Picture This!

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.

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 #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.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #94:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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Challenge #95: Where in the world is this?

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

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

This was Challenge #93:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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Challenge #94: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, July 16, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #84:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/2s shutter, f/3.5, ISO 800

This beautiful relief carving is located near the elevators at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. I think this one stumped a lot of people. I went easy on you – anyone who mentioned the Polynesian got it right this week, even if you didn’t know exactly where it was at the resort.

Kelly Kobiela was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Kelly and all the readers who got the answer right: Louise Barton, Chloe Barton, Jennifer Tremley, Patty Carty, Cameron Love, Casey Sullivan, Denise Owen, Dana Hinterleitner, Bruce Hinterleitner, Karen Walat, Lynn Barber, Carolyn Como, Kelli Vancil, Liz Moreau and Casey Sullivan. Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #85: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, May 14, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Comment link at the bottom of this post.

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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!

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

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

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

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

Hollywood Studios Entrance.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 30s, f/16, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, 170mm Focal length, Tripod

I have never carried a tripod into a Walt Disney World park until my last trip. I thought it would be too much trouble and a bother. However, if you plan ahead, it can be done without too much disruption to your family's enjoyment. First, you have to consider how to carry the tripod the times you decide to bring one. For me it started with the choice of tripod. I didn't want one too heavy or big and easy to carry. I settled on a Manfrotto 725B Digi Tripod with Integrated Ball Head and Carrying Bag which is all those things and cost about $135. This tripod has since been replaced by the Manfrotto 7302YB M-Y Tripod and still comes with a ball head and carrying bag at around the same price. The carrying bag allowed me to carry the tripod over my shoulder comfortably. Now, don't get me wrong, I would not carry the tripod all day long. The main reason for using a tripod at Walt Disney World is for long exposure photography in the early mornings, evenings and fireworks.

On the days I planned to use a tripod, I would rent a locker at the parks. The tripod fit easily in a LARGE locker (see photo) so make sure you ask for one of this size. It was also handy to store sweatshirts or sweaters if you are visiting when the nights cool down. This let me go on rides and attractions without having to deal with the bulkiness of a tripod. The lockers are located near the front entrances to the parks so be aware of how long it will take to retrieve the tripod. I tried to plan to be near the front of the park about an hour before sunset. That gave me more than enough time to get to the locations I had in mind.

So, what are the advantages of a tripod besides being able to shoot at long exposures. It lets you use low ISO setting which means less noise and better clarity to your photos. All of my tripod photos were taken at my camera's lowest ISO setting of 200. Tripods, used correctly, give your camera a rock steady platform with no shake. To insure as little or no camera movement as possible use a remote shutter release or your camera's self-timer. Some people even go so far as locking up the mirror (see your camera's manual on how to do this).

Temple of Heaven in the China pavilion at dusk.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 8s, f/8, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

I keep mentioning how I planned to use a tripod and to be at a certain place. Think of it as an extension of your normal planning process and make sure your family is involved so they know what you want to do and expect. For fireworks, your family will probably want to be with you. Other times, they may want to explore while you are waiting through 10, 20, 30 second or longer exposures. It pays to research locations. In previous visits, I would try and take a night photo which just wouldn't work hand-held so I would make a mental note. flickr is a great place to find locations as there are many photographers who specialize in Disney themepark photography.

Sometimes you might just come upon them as you walk around. On a previous trip, I walked the trail between Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Epcot resort area late at night. I looked over the canal to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror all lit up in very moody colors fitting the theme of the ride and knew I would need to come back with a tripod which I finally did.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at night from the walking trail to the Epcot resort area.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 30s, f/11, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, 130mm Focal length, Tripod

This was taken late at night which is another way to capture unique night time photos at Walt Disney World when the parks are close to being empty of visitors and there's a chance the water around and in the parks is calm. I had such a night during my last visit and was able to get mirrored images around the Epcot resort area like in this photo of the Swan Resort.

