Picture This!

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

My example of selective focus is this photo of the marble stones outside of China’s Temple of Heaven in Epcot’s World Showcase. This type of photography works very well when you want to highlight the wonderful detail that makes Disney parks stand out from other theme parks.

The definition of a Nifty-Fifty is an inexpensive 50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 50mm f/1.8 both come in at under $140 and work on most Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras. Most other camera systems have this focal length in a prime lens also. A prime lens has a fixed focal length versus a zoom lens that has a variable focal length. My 18-200VR zoom lens, for example, goes from 18mm to 200mm and all focal lengths in between.

What makes these Fifty's so nifty? Because they are a fixed length lens, they tend to be much sharper, lighter in weight, smaller in size and FAST. Most consumer zoom lens' start at f/3.5 and vary up to f/6.3 extended to their full focal length depending on make and model. These 50mm lenses also makes you think when you are using them. If you want to fill your frame more with the subject, you have to move closer and visa versa. The depth of field is a lot more apparent when apertures are opened up to f/2.8 or f/1.8 so focus on your subject is very important.

A couple of notes on my camera with a 50mm lens. Since the Nikon body I use has a crop factor of 1.5, the 50mm is actually a 75mm lens in 35mm terms. I have used a 50mm on 35mm SLRs in the past and that's the only difference. The photos below are great examples of what this type of lens can do.

Using the hyperfocus setting at an aperture of f/22, the lens' smallest aperture, it brought the shutter speed down to 1/50th of a second even in the bright mid-day Sun of Florida. You can see how sharp and colorful the Innovention Fountain and Spaceship Earth are in this photo. When I first looked at this scene I was too close and had to do a Chris Berman and back, back, back up about 25 steps.

Innovention Fountain performing in Epcot's Innoventions Plaza.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/50s, f/22, ISO 200, EV +0.3

Selective focus is where you open the lens to it's largest aperture and the only thing in sharp focus is the subject. The rest of the objects in front of and behind are thrown out of focus. With an aperture of f1.8, a 50mm lens creates extreme selective focus images like this one. Notice how the guests in the background are totally out of focus and the Mickey shaped tomatoes which are in focus leave no doubt as to the subject of the photo.

Mickey shaped tomatos in Mickey's Country House garden in Toontown Fair.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/250s, f/1.8, ISO 200, EV +0.3

Look for more examples of selective focus next week on the Picture This! blog.

When someone says the lens if fast, they are referring to it's largest aperture. The smaller the number, the larger the aperture, the more light is allowed in by the lens to the digital camera's sensor. Even when the light is low, a 50mm lens at f/1.8 brings in four times the light as a zoom lens at f/3.5 and twice as much as an f/2.8 lens. The Nifty-Fifty lenses are a Disney photographers best friend for the dark rides at a Disney park. For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean is a ride I never even tried to photograph until I got a 50mm lens. Though I still had to use some noise reduction software at an ISO of 1600, the exposure and focus was right on for the auction scene.

Pirates of the Caribbean Auction Scene.
Nikon D70/50mm, 1/25s, f/1.8, ISO 1600, EV +1.0

For more on using a Nifty-Fifty, click this link on You’re only 50mm Away from Becoming a Better Photographer.

Check out my flickr set called the Nifty-Fifty for more examples of the 50mm f/1.8 lens. Have fun!

This was Challenge #99:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/15s shutter, f/22

It’s very hard to see because this photo is so small, but if you look closely where the smaller falls on the right pools on the rock, you will see the hiking boot floating in the pool. (You can see a larger version by clicking on the photo.) The first time I noticed this boot was a few years back. At that time a boot was on one of the ledges, but not in the water. Since then, I have always looked for it whenever I walk through the Canada pavilion at Epcot. Finally, I saw it again this past April.

Kathleen Harmon was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Kathleen and all the other readers who got the answer right: Shannon Brueggemann, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Ken Maikowski, Jennifer Tremley, Mark Brown, Alicia Henderson, Lisa Mccormack, Chris Miller, Sharon Lee, Kelly H and Larry Whiteman III. Each of you will be entered in the September winners’ drawing.

Wow, I can hardly believe we are at Challenge #100! Where did the time go?
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Challenge #100: 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 10, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post. Remember to be specific with your answer - just naming a park will not get you into the drawing.

