Picture This!

This was Challenge #42:

And here's the answer:

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

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

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

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, June 26, by clicking HERE!
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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 week Lisa, Scott and I will be sharing night photos in our Pic of the Week series. One of the most common questions I hear is, “When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?” My favorite answer to that question is “After dark!” It’s less crowded, cooler and absolutely beautiful! There’s no better place to take night photos than Walt Disney World.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I recently read a wonderful book on travel photography. Since most of us travel to Walt Disney World, I found lots of great information which can be used there, elsewhere and at home. It talks about finding the spirit of where you are. This is how I approached all my photography before I even knew this was how many others also described their vision. The book, Spirit of Place: The Art of the Traveling Photographer, was written by Bob Krist, who's a contributing editor at both National Geographic Traveler and Outdoor Photographer, back in 2000. The year it was written is important as digital photography was in it's infancy then. Most of the equipment he talks about in the book is still SLR equipment but is not digital. However, it all has equivalents to today's digital SLR and advanced Point and Shoot world of today. Digital photography has come a long way in just 8 short years. So, keep that in mind if you decide to read the book.

The first part of the book goes in depth as to the equipment Bob uses, composition of a good travel photograph and how to get the best technical photo possible. Very good for a beginning photographer and an excellent review for those who have been shooting for awhile. All this information is geared towards a working travel photographer which we all are when visiting Walt Disney World with our cameras. Right?

The part I most enjoyed was Bob giving tips on how to photograph people all over the world. Walt Disney World is unique in you can do that all in one day at Epcot. It's a bit easier in WDW but still takes a little effort to ask non-character cast members for their picture. If you are traveling without children, remember characters will pose for your camera, too. I have seen many great character portraits on message forums and photo sharing sites like flickr.

Bob talks about how to capture the essence of a city. Written before the advent of Yahoo or Google, it is much easier today to research a location then his advice. No need to write to a travel bureau when you can "google" it in seconds on our computers. Still, what to look for is very relevant and Bob tells you the best kind of things like festivals, parades, holidays, historical events and other cultural happenings. Researching a trip to Walt Disney World is the same. When you go, there are different things going on depending on the time of year and you need to know what they are and when they happen. One advantage for us is there's usually a schedule online for us to find out these things.

There's even a chapter on photographing in the tropics. Great tips on how to get good photographs even at midday on a bright, sandy beach. While he is referring to Caribbean Islands, central Florida poses the same challenges.

Throughout the book, Bob goes over how to create stories with photographs. Many of us do produce these in trip reports to our friends, family and Internet communities. Bob shows how to do it like an editor would. Giving ideas and examples on how to wrap up all those hundreds of images into interesting essays using all the techniques and equipment he introduces us to in each chapter.

The book is filled with Bob Krist's exquisite photographs taken on his many assignments for National Geographic Traveler, Outdoor Photographer, Smithsonian, Travel/Holiday and many other publications. Yes, the book is a little dated when it comes to the equipment he talks about but the rest is timeless information for us who enjoy photographing the places we travel to and live in.

How do I capture the spirit of Walt Disney World in a photograph? For me, Walt Disney's spirit lives on in the parks and some of it rubs off on all of us who visit. Of course, there are many kinds of spirits, below is one of magic. A man's vision of two dimensional characters brought to life and giving a family's children and their parents a gift in a photograph to cherish for the rest of their lives. You can find Donald and Daisy Duck (and other lovable Disney characters) on Mickey Avenue in front of their On-Location Hollywood Star trailers in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The spirit of Walt Disney can been seen in the faces of these children posing for their parents with Donald and Daisy Duck.
Nikon Coolpix 995, 1/100s, f/3.6, ISO 100, EV 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #66:

And here's the answer:

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

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

Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer for this challenge! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Vicki Vaught, Chris And Alison, Michelle Morrow, Dave Carriere, Tim Rachuba, Cheri Palmisano, Trish Babler, Jamie Poynton, Noreen Rachuba, Tim Wingfield, Paula Massarelli, Courtney Crowe and Lisa Doerr. Each of you have been entered in the January winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #67: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, January 8, by clicking HERE!
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Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies and a cool Disney book!

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.

There are lots of concerts held at Walt Disney World each day so knowing how to photograph one is a good skill to have. To show you how I do it, I selected the new American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. While concerts, unlike shows, are more spontaneous, the American Idol Experience does follow a script of sorts. That makes it a good place to learn this kind of event photography.

First, let's look at a couple of photos I took of the performers. Look closely at how they are lighted by the show's director and crew.

Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/5, ISO 360, EV +0.0, 70mm Focal length

American Idol Experience contestants performing under stage lights.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/100s, f/5.6, ISO 1600, EV +0.0, 170mm Focal length

When dealing with stage lighting like this it is very important to make sure you properly expose the performer and let the other parts of the stage lighting fall where it may. To do this, I used something I have talked about before: Spot Metering. Using spot metering, I could get exposures right off the performers skin. This tends to make a lot of the background dark which is what the show's director wants us to see so it works out.

Spot metering worked even on the judges as the lighting was directly on them. Randy, Paula and Simon's stand-ins looked pretty good and entertained us with their words of wisdom about each contestant's performance.

American Idol Experience Judges commenting on a performance.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 1600, EV -0.3, 130mm Focal length

When pulling back to take in most of the stage, I switched back to Matrix Metering (see the Spot Metering link for more about Matrix Metering) so the camera would give an overall exposure to balance out all the mixed lighting in the theater. Today's digital cameras do an excellent job most of the time with matrix metering. Notice how the camera can not capture the entire range from light to dark as the audience looks a bit underexposed. Something that can be fixed in a photo editor.

American Idol Experience contestant listening to the judges under full stage lighting.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/3.5, ISO 720, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal length

Lastly, during audience preparation and when announcing the winner of the show, the entire stage has very even and bright lighting. I, again, used Matrix metering which resulted in a good photo of the winner of the show being interviewed by the Ryan Seacrest-like host.

An American Idol Experience winner being interviewed by the host.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 500, EV -0.3, 200mm Focal length

As you can see, to get the best photos during a concert or live show at Walt Disney World or any venue, you have to be aware of the kind of lighting being used at all times. For each of the three performers, the American Idol Experience director choose different lighting schemes to set the mood of the song they were singing.

Have any questions? Leave a Comment below (link on far right).

Reference Link: How To Photograph Rock Concerts

Hyperfocus is a term you may run across when reading about photography. It is a one word term to say everything in a photograph is in sharp focus from front to back. You see hyperfocal photos on the covers of travel magazines where a tropical beach is featured and everything is in focus from the people on the beach to the far away mountains. It is an easy technique to learn. In the "old" days of manual focus lenses, you had a distance scale where one of the settings was the infinity symbol. You set your focus to infinity at certain apertures and, even if it looked out of focus through the viewfinder, everything would be in focus once you got the film back.

These days, most lens manufacturers have done away with the distance scale and letting the camera do the work. For point and shooters, set to landscape mode which is the hyperfocus setting. For digital SLR users, it's a bit more complicated. The easiest way, is to put your camera into Aperture priority mode and use an aperture of f/16, f/22 or smaller. Then focus on a point about one third (1/3) into the scene you are photographing. The photo below of some Streetmosphere performers on Sunset Blvd. in Disney's Hollywood Studios is a good example of where to focus. Citizen of Hollywood Ready Freddy Fiddlesticks is about 1/3 into the scene of him and his fellow performers, the audience and the backdrop of Sunset Blvd. with the Hollywood Tower Hotel off in the distance.

Streetmosphere performers Ready Freddy Fiddlesticks, Cloe Canard (big hat) and Tallulah Fruiti (blue dress) on Sunset Blvd. in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/18, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal length

Citizens of Hollywood are the troup of cast members in Disney's Hollywood Studios known as Streetmosphere. Here at the Picture This! Photoblog, Streetmosphere is a popular subject. Lisa talked about how the "shows" are put together, I featured them in a Pic of the Week and Barrie used a piece of a Streetmosphere performer's costume in one of her "Where in the World" contests. AllEars.net recently updated the Streetmosphere information with more photos which identify some of the popular Citizens of Hollywood.

This was Challenge #78:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f/8

Looking for some great comfort food and some big fun? Have dinner at the 50’s Prime Time Café in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The cast members there will keep you in stitches throughout your meal.