The Swan Resort mirrored in the canal the Friendship boats use during the day.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 30s, f/11, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Using a tripod at Walt Disney World does take some effort and advanced planning but the rewards of capturing photos you could never get without one is worth it. Will I always take a tripod to a Disney park now? That will depend on what I have planned and who will be accompanying me but I will never think of it as a burden. Tripods open up far more opportunities when the Sun goes down.

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Last year I went in-depth and explained the three different metering modes found on our digital SLR and advanced point and shoot cameras. These are Matrix, Center-weighted and Spot. At the time, I used some un-Disney like photos to show the difference between each mode. I thought a side by side comparison would be helpful as a review.

The three photos below were taken from Sea Breeze Point near Disney's Boardwalk Resort shows the three different metering modes in action.

Metering mode collage from Sea Breeze Point near Disney's Boardwalk Resort.

As I have mention in previous posts, Matrix metering in today's digital cameras is very good except in the most challenging of lighting situations like stage lights, backlighting and very low light conditions (dark rides). When faced with one of the challenging conditions, I will use Spot metering over the other two like in the photo from the Festival of the Lion King.

Festival of the Lion King performer in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Nikon D70/70-200VR, 1/125s, f/2.8, ISO 800, EV 0, 200mm Focal length

This was Challenge #79:

And here's the answer:

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

To all you folks who guessed the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, you were in good company! That was the most popular answer this week. Designed to look like the horses’ gate at a racetrack, this water play area is part of the Grandstand pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.

Theresa Rucando was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Theresa and all the readers who got the answer right: Karen Nelson, Sharon Pierce, Linda Mac, Tim Rachuba, David And Melissa Lizewski, Garland Cox, Frances Phebus, Jennifer Tremley, Ed Aleszczyk, Dan Owens, Nikki Powell, Howard Schreiber, Rick Shea, Robin Mcconnell, Charlie Scheer, Michelle Thompson, April Pangburn, Trish Babler, Daniel Record, Krystal Thomas, Christi Ison, Stephanie Visco, Dawn Bach, Dylan Weidner, Emma Poprock, Dave Cole, Sarah Biggs, Lorne Harris, Nick Straka, Melesia Love, Anne Hainsworth, Shane Stack, Cathy Skiba, Wendy Snelgrove, Austin O'blenis, Becky Sterusky, Leah Broussard, Mike Malampy, Tina Benco , Michael Nanney, Darlene Harmon, Paula Massarelli, Carolyn Como, Ali S, Paul Cooper, Andrew Michuda, Allison Caputa, Denise Owen, Paul Moody, Dan Mangini, Paula H., Heather Mcfall, Bill Daniel, Heather Coursen, Bonnie Smith, Michelle Mcknight and Cheri Palmisano. Each of you will be entered in the April winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #80: 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, April 9, by clicking on the button below. Please do not post answers using the Comment link at the bottom of this post.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

Symmetry in it's purest sense is an object which, if cut directly down the middle, would be mirror images of each other. It's one of the ways to break the Rule of Thirds correctly. Hope that doesn't confuse you. It's easy to find a symmetrical object but the images I've chosen to show you here are symmetrical but not mirror images. They are close enough to show you how to use symmetry in your photography.

The first is of the Swan Resort taken from a room in the Dolphin Resort. Like a lot of buildings, the Swan, itself, is symmetrical as is the landscaping and walkways leading up to and away from it. I think the surrounding foreground and background of the buildings and the Friendship boat dock add to the photo.

Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200, EV 0, 20mm Focal length

The next one is from the Pop Century resort. The large Mickey Mouse phone is symmetrically placed between the resort buildings and the Fooseball men. This is not close to being perfectly symmetrical, yet a pleasing composition with the main subject in the center of the photo.

Nikon D70/18-70D, 1/320s, f/9, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal length

The last example was taken during the 2007 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The Prince and Cinderella topiary was placed in the center of a sea of flowers flanked by trimmed flowering and green bushes and trees.