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

The Rose and Crown PUb in the United Kingdom pavilion.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/160s, f/6.3, 200 ISO, +0.3 EV, 18mm Focal Length

With it's warm and cozy indoor pub and dining area to it's sought after outdoor seating to view Illuminations in the evening the Rose and Crown Pub is a favorite of many Walt Disney World fans. For me, the extra charm is the cast members from England who serve the wonderful English food, ales and beer. Hope you enjoyed my Disney Pic of the Week on the United Kingdom.

This was Challenge #97:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR, 1/250s shutter, f/5.6

You can find this mountain climber looking out over the miniature trains in a little town just outside of Germany in Epcot.

Louise Barton was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Louise and all the other readers who got the answer right: Denise Owen, Jacquelyn Law, Amanda Campbell, Alison Rosenberger, Alicia Henderson, Michelle Mcspadden, Aruna, Caroline Dupre, Anna Mae Trievel, Baines Family, Brenda Van Hecke, Kristin Dormuth, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Curtis Bille, Bob Patterson, Natasha Bouchet, Bruce Arnold, Bryan Fencl, Brenda Strohmeyer, Nancy Bennett, Christian Baas, Christopher Hall, Chris Miller, Casey Sullivan, Rob Disanto, Daniel Record, Denise Dossat, Denise Cayz , Maryann Eckenrode, Kelly Zanauskas, Dan Mangini, Ashley, Kye Layton, Emily Wilburn, Ruth Cookson, Emily Currier, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Elizabeth Scarborough, Jim Felty, Phil Vickers, Jennifer Tremley, Gail Wuczynski, Allison Caputa, Greg Shukis, Heather Young, Dennis Blackburn, Harry Wilson, Lynn Barber, Ian Falk, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Danny Gleason Jr., Kristen Mccoy, Jared Orth, Jackson Hart, Jay Bradford, Christine And Erin Claeys, Jeanne Hartung, Jeremiah Good, Jessica Marcotte, Jaclyn Kelch, Jennifer Harmon, Joey Price, Kathryn Perkins, Vanessa Gordon, Jim Finley, Karrie, Matt Cofone, Kelly Taylor, Ken Fischler, Kirsty Butler, Kris Nixon, Kristen Baustert, Kelly H, Lee, Laney, Jenny Leek, Larry Sams, Karen Nelson, Jennifer Schwing, John Leach, Louise Maxwell, , Linda Scrivano, Joshua Swainston, Marie Phillips, Roy, Matt Degrandis, Matthew Brisbin, Margot Garofalo, The Chambers Family, Ben Dameron, Melody Salemi, Glenn Meyer, Brian Haas, Mike Fess, Misty Mehelic, Karen Hotchkiss, Amanda Penhale, Diane Ramos, Michelle Thompson, Paula Munson, Cara Richards, Nicole Lopresti, Noreen Rachuba, Donna Brandt, Duane Wisniewski, Patty Carty, Pete Haberman, Julie Ellis, Emma Poprock, Heather Coursen, Peggy Saeger, Betsey Whitehead, Robert Bostic, Robin Kennard, Paula Massarelli, Sarah Haas, April Tucker, Jodi Cook, Sharon Dale, Shane Stack, Bev Carson, Chloe, Amanda M., Michael Gainey, Bridgie Auckland, Ryan Ross, Tom Hermes, Danielle Murgia, Stacey Hutchinson, Tricia Gordon, Tricia Noble, Penny, Vickie Scioneaux, Wendy Snelgrove, Judy Koslowski, Dave Carriere and Matthew Ziegele. Each of you will be entered in the August winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #98: 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, August 27, 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 #96:

And here's the answer:

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

Hi everyone! I’m back from vacation and so is the Where in the World Challenge. I left you a couple weeks ago with a photo I thought was a little challenging but I had no idea just how hard it was. Only one person sent in the right answer, the Earth Globe from Illuminations, and that was Kristin Dormuth. Congratulations to Kristin! I’ve entered your name in the August winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #97: 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, August 20, 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, 18-200VR lens, 1/8s shutter, f4.5, ISO 400

Germany is eighth largest wine-producing country in the world. My Pic of the Week was taken inside Weinkeller, the wine shop in the Germany pavilion. You can sample the wines here and take home a souvenir glass after your tasting.

In this week's Disney Pic of the Week, Barrie, Lisa and I will be showing you photos from Epcot's World Showcase's pavilion, Germany. Modeled after villages in Germany's Bavaria and Rhine regions, you get the feeling of being whisked to a quiet old-world place with friendly people and a unique culture. The shops are full of craftsmanship from Hummel collectibles, crystal to beer steins. The Volkskunst, where these guests are entering, features hand-painted eggs and ornate cuckoo clocks.