Hillary W was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Hillary and all the readers who got the answer right: Brianne F, Robin Mcconnell, Sharon Pierce, Jill Fogg, Dawn Bach, Mary Beth Tarbet, Callie Conrad, Belicia Dawson, Scott Cullen, Kathy Berry, Heather Young, Holley Blyler, Deb Wills, James Berry, Rich Kacprowicz, Barbie Lawless, Christie Condit, Steph Brontman, Kelli Olthoff, Alex Karr, Shannon Milair, Jamie Kelly, Stephanie Visco, Caryn Schill, Peggy Saeger, Nick Straka, Derek Carty, Tommy Carty, Chris Masse, Jeffrey Dunne, Elaine Johnson, Brandy White, Jackie Purcell, Steph, Angie Young, Jackson Hart, Christine Dagney, Cathy Skiba, Emily Dagney, Dave Beedle, Tim Rachuba, Jamie Mize, Sandra Shaw, Jennifer Tremley, Megan Evans, Patrick Mcclelland, David And Melissa Lizewski, Joyanne Johnston, Robin Fitts, Alicia Roth, Kristin Cola, Chad Coppess, Travis Grim, Anne Hainsworth, Cara Richards, Cameron Love, Scott Otis, Maryann Eckenrode, Benjamin Dameron, Danielle Murgia, Jennifer Schwing, Tim, Amy Lucas, John Dupre, Robert Anderson, Lily May Summer, Lee Anastasi, Jane Bradley, Krystal Thomas, Karen Scheetz, Jennifer S, Nathan Cripe, Kelly Montgomery, Julia Wickware, Daniel Record, Gloria Martin, Kris Nixon, Karen Adamakis, Denise Owen, Diane Furtado, Austin O'blenis, Louise Barton, Richard Uhler, James Steele, Jennifer Snapp, Jennifer Harmon, Andrew J Weed, Nancy Munger, Sarah Smee, Jennifer Rupert, Tim Wingfield, Susan Pitts, Mike Kaczanowski, Brian Gallant, Aruna, Jen Cerce, Hollie Hinton, Erin Kubicki, Megan Krainski, Noreen Rachuba, Kelley H, Sarah Haas, Michelle Thompson, Karyn Christenson, Christine Bishop, Melissa Karolak, Paul Moody, Stephen Martin, Becky Norman, Hailey Sult, Eric Bouchet, Suzen Woolley, Caitlin Barringer, Denise Cayz , Damon Carter, Joyce Tofflemire, Jared Orth, Lisa Hoffman, Michael Joel Gainey, Marie, Romie Brown, Alicia Henderson, Eric Hoffman, Paula Munson, Kameo Crea, Lynn Barber, Jeremy Hardy, Double Family, Phil Vickers, Lou Baker, Diane C., Bonnie Smith, Dawn Burns, Julie Fahrner, Marc Lorenzo, Cameron Lange, Ian Falk, Jaime Thomson, Chad Ryan, Sue Mcdonald, Carla Leger, Brooke Stahl, Sarah Connors, Ken Jackson, Ashley Pizzino, Brittany Irish, Kim Peters, Cheri Palmisano, Jen Cox, Kim Steiner, Danusia Rogacki, Sarah H, Brian Yesutis, Melissa Dye, Jeff Surgent, Nicole Lauzon, Dave Roach, Chris Hall, Elizabeth Scarborough, Stephanie Servaites, Blake Schmidt, Kimberly Kusser, Jenny Haas, Tim Johansen, Joanne O'brien, Daniel Meagher, Brian Haas, Jenny Schell, Dana Schirnhofer, Evelyn Cowdell, Misty Lyons, Kristen Gainey, Brendan Burke, Maryjean Kancel, Carri Marotto, Amy Miller, Jamie Poynton, Andrea Mayo, David Singer, Joey Price, Brad Weaver, Katarina Whitmarsh, Amy Smith, Cheri Weitkamp, Laura Pranaitis, Josh Schultz, Michele Delorenzo, Karen Kristoff, Paul Ignudo, Jr, Joann Albrecht, Stuart Hale, Stephanie Logan, Daria Hagemeyer, Jen Norris, Amanda Diresta, Kellie Carter, Douglas Beasock, Willie Tople, Nicole W, Juliet Frances Ohare, Dusty Cheatham, Sarah Steill, Sal Derose, Karen Coto, Stacey Hutchinson, Kelly Kobiela, Ssg, Betsey Pickard, Matthew Jadro, Bubbasboo, Andrew Michuda, Karen Hotchkiss, Ken Calden, Michelle Roth-smoot, Kathy Lutz, Amie Mumpower, Stephanie Chambers, Christa P., Allie Reckendorf, Kristen Carde, Ashley Deitchler, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Matt Goulding, Dallas Hamilton, Karen Schlumpf, Kristen Pagliaro, Nikki Powell, Jonathan Thomas, Karen Dresser-smith, Cindy Motta, Nancie Lymer, David Coates, Aubrey G. Cooper, Shane Schmidt, Jason Webb, Christina Marie, Debbie Desimone, Kerianne Magee, Chloe' , Janet Robinson, Carol Donoghue, John S Lund, Dana Hall, Liz Moreau, Emily Nussbaum, Robin George, Brenda Strohmeyer, Jerry Mckinley, Sharon Leitgeb, Sherri Pell, Becca Balber, Chris Freeman, Z Cheven, Dave Cole, Kaitlin Kirk, Linda Diantonio, John Arena, Kellie Harpel, Tom Higbee, Clare C, Susan Linder, Tom Linder , Kate Fanning, Bruce Dormuth, Melissa Rebelo, Chris J, Sharon Dale, Dan Owens, Tere Given, Kim Requa, Krista Penno, Jennifer Bogdan, Jessica Reed, Melissa Kuehnle, Bryan Fencl, Christina Cella, Barbara Cerimele, Jeff Blank, Al Desimone, Wendy And Marina Crober, Nancy Bennett, Heather Coursen, Mickey Eckert, Mary Dannahey, Shane Stack, Teresa Cole, Heidi Goodhue, Candace Dadswell, Karen Nelson, Allison Dibiase and Shana W. Each of you were entered in the March winners’ drawing.