Nikon D70/18-2000VR, 1/160s, f/11, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

When taking these photographs, I kept telling myself I was breaking a photography "rule". That is the something I want you to take away from this article. It's okay to break rules in photography when it works (as in the above photos) and you know you are doing it. Just putting something in the middle of your viewfinder does not make it symmetrical.

I have my camera set up to enhance colors. Most of the time it captures what I want and gives me bright, vibrant colors. Then there are those times the photos have a color cast to them I don't like. Take for instance the photo I took at Beaches and Cream of Cast Member Kristen serving me up a delicious cheeseburger and fries. The original photo on the left has a warm yellowish color cast to it. Really not fitting for the brightly colored restaurant or Kristen's skin tones.

In most photo editing software, you'll find a way to fix the white balance or the color of light in a photo. See your software's manual for specific instructions. In Apple's Aperture 2 software, which I use, there is an eye-dropper white balance tool which I can select and drag to something in the photo I know is white and click. The software will then take the color information from the spot I clicked on and adjust the rest of the photo's white balance.

In this photo, I used the Walt Disney World napkin you see towards the bottom of the frame. The photo on the right has been white balanced adjusted using the eye-dropper technique. The colors are now more true to life, especially Kristen's skin color. The white colors have lost the yellowish hue as seen in the Before photo. The photo still needs a few more adjustments but this was the biggest one and made much easier by using Aperture's white balance eye-dropper tool.

Auto White Balance Adjustment.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/3.5, ISO 450, EV +0.3, 18mm focal length

Beaches and Cream is an old fashioned soda fountain tucked away at the Beach Club resort. Beaches and Cream is just few minutes walk or short boat ride from Epcot's International Gateway. It serves, in my opinion, the best burgers at Walt Disney World and is home to the Kitchen Sink dessert with 24 scoops of ice cream and every topping they have. It's a small dining venue and does not take reservations. For the least amount of wait time, try to get there for an early or late lunch or early dinner. Beaches and Cream is mobbed after an Illuminations performance as it also has ice cream counter service.

This was Challenge #70:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2005 Barrie Brewer, Fuji Finepix S5000, 1/20s shutter, f2.8

This is one of the doorplates at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Saratoga Springs is one of the Disney Vacation Club properties. If you mentioned Saratoga Springs in your answer this week, even if you said it was the elevator, I put you on the winners list. I’m feeling generous, but don’t get used to it! I’m going back to being a tough cookie on this new challenge.

Paul Cooper was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Paul and all the readers who got the answer right: Michelle Thompson, Elisa Dillon, Kevin Toomey, Lee Anastasi, Tim Wingfield, Sharon Lee, Jackie Purcell, Hillary W, Curtis Bille, Leslie Dameron, Tommy Carty, Densie Owen, Lynn Barber, Derek Carty, Margie Thomas, Krista Penno, Dave Cole, Nick Straka, Elizabeth Kormesser, Tim Johansen, Amanda Campbell, Jen Cerce, Stephen Wilson, Diane Cripps, Jennifer Tremley, Maryann Eckenrode, Kye Layton, Bob Paterson, Denise Cayz, Bryan Timko, Hayley Lawson, Lisa Berton, Suzanne Kennedy, Sharon Dale, Theresa Rucando, Kris Nixon, Anjanette Tournillon, Bryan Fencl, Tim Rachuba, Jeffrey Dunne, Sherry Klinefelter, Daniel Record, Sarah Smee, Joyanne Johnston, Dan Mangini, Laura Pranaitis, Brian Haas, Laura Barnes, Blake Schmidt, Sue Mcdonald, Paul Ignudo, Jr, Tricia Noble, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Katarina Whitmarsh, Gary E Genteman, Willie Tople, Melissa Schipper, David Coates, Debra Moscara, Bill Mckim, Dan Mcdonald, Bonnie Smith, Diane Ramos, Marie Phillips, Noreen Rachuba, Christi Ison, Anne Hainsworth, Karen Schlumpf, Amy Miller, Heather Stevens, Robin Mcconnell, Nicole Cyr, Tom Koval, Joseph Tempel, Al Desimone, Karen Dresser-smith, Danielle Berkovitz, Liz Moreau, Cathy Adams, Kathy Lowe, Laura Miller, Jacquelyn Law, Robert Flaherty, Melissa Kuehnle, Jacque Schmidt, Hollie Hinton, Baines Family, Jeffrey Kontur, Sherri Pell, Paul Amico, Cheri Palmisano, Aruna, Kathy Berry, David And Melissa Lizewski, Dylan Weidner, Steven Long and Travis Grim. Each of you will be entered in the February winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #71: 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, February 5, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