Guests entering a shop in Germany.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/13s, f/3.5, ISO 640, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Japan's Goju-no-to Pagoda at Night.
Nikon D70/18-70G, 1/8s, f/3.5, 1400 ISO, +0.6 EV, 18mm Focal Length

Last time I was in Epcot, the Goju-no-to Pagoda in Epcot's Japan pavilion was shrouded as Disney Imagineers were rehabbing it. I dug into my personal Walt Disney World photo archive and found this one I took back in 2007 for my Disney Pic of the Week on Japan.

Fun facts from AllEars.net: The five 5 levels of the Goju-no-to Pagoda, which is 85 feet tall, represent the elements from which Buddhists believe all things are created: earth, water, fire, wind and sky. Above the pagoda is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes and a water flame.

This week we’ll be visiting Japan with our Pics of the Week. I never get tired of touring the Japan pavilion. In fact, I think I spend more time there than in any other country in Epcot's World Showcase. I always enjoy the Taiko drummers and Miyuki, the candy artist. A walk through the hill garden is a nice way to slow down and enjoy a bit of quiet. And even though I’m not much of a shopper, going through the gift shop in Japan is really fun. There are so many beautiful and interesting things to look at.


Copyright © 2009 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 18-200VR lens, 4/10s shutter, f8, ISO 640

Towards the back of the Japan pavilion, as you cross the bridge and enter the castle, you will see a Samurai warrior on each side of the entrance. I've chosen this sentry as my Pic of the Week for Japan. Come back later this week to see Lisa and Scott's picks.

This was Challenge #92:

And here's the answer:

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

I thought this week was going to be a challenge, but it seems that there are many of you who are familiar with the Imagination Institute. There are a number of places in the Imagination Pavilion where you’ll see the emblem of the Imagination Institute. This particular one came from the sign outside of the pavilion.