And speaking of that monthly drawing… this month’s big winner is Marc Lorenzo! Congratulations Marc, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

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Challenge #79: 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 2, 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!

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #85:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/100s shutter, f/5.6

This is the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It features sculptures of famous television legends, as well as the second-largest Emmy statue in the world. You’ll find past and present TV greats, including Lucille Ball, Oprah Winfrey, and as featured in this photo, Bob Newhart. That’s Angela Lansbury in the background.

Caroline Dupre was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Caroline and all the readers who got the answer right: Emma Poprock, Jeffrey Dunne, Debbie Hudson, Casey Sullivan, Chris Grabowski, Julie Wickware, Jen Cerce, Steph Brontman, Belicia Dawson, Paul Cooper, Sharon Dale, Scott Cullen, Neil Taylor, Heather Young, Connie Suchodolski, Daniel Record, Stacey Van Dyke, Craig Canady, Boris Beckert, Jodi Cook, Kevin Cowdell, Michelle Mcspadden, Elizabeth Macgregor, Lori J Rienhardt, Cheri Weitkamp, Danusia Rogacki, Sue Mcdonald, Amanda Campbell, Kirsty Butler, Derek Carty, Katarina Whitmarsh, Paul Knott, Amy Schweizer, Kameo Crea, Michael Joel Gainey, Amy Filliben, Michele Delorenzo, Jeremy Coto, Matthew Jadro, Brian Gallant, David Coates, Ruth Woodhouse, Larry Heidenberg, Devin Wisman, Sharon Pierce, Tom Koval, Emily Dagney, Jennifer Hoffman, Chris Dagney, Robert Anderson, Joshua Swainston, Dana Hinterleitner, Bruce Hinterleitner, Curtis Bille, Dylan Weidner, Debra Kuklinski, Lee Anastasi, Susan Thompson, Matt Cofone, Ann Fowler, Bethany Cybak, Ronnie Lane, Chloe', Mike Malampy, Sara Moore, Tina Benco , Clarissa K, Lynn Barber, Hollie Hinton, Joyce Tofflemire, Sherry Klinefelter, Paula Munson, Scott Otis, Dave, Alicia Henderson, Kelly Kobiela, Melissa Dye, Derek Mullins, Brian Lafrazia, Bonnie Smith, Vincent Maltese, Christopher Hall, Jaclyn Kelch, Tricia Noble, Tim Johansen, Kyle Flodder, Elizabeth Scarborough, Karen Schlumpf, Kelly Zanauskas, Heidi Summers, Sarah Smee, Jillian Domings, Tim Rachuba, Travis, Erin, Misty Mehelic, Stephanie Servaites, Nick Straka, Heather Stevens, Carri Marotto, Michelle Roth-smoot, Blake Schmidt, Jamie Kelly, Deanna Simmons, Wendy Snelgrove, Travis Grim, Tiago De Oliveira, Amy Sapp, Sarah Biggs, Carinne Kight, Margie Thomas, Andrea Schnur, Louise Maxwell, Ellie Argaluza, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Marie Bertini, Ashley Deitchler, Mickey Eckert, Sarah Haas, Robin Mcconnell, Krista Penno, Jamie Poynton, Jessica Marcotte, Rhett Landrum, Bridgie Auckland, Jennifer Bogdan, Liz Moreau, Christopher Jackson, Chip Vermette, Kristin Williams, Tom Higbee, Chris And Alison, Tom & Susan Linder, Heather Coursen, Melissa Simmons, Nicole Lopresti, Kevin Scharf, Dee Dee Chapman, Debra Moscara, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Sherri Pell, Robyn Parrino, Aruna, Melody Salemi, Josh Schultz, Leah Nan Broussard, Cheri Palmisano, Kristen Gainey, Juliet Frances Ohare and Peggy Saeger. Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #86: 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 21, 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!

The Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my choice for the August calendar. I think it looks best at night with the search lights fanned out behind it.

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 #90:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f/16

I took this photo of Buzz Lightyear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, during the Stars and Motorcars parade. Buzz travels around the world quite a bit. There was really no way to tell from my clue exactly where he might have been when I snapped the picture so I counted everyone who had his name in their answer, no matter where you thought he might have been at the time.

Robert Anderson was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Robert and all the other readers who got the answer right: Jennifer Snapp, Kirsty Butler, Shannon Milair, Cara Richards, Chris And Alison, Denise Owen, Kye Layton, Sherry Trapp, Benjamin Dameron, Jamie Difatta, Elizabeth Macgregor, Elizabeth Collins, Kameo Crea, Melissa Dye, Tim W, Joy Johnston, Tim Johansen, Vicki Vaught, Diane Leclercq, Jackson Hart, Susan Thompson, Wendy And Marina Crober, Louise Barton, Ivan Barton, Benjamin Barton, Jennifer S., Michelle Thompson, Heather Young, Kevin Toomey, Megan Krainski, Jeremy Finke, Evelyn Wilson, Stephanie Mendoff, Hayley Lawson, Stephanie Visco, Mindy Marinelli, Danielle Murgia, Karen Pizzuta, April Baker, Diane, Natalie Ashton, Ashley Pizzino, Kelly Torch, Jeremy Hardy, Hillary Waldroop, Tamara Lasher, Marc Acosta, Kristen Gainey, Heather Stanley, David Coates, Robb Fluet, Richard Uhler, Christopher Jackson, Scott Otis, Jennifer Shelor, Marietta Falk, Diana Salisbury, Scott O'donnell, Alex Karr, Angie Young, Clay Anthony, Jodi Cook, Stephanie Hardhouse, Abbie Newsome, Jen Cerce, Christina Rotella, Tina Santacroce, Will Bennett, Carinne Kight, Denise Cayz , Aly Nichting, Paula Massarelli, Brenda Mcguire, Olivia Lobaugh, Hailey S, Anjanette Tournillon, Barbara Sims, Rich Esker, Jen Murphy, Laurie Jensen, Alicia Roth, Douglas Mcknight, Michelle Mcknight, Nancy Merritt, April Pangburn, Paula Munson, Louise Maxwell, Chris Bourassa, Joy Palmer, Teresa Cole, Becky Terjung, Jared Orth, Jude Toups, Jay Kerznowski, Anne Hainsworth, Bruce Lawson, Irene Kleintop, Kelly Zanauskas, Sarah Connors, Dale Knight, Tom Hermes, Cara Arnold, Brian Yesutis, Melissa Jennings, Laura Pranaitis, Tere Given, Carri Marotto, Brittany Irish, Daniel Meagher, Jessica Marcotte, Christine Paniccia, Kristin Mayotte, Elaine Mazzara, Laurie Walker, Heather Stoskopf, Lesley Strawderman, Nikki Powell, Shane Stack, Carrie Kenney, Aubrey Cooper, Virginia Mackenzie, Darrell Shortt, Aruna, John Arena, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Robert Acosta, Leigh M, Jennifer Schwing, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Paul Knott, Elaine Leviner, Christie Condit, Susan & Tom Linder, Aj Perras, Devin Wisman, Marie Phillips, Elisa Dillon, Christi Ison, Amy Whitmire, Heather Mcfall, Kala Miller, Margot Garofalo, Anna Burch, Bridgie Auckland, Katie Fry, Mickey Eckert, Tiago De Oliveira, Barclay Bakkum, Heather Coursen, Candace Dadswell, Willie Tople, Dave Carriere, Sandra Edwards, Allison Dibiase, Amy Miller, Stacey Hutchinson, Sharon Blickensderfer, Maureen Ohare, Juliet O'hare, Roye Ann Morris, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Linda Scrivano, Carolyn Como, Sydney Walker, Mike O'brien, Sherrie Weber, Krista Penno, Tom Carty and Ssg. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

This month’s big winner is Kalin Johnson! Congratulations Kalin, 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 #91: 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 25, 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!

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

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