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

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

Before taking a closer look at the photo below. I would like you to review a couple of past Picture This! articles. The first is Barrie talking about Leading Lines. Isn't that a great photo? The second article is the one I did on the Rule of Thirds. Off Kilter is one of my favorite entertainers at Walt Disney World and are fun to photograph.

For the photo below of the Yacht Club Resort, I had my back to the lighthouse you see in Barrie's photo. As you can see I used her tip on leading lines. I know what you are thinking, unlike Barrie's photo, I have the dock right in the center of the frame. Could I be breaking the Rule of Thirds I urged you to use in my article? If you follow the dock to the resort notice the roof line of the Yacht Club. Yes, it's about 1/3 down from the top of the frame and makes for a nice balanced photo. I'm sure after a long day at the parks, this is a welcome sight for returning guests.

Dock leading to the Yacht Club Resort.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 25s, f/22, 200 ISO, 0 EV, 18mm Focal length, Tripod

Don't be afraid to experiment with your compositions. Either when you are taking photos or by cropping in post-processing.

In this age when photo software can duplicate almost any effect film photographers used filters for, I still find one filter very useful. The Polarizing filter does just what polarizer sunglasses do, they cut down on the glare from the sun. Most people use a circular polarizing filter which means the filter moves once it is mounted on your lens in a circular motion. This gives you various amounts of polarization which you can see in your viewfinder.

In the photos below of the Dolphin resort in Disney's Boardwalk area, I used a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens with a 52mm circular polarizing filter by Hoya. The top image is with the polarizer in it's weakest position with no affect on the light. The bottom image is after I rotated the filter to it's strongest position giving the very deep blue sky color. Notice the loss of light hitting the camera's sensor. In this case, the shutter speed and aperture both decreased for a combined loss of 1 stop (see Exif data in the caption).

Polarizing Filter Effect.
Top Image: Nikon D70/50mm, 1/80s, f/11, ISO 200, EV +0.3
Bottom Image: Nikon D70/50mm, 1/60s, f/10, ISO 200, EV +0.3

I know what you are thinking. Even the most rudimentary photo program can deepen a blue sky. True, but I didn't have to take the time. It takes a second or two to move the filter into the position I wanted. Besides, that's not the only thing a polarizer filter can do.

Reflections can be greatly cut down and even eliminated using a polarizing filter. Check out the photos below where Spaceship Earth is reflected in one of the water pools near The Land pavilion in Epcot. The one on the left is with the polarizer filter at it's weakest position. The one on the right is at it's strongest position. In this case, only a half stop of light was lost thanks to a very bright Florida sun. You will notice how the reflection is diminished so you can see the rocks on the pool's bottom. This works on reflections through glass, too.

Water reflection Polarizing Filter Effect.
Left Image: Nikon D70/50mm, 1/60s, f/13, ISO 200, EV +0.3
Right Image: Nikon D70/50mm, 1/60s, f/11, ISO 200, EV +0.3

Reflections are a bit harder to get rid of in software. At least in the time it took me to rotate the polarizing filter.

Like any filter, circular polarizing filters come in various sizes to fit over many different lenses. Some are cheap, while others are more expensive. Other alternatives is to check a local photography shop to see if they have any used ones or on eBay. Make sure you know the size, in millimeters, of the lens you are buying for.