Sharon Lee was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Sharon and all the other readers who got the answer right: Stephanie Visco, Sharon Pierce, Emma Poprock, Stacey Van Dyke, April Pangburn, Erica Sipich, Elaine Johnson, Frank Pierce, Kirsty Butler, Kye Layton, Chloe Williams , Jodi Cook, Andrew Weed, Chuck Sands, Jennifer S., Caryn Schill, Lee, Ken Jackson, Shannon Milair, Sherry Klinefelter, Jamie Difatta, Dawn Bach, Amy Schweizer, Courtney Crowe & Maryann Eckenrode, Darlene Harmon, Amanda Gagnon, Bonnie Cola, John Lacasse, Christy Gonzalez, James Berry, Kathy Berry, Mary Beth Tarbet, Nicole W, Karen S. Nelson, Tom Koval, Chris Masse, Denise Owen, Emily Currier, Baines Family, Linda Scrivano, Jen Cerce, Clarissa K, Jennifer Kaufman, Brian Haas, Brian Yesutis, Jeffrey Dunne, Ken Maikowski, Christine Benoit, Jonathan Walker, Derek Carty, Gail Robinson, Anjanette Tournillon, Katie Fry, Tommy Carty, Pasquale Crea, Danielle Murgia, Danielle Berkovitz, Joseph Tortorici, Debbie Poole, Kendall Huffman, Daniel Recod, Megan Krainski, Susan Flebotte, Deborah J. Ragno, Melody Salemi, Sarah-jane Dunhill, Dave Cole, Jennifer Tremley, Ashley Mayer, Kayla Brackley, Michael Gainey, Vera Musella, Sabrina Bogart, Craig Canady, Paula Munson, Jackie Purcell, Christine Dagney, Emily Dagney, Erin Dagney, Joyce Tofflemire, Joy Palmer, Clarence Diggles, Kristen Gainey, Tommy Montgomery, Chloe, Hillary Waldroop, Karen Schlumpf, Amy Martel, Berry Morris, Julia Wickware, Jeremy Coto, Tim And Brendan Wingfield, Sarah Haas, Donna Currier, Hollie Hinton, Chris And Alison, Jennifer Harmon, Barbara Sims, Mike O'brien, Kelly Scola, Christie Condit, Jeffrey Munger, Kim Riley, Ed Aleszczyk, Robin Wilson, Z. Cheven, Michele Delorenzo, Bruce Hinterleitner, Tina Santacroce, Alicia Henderson, Susan Stanley, Double Family, Christina Rotella, Scott Otis, Phil Vickers, Kris Nixon, Jen Cox, Brittany Irish, Vincent Maltese, Brian Miller, Emma Ford, Donnie Whiteman, Jaclyn Kelch, Chris Linscott, Tom & Susan Linder, Dominic Plavny, Dolores Riccio, Caitlin Rush, Caitlin Barringer, Steven Bowling, Tricia Noble, Bruce Arnold, Diane Ramos, Jaron Goldberg, Ashley Deitchler, Carri Marotto, Mike Venere, Lesley Strawderman, Rochelle, Deanna Simmons, Leigh Mertz, Jennifer Schwing, Amanda, Dallas Hamilton, Tere Given, Ann Fowler, Shane Stack, Rich Esker, Krista Penno, Kristin Frascelli, Katie , Cori Lehman, James Greene, Becky Terjung, Marshal K., Karen Dresser-smith, Drew Deapo, Kevin Lawrence, Caroline Dupre, Angela, Barry Gruber, Tammy Kallenbach, Christina Cella, Kelly Montgomery, Cheri Palmisano, Joyanne M Johnston, Brandon Joyce, Dee Dee Chapman, Heidi Goodhue, Amy Kent, Amy Filliben, Teri Jo Fuson, Allie, Charlotte Ohare, Jessica Reed, Becky, Sharon L., Ken Fischler, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Melissa Dye, Elaine Tomko-deluca, Ronnie Lane, Jorge Caso, Sarah Connors, Marie Phillips, Heather Barilla, Noreen Rachuba, Steve Toponak, Joshua Thorne, Mindy Marinelli, Ken Rhinehart, Chris Moore, Tyra Trueblood, Robin Mcconnell, Ssg, Callie Marcotte, Carrie Kenney, Liz Weiter, Jamie Poynton, Nicole Lopresti, Julia Walsh, Susie Howard, Mickey Eckert, Sharon Dale, John Dupre, Margot Garofalo, Jennifer Bogdan, Emily Nussbaum, Theresa Rucando, Theresa Maradei, Cathy Ames, Sharon Bailey, Nicole Shuler, Kirsten Stark, Jeff Blank, Rebecca Smith, Jenifer Hughey, Gerry Smith, Scott Junkin, Debbie Lamd, Robert Dean Bostic, Bruce Dormuth, Heather Coursen, Jackson Hart, Julie Ellis, Mark Franklin, Donna Leto, Joshua Swainston, Elaine S. Puckett, Daria Hagemeyer, Thomas Auckland, Lisa M Kaffenberger, Jim, Joseph M. Zafia, Jim Finley, Kim Steiner, Bob Patterson, Aruna, Dave Kanigowski, Sandy Kanigowski, Carinne Kight, Ashley Pizzino, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Jo Ann Bailey, Ashley B, Walter N Clark, Stephanie Price, Michelle Mcknight and Aj Perras. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #93: 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 9, 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!

It is not a coincidence that I am featuring a photo of The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps as Deb Wills did early this month. With this post happening the day before America celebrates it's 233rd birthday on July 4th, 2009, I wanted to add on to Deb's excellent post (psst, Deb I think this is called "synergy") and show you something which surprised me.

I've seen the Fife and Drum Corps on several of my visits yet never had I stopped to watch them. I made it a point to do so on my last trip and enjoyed their preformance immensely. I believe they do several different routines. The one I had the pleasure of seeing included a salute to each of the United States Armed Forces. They played each theme song for the Air Force, Army, Navy and the Marines. It was during their salute to the Marines that they took the formation of the raising of the flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Everyone applauded and it gave me patriotic goose-bumps to hear and see this as I had no idea that was coming.

The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performing outside the American Adventure.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/18, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 18mm focal length

Can't end a post without a little tip. You'll notice I used a small aperture of f/18 (remember the larger the f-number, the smaller the opening of the aperture), this was to make sure I'd have a large plane of focus or depth of field. Most good travel photos will use this technique. Another tip, when shooting in bright Florida sunshine, use fill flash. I didn't here and it would have helped to fill in the dark shadows. Next time!

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July holiday to everyone in the United States of America!

Photos like the one below, taken in the Beauty and the Beast Meet and Greet Library in Epcot's France pavilion showing some of the famous Disney detail, used to come out blurry and underexposed back in the days I shot film on my trips to Walt Disney World. I either didn't have a fast film of ISO 400 or better in my camera or a "slow" lens. With today's digital cameras allowing ISO settings up to 6400 and Image Stabilized lenses, I can now enjoy photographing in low light situations in all the Disney parks and resorts when needed.

