Jim Finley, Jake Christopher, Becky Skidmore, Matt Degrandis, Elaine Tomko-deluca, J Breezy, Ellie Argaluza, Bruce Lawson, Dennis Blackburn, Greg Gallo, Meagan Jarmuz, Jaclyn Kelch, Kim Peters, Mark Franklin, Scott Price, Rochelle, Amanda Marie Penhale, Jaron Goldberg, Vanessa Gordon, Jen Norris, Kristen Mccoy, Helene Mahnken, Carri Marotto, Deb Gallo, Angela And David Blevins, Erin Loring, Michael Gainey, Tere Given, John Arena Jr, Karen Schlumpf, Steve Pocopanni, Sue Mcdonald, Sara Beth Wade, Stuart Hale, Mark Cullison, Emily, Joyce Tofflemire, Karen Klein, Paula B, Alex Hill, Leslie Schwartz, Lou Baker, Jacob Hill, Denise Long, James Steele, Mildred Popp, Lisa Falletta, Karen Robertson, Jennifer Schwing, Sarah Connors, Deb, Melanie Moeller, Jim, Mike Thomson, Rex Brigger, Laura Pranaitis, Michelle Roth-smoot, Caitlin Rush, Tiffany Wakefield, Wendy Palmquist, Bill Daniel, Megan E., Debby & Andrew Webber, Jonathan Thomas, Wendy Snelgrove, Tom & Susan Linder, Dean, Tiago And Rocco De Oliveira, Eric Bouchet, Randy Katz, Tim Johansen, Joshua Thorne, Derek Carty, Paul Newman, Jennifer Dye, Lauri Phillips, Sarah Biesterfeld, Celia Bubb, Tiffany Gibb, Jacque Schmidt, Jen Schultz, Leah Nan Broussard, Jerry Weldon, Jeremy , Brandon Joyce, Steve Bob, Shauna Hasselman, Alicia Henderson, Aruna, Antonio Arena, Susan Doucette, Melesia Love, Michael Nanney, Angela Fennell, Diane Leclercq, Tracy Discher, Keith Burwell, Dennis Bratnik, Carolyn Como, Kelly Kobiela, Misty Lyons, Casie Crowder, Wade A. Williams, Christy Gattis, Debbie Hicks, Kellie Carter, Amanda Smith, Dave Carriere, Danielle Fitzgerald, Sherry, Shane Stack, Robin Mcconnell, Peter Lee, Megan, Jennifer Townsend, Angela Quirk, Kevin Geiger, Candace Dadswell, Brittany Bailey, Jennifer Chartier, Gemma Keen, Lindsay C., Hillary Waldroop, Julianne Williams, Heather Pedulla, Julie Williams, Jane Johnson, Bev Folmer, Theresa Maradei, Suzanne Brown, Chris Connors, Debbie Connors, Joseph M Zafia, Abby Earl, Susan Popp, Kay Chance, Peter Ball, Carolyn Brooke, Amy Perras, Laney Wood, Sharon Poag, Jon Uk, Nicole Elliott, Janet Ostrowe, Heather Coursen, Phil Thach, Jane Gilarno, Cheri Palmisano, Allison Dibiase, Michael Barker, Kristin Dormuth, Heidi Summers, Jennifer Bogdan, Barb, Janet Theriault, Amy Miller, Danielle Aston, Bob Hendrix, Bridgie Auckland, Richard Nussbaum, Kirsten Stark, Judy Koslowski, Denise Dossat, Angie Daley, Kelly Simms, Gail H, Brent Lollar, Melissa Dye, Stephanie Pcolinsky, Sharon Lee, John P., Kris Kline, James Berry, Melissa Rebelo, Kathy Berry, Holley Blyler, Jennifer Cameron, Shannon Milair, Carol Donoghue, Amy Morgan-rogers, Luis Rodriguez, Chris B, Jamie Poynton, Candy Grasty and Peggy Saeger. Each of you were entered in the September winners’ drawing.

By the way, I missed a couple of names last week. Both Sharon Dale and Brenda Strohmeyer had the right answer to Challenge #101. I added both your names into the September drawing. If that ever happens, (I should say “when” not “if”) just let me know. Sometimes my eyes go a little buggy when I’m reading through all the entries.

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

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

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Challenge #103: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, October 1, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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

Mickey's MouseKosh overalls drying near the garden outside his Country House in Toontown Fair.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/640s, f/1.8, 200 ISO, +0.6 EV

Drying outside his Country House's garden, Mickey's MouseKosh overalls are selectively focused. By setting the aperture to f/1.8 on my nifty-fifty (50mm prime lens) and carefully focusing on the overalls throwing the background out of focus for my Disney Pic of the Week on the technique of Selective Focus.

I enjoy not only taking photographs but sharing them through the various mediums which are now available to us via the Internet. From blogs, online galleries, photo essays, slideshows and, in the home, with hanging prints and even on my HDTV. I also like to create images from the original photo. The Castle at Dusk Redo I recently did got me thinking of other things when I came upon the idea of doing travel posters.

Remember going to a Travel Agency and seeing all those large posters on the wall of exotic places like Hawaii, Switzerland, Alaska, New York City, Africa, Paris, England, Austrailia and Canada. Wait, Canada? Yes, even Canada deserves a big travel poster and I found just the perfect one using Epcot's World Showcase's Canadian pavilion. Here's the original image.

Canada pavilion's landmark Hotel du Canada just past sunset.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 2s, f/22, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 170mm focal length, tripod

Using Picnik.com, an online photo editor, I added the large capitalized CANADA and made it an orange-red to go with the sky. Then placed the maple leaf, Canada's national symbol, graphic underneath. Ah, a poster fit for a travel agency wall, eh? Which, in today's world, is more likely our own homes. I think I will do one for each country.

So, here's a shout out to my neighbors to the North and the return of the National Hockey League (NHL) next week. GO HABS GO!

A Travel Poster for Canada.