When Lisa suggested that we do a post of our top ten favorite things to photograph in Walt Disney World, I panicked. I knew I would have a terrible time trying to come up with my ten and I wasn’t wrong. The truth is I love to photograph everything in Disney World. I can’t imagine ever running out of interesting subjects there. And I have thousands of photos to prove it! Now, they aren’t all good mind you, but still, it takes awhile to go through them all. So, I apologize for being late with my entry and without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top ten favorite things to photograph in Walt Disney World.

Animals

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f8
This lioness photo was taken on the Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Entertainers

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50/55-200
This is Sergio. He can be found performing in Italy at the World Showcase in Epcot.

Props

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/13s shutter, f5, ISO 640
This bike is one of the props that decorates Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Architecture

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f5.6
Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has some of the most colorful and creative architecture on property.

Flowers

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200, 1/1000s shutter, f4.8
I snapped a photo of this orchid on my way out of the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

World Showcase Pavilions

Copyright © 2003 Barrie Brewer, Nikon E3100, 18-200, 1/32s shutter, f5.6
This picture is from the Canada Pavilion. It’s one of the earliest photos I have of Disney World, when I first got interested in photography.

Parades

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f16
The parades are perfect for getting great shots of the characters. I took this one of Buzz Lightyear during the Stars and Motorcars parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Fireworks

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1s shutter, f8
This is a picture of Wishes, the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom.

Resorts

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f5.6
One of my most favorite spots to take pictures is in the Epcot Resort area, around Crescent Lake. This is the Yacht Club Resort at sunrise.

Night Photos

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 4.1s shutter, f8, ISO 800
I love taking photos at night, especially at Disney World. This, of course, is the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A wide angle lens for a digital SLR camera is usually considered a lens of focal length 24mm lens or less (for full frame SLR it's about 1.5 times more or 35mm). Wide angle lenses can take in a wider field of view then normal, telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses. On my last trip to Walt Disney World, I brought an Ultra Wide Angle zoom lens made by Tokina with a range of 11 to 16mm. This lens comes in Nikon and Canon flavors and work only on digital camera bodies. These lenses are a lot of fun to use and give you new ways to photograph familiar subjects.

The best way to get the most ouf of a wide angle lens is to put something of interest in the foreground, middle area and background so a viewer's eye can be lead into the photo. In this photo I took from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue (you can see the roof in the upper left hand corner) at 11mm in the Magic Kingdom, the rock shelf is in the foreground, the train and mountain is in the middle area and the trees and sky is in the background.

A train returns from it's wild ride on Big Thunder Mountain.
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/400s, f/10, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 11mm Focal length

Ultra wide angle lenses are great for sweeping landscapes. I know at Walt Disney World there's not a lot of places for landscapes in the parks. I found the resorts and waterways a better choice. I took this of the Grand Floridian while riding the resort monorail (you can see the monorail's windows being reflected in the sky) for a kind of photo you normally do not see of a Disney resort.

The Grand Floridian from the resort monorail on the way to the Magic Kingdom .
Nikon D70/Tokina 11-16, 1/125s, f/11, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 11mm Focal length

Again, notice the three elements used. The water in the foreground, the Grand Floridian resort in the middle area with the clouds and sky in the background. Also notice the location of the horizon in the bottom third of the photo to give emphasis to the sky.

I know you hear a lot about how third party lenses (lenses not made by a camera manufacturer like Nikon or Canon) are not as good. However, I have used two Tokina wide angle lenses (and own the 11-16mm) and have no reservations about recommending them to you.

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #65:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

And speaking of that monthly drawing… this month’s big winner is Hayley Lawson ! Congratulations Hayley, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!
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Challenge #66: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, January 1, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #52:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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Challenge #53: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, September 18, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

Last time, I went over how I name all the thousands of photos I take each year. Each photographer will come up with his or her own naming system. This week I am going to show you how to organize your image files on your computer systems.

In sticking with my boring, yet simple, system, I start with one folder on my computer system called PHOTOS. Inside PHOTOS, I have subfolders for each year I've been taking digital photographs named: STP_2005, STP_2006, STP_2007 and STP_2008. In each of these folders I have twelve more folders for each month of that folder's year. For this year, they look like STP_200801 through STP_200812. If you recall, I rename each of my photos when I put them on my computer to something like STP_20080912_0192.jpg. This method works for me. Others might create a folder for each topic they photograph. However, don't over do it or your computer will get filled with hundreds of folders.

I know you are asking yourself how do I find something as specific as a photo of Space Mountain or how to pull up just my Walt Disney trip photos from 2006. That is the subject I'll cover soon. This was to get you thinking how to set up your files on your computer system.

Below is a photo from the Pop Century resort named STP_20061213_0006.jpg which resides in folder PHOTOS, subfolder STP_2006 and subfolder STP_200612 on my hard drive. Anyone have one of these phones? I had a touch tone one.

The giant Mickey Mouse Phone icon at the Pop Century Resort.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/320s, f/9, 200 ISO, EV +0.7, 18mm Focal length

One of the first things I had to deal with when I first started using a digital camera was how to organize all the files I was creating every time I went out taking photographs. The camera manufacturers think their simple system of a strange prefix followed by a number is what anyone would ever need. Blah! After producing hundreds of image files, I ended up doing folders for each time which got even more chaotic.

When facing this ongoing problem, I first identified the need to name this files so I could easily sort them. I read how others were doing it. Many like to use some sort of descriptive name which includes a prefix of meaning (like WDW for Walt Disney World) followed by a date designation and a sequential number. I tried this type of system for awhile but found the prefix was a bit confusing for me and decided to use a standard prefix for all my photos. Here is what a typical name for one of my digital photo files looks like: STP_20080905_025.jpg. The prefix of STP stands for Scott Thomas Photography then an underscore to separate the date which is in long year, month, day format which is easy to sort in chronological order with another underscore separating the sequential order. This works for me. You may have come up with a different system. I only use one camera right now. If I add another camera in the future, I will add a camera type to the prefix so it will be easy to see which camera took what photo. Don't forget, there's a lot of data contained in each photo's Exif which in future weeks I'll show how that can be used.

Now, how did I get from the camera's name for the files that look like DSC_2345 to my system? For that I use a program which takes my files from the compact flash memory card and loads them onto my laptop. As it copies the files down it renames them using the photo file's date and adds the prefix and sequential number suffix around it. For instance, below is my photo STP_20070524_0008.jpg. This also happens to be the location where the AllEars.net Pictures This! Photowalk at Mousefest will start (click on link for more information and to sign up).

Sea Breeze Point near Disney's Boardwalk Resort.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/500s, f/5.6, 200 ISO, 0 EV, 200mm Focal length

If you are the photographer of your family, chances are you are not in very many photos for holidays, vacatons, birthdays or other occassions. I would guess I'm in less than 100 photos of the thousands of photos I have in boxes, albums and on my hard drives. You may be in more if other members of your family have picked up the photography bug. I know my daughters both own Point & Shoot (P&S) cameras now so I've shown up in their online galleries the last couple of trips.

I found with a little thinking there's some fun ways you can do self-portraits with dSLRs. I know it's popular to hold small Point & Shoot cameras at arms length but I can't do that with a heavy dSLR too easily.

The first way is to use mirrors. Recently, I found a Got Milk? promotional area when visiting the Dairy building at the New York State Fair with some rather unique mirrors.

Got Milk? Mirror portrait at the New York State Fair.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/3.8, 800 ISO, EV +0.3, 20mm Focal length

This second self-portrait uses an IR Remote Control for my Nikon digital SLR camera. If you look real close, it's in my left hand. It's very small. I put my camera on a tripod and pressed the remote to take this photo of me in Letchworth State Park in New York last Fall.

Remote Control portrait in Letchworth State Park.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/40s, f/14, 200 ISO, EV +0.6, 18mm Focal length

Lastly, if you see a fellow photographer walking nearby, it never hurts to ask if they could take a picture of you. I am often asked to do this service and am honored to do so. In the photo of me relaxing in a hammock on the Polynesian Resort's beach, I had my daughter take this with her Nikon Coolpix P&S camera.

Picture This! blogger, Scott, relaxing in a hammock on the Polynesian Resort beach.
Nikon Coolpix 4600, 1/500s, f/4.9, 50 ISO

Next time you are on vacation, find ways to get yourself in the picture! For even more ideas and fun, check out Lisa's Get in the Picture blog from last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #45:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, July 17, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to RSVP on the Flickr site.

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

Sidelighting is light illuminating from a 90 degree angle to the subject. This gives an almost three dimensional effect to the subject being photographed. As seen below in this photo of The ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, the sidelighting creates shadows in the restaurant's exterior features showing depth in a two dimensional medium.

Sidelight hits The ESPN Club near Disney's Boardwalk Resort giving a 3-D effect.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/800s, f/8, 200 ISO, EV -0.3, 200mm Focal length

This was Challenge #41:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, June 19, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This was Challenge #30:

And here's the answer:

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

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

This is such an interesting building. It was designed by Michael Graves, who has won numerous awards for his post-modern designs. I am always drawn to take photos of this hotel. There are so many ways you can take really unusual photographs of it. Normally I tend to shy away from taking any photos that are perfectly centered, but in this shot I deliberately lined everything up in a very symmetrical pattern. When you take a photo like this it’s important to be precise about the way you compose it. Even a slightly crooked line will ruin the effect.
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Challenge #31: Where in the world is this?

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

This was Challenge #28:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

Here we are at the end of another month already. We had 191 winning answers this month! Unfortunately, there can only be one prize winner and this month that person is Kathy Love. Congratulations Kathy! You will receive Steve Barrett’s newest Hidden Mickey book, along with some other great AllEars gifts.
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Challenge #29: Where in the world is this?

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

This was Challenge #21:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

Unlike when you used film, digital photography processing is done inside your camera and produces JPEG images. (dSLRs can also produce RAW images. RAW images are often referred to as digital negatives and require processing on a computer to produce the final JPEG image.) If you are like me, you try to get all your photos as close to perfect right out of the camera. It takes a lot of practice and getting to know your camera as to what settings give you the results you are looking for. I learn each time I use my camera so if you are an old hand at photography or just starting your photographic adventures, you will one day look at the photos and wonder if there is a way to improve them.

In researching this entry I found there is no general "how to" information on approaching digital photo editing. What follows is my approach. The photo editor used was Picnik.com and the steps outlined should be available in most photo editing software. The goal for the photo I selected of my daughter enjoying a hammock on the Polynesian Resort's beach was to reclaim the colors as I remembered them.

Before Digital Processing. © Scott Thomas Photography 2008	After Digital Processing. © Scott Thomas Photography 2008
Original Photo Data: Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/500s, f/10, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Step 1: EXPOSURE

The original image on the left is a bit underexposed as I had dialed in a -0.3 exposure compensation (EV). Not a drastic error yet I wanted to recoup the detail lost. In Picnik.com, I start with the Exposure tab which has two sliders for Exposure and Contrast. I first moved the Exposure slider to the right to add exposure slowly until I got back the detail. Picnik.com has an advanced button for brightness, adjusting highlight and dark areas and local contrast. I like to use the local contrast tool instead of the general contrast slider as it gives me a little more control. Your software may or may not have this option. I used a radius of 5 and strength of 25%. This brought out even more detail in the hammock and tree bark.

Step 2: COLOR

After adjusting exposure, I move on to the Color tab. Here I always first try the Auto Color button. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't. As they say YMMV (Your Milage My Vary). In this case, I didn't like it and hit the Reset button to start over. Next I adjusted the two sliders available. One for Temperature and one for Saturation. I set up my camera to saturate colors so I usually don't have to add any more. However, my camera settings tends to give my photos a reddish cast to light objects. In this case, the sand and hammock color is off. In some software, you may see a Blue and Red indicator on the Temperature slider. I moved the Temperature slider to the left or blue end to a -5 bringing back the natural colors to those photo elements.

Step 3: SHARPENING

I've been learning about sharpening over the last few days and was surprised to find out most digital photos need to be sharpened. Picnick.com allows for two ways to sharpen: a simple slider and a more advanced Unsharp Mask. Don't let the unsharp mask confuse you, it is a sharpening tool. The name is a hold over from film processing days. The simple slider is great and I have used it with excellent results but no higher than a setting of 10 or less. Beyond that, photos start to look unreal.

There's a whole bunch of ways people use unsharp mask tools in photo editing software. Some are very complicated and require very expensive software. However, I want to share with you three simple recipes as recommended by Scott Kelby in his book, The Digital Photography Book (page 18):

For people, set Amount to 150%, Radius to 1 pixel and Threshold to 4 levels
For cityscapes, urban and travel photography, set Amount to 65%, Radius to 3 pixels and Threshold to 2 levels
For general everyday use, set Amount to 85%, radius to 1 pixel and Threshold to 4 levels

In the example photo, I used the general recipe in Picnik.com's Unsharp Mask tool (note: Picnik.com does not have the Threshold setting).

Now, all these adjustments are to MY taste. Yours will be different. What I have found in reading about photo editing is it is very subjective to the person doing the editing. There are techniques you can learn but no rules to follow. If you own a photo editing software product, I encourage you to find Internet resources, books, and video training for it.

I am much happier with the new version of my example photograph. To see larger versions of the Before and After photos, click on either of them. I hope this gives you some ideas on how to approach your photo editing tasks.

This was Challenge #20:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

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

Last month I did an entry on Props at Walt Disney World and asked people to send in their favorites. By far the most popular ones where all the different and fun hats you find in shops throughout the resort. As an example, my daughter is trying on a very patriotic hat in The Chapeau, a hat shop on Magic Kingdom's Main Street. This shop can monogram almost any hat and, of course, Mickey Ears for you while you wait. Hats found in World Showcase are a big hit with our Photo Blog readers from French Berets, Sombreros in Mexico, Coolie hats in China to Homburg style hats in Germany. The little outdoor shop at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Disney's Animal Kingdom has all kinds of safari hats. My daughter just had to model one for me.

Safari hat. © Scott Thomas Photography 2007
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4.5, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 40mm focal length

Other popular suggestions for props was RC Car from Toy Story at the All Star Movies resort, the larger than life Troll in Norway's Puffin's Roost shop, a Cinderella statue at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney similar to Buzz Lightyear I mentioned in the first Disney Prop entry and the Mickey sculpture at the Contemporary resort with Mickey ears perfect to sit kids in.

Would like to continue this topic so if you have a favorite Walt Disney World prop, I'd like to hear about it! Just leave a Comment using the link below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earlier, I showed how the use of software can add light to a badly underexposed photo. What if I told you there was a way to do the same thing using your camera and not having to do any post-processing in software. Would that be worth something to ya?

Looking at the photo below taken at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, you can see that the background and sky are nicely exposed but the subject is in shadow because of the angle fo the sun in relation to the photographer.

Scottwdw (yep, that's me) at Disney's Boardwalk Resort © Scott Thomas Photography 2005
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/250s, f/6.0, 100 ISO, 0 EV

After looking at the image in the camera's LCD, I instructed the photographer (my daughter) to use the camera's flash to fill in the shadows. The result you can view below.

Scottwdw (me, again) at Disney's Boardwalk Resort © Scott Thomas Photography 2005
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/60s, f/6.0, 100 ISO, 0 EV, Flash Used

This technique is called Fill Flash as it fills in shadow and dark areas of a scene with the use of an artificial light source. In this case, the builtin flash on the camera. In digital SLR and advanced Point & Shoot cameras, you may hear the term balanced fill flash as the camera will calculate the amount of flash needed using the amount of light detected by it's light meter. You don't want the flash to overpower the available light but to add just enough to bring out darkened areas like in this example.

Further Reading: While this article talks specifically about Canon equipment, other manufacturer's cameras work in a simliar fashion. Fill-in flash use with EOS cameras and speedlites

This was Challenge #8:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #4:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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