Book shelf in Belle's Library inside the France pavilion. See text below for details.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/3.5, ISO 1600, EV +0.3, 18mm focal length

Books from left to right are Little Red Riding Hood, Grimm (as in the Brothers Grimm), Perrault (Charles Perrault, the Frenchman who wrote many French fairy tales including Cinderella - he's the reason we have the glass slipper - it's actually a mistranslation from the old French) and King Arthur. Research done by my Disney trivia lovng and French honor student daughter, Krystal.

It doesn't hurt that I've learned to hold my camera very steady, too.

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #88:

And here's the answer:

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

Well, this proved to be one of the hardest weeks ever. Only three people knew that this license plate map can be found in the American Adventure store at Epcot. It’s hanging on the wall in the back of the store. Although I didn’t see it, a Cast Member did tell me that they have it for sale too. Hopefully it doesn’t cost as much as the one I saw online. Craig sent me a link to one that was $3900!

Bob Green was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Bob and the other two readers who got the answer right: Darlene Harmon and Caroline Dupre. Each of you will be entered in the June winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #89: 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 11, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Comment 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 © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR lens, 1/40s shutter, f3.8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Barrie Brewer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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This month’s calendar is from Canada in Epcot’s World Showcase. I know for some of us, it seems like a long time away before we see blooming roses. Hang in there though – it’s not as far off as you might think. June is only six weeks away!

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 #80:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f/8

O Canada! Hello to all our Canadian readers! The answer to this week’s challenge is the Canada Pavilion in Epcot. Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in World Showcase. How perfect is the theming of this country? I mean, just look at this photo – you can’t tell me that looks anything like central Florida!

Cara Richards was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Cara and all the readers who got the answer right: Karen Nelson, Christine Bishop, Ed Aleszczyk, Paul Cooper, Darlene Harmon, Diane C., Charlie Scheer, Sarah Smee, Evelyn Wilson, Elizabeth A. Kormesser, Kris Nixon, Sharon Pierce, Melissa Karolak, Chris Murphy, Kathy Berry, James Berry, Boris Beckert, Michele Delorenzo, David And Melissa Lizewski, Mike Chambers, Caryn Schill, Jackson Hart, Jay Agreste, Will Bennett, Sherry Klinefelter, Jamie Kelly, Blake Schmidt, Lin Fales, Steve Benson, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Brian Yesutis, Danielle Murgia, Scott Khachadourian, Joanne Duddy, Barbie Lawless, John Dupre, Kimberly Kusser, Jackie Purcell, Susan Thompson, Dave Cole, Caroline Dupre, Brian Gallant, Holley Blyler, Elizabeth Akerley, Jeffrey Dunne, Erica Sipich, Tim Wingfield, Michelle Mcknight, Kelley H, Jen Cerce, Pasquale Crea, Scott Otis, Jill Fogg, Andrea Mayo, Chrsitina Rotella, Sherry Steele, Carrie Chavez, Judy K, Dawn Bach, Jaime Thomson, Robin Fitts, Megan Evans, Linda Abbate, Melea Broekers, Tom Koval, April Ramey, Karen Hotchkiss, Marshal Knight, Julia Wickware, Tim Johansen, Jillian Secord, Jen Cox, Maryjean Kancel, Teddy, Tricia Noble, Debra Kuklinski, Luis Rodriguez, Carinne Kight, Diane Arsenault, Richard Caprio, Dylan Weidner, Kari R., Andrew & Debby Webber, Bonnie Smith, Tim Rachuba, Carolyn Como, Jonathan Thomas, Linda Kasych, Christina Marie, Vincent Maltese, Hollie Hinton, April Pangburn, James Hickey, Michael Haven, Cameron Lange, Jessica Thompson, Becky Terjung, Melissa Dye, Dallas Hamilton, Karen Schlumpf, Jared Orth, Danusia Rogacki, Stephanie Servaites, Glenn Meyer, Linda Mac, Sarah Connors, Scott Button, Jeffrey Beauchamp, Tracy Discher, Lori Rienhardt, Bruce Arnold, Laura Barnes, Greg, Deanna Simmons, Nicole Lauzon, Gaylin Chev, Bill Mckim, Jen Schultz, Karen Dresser-smith, Kellie Carter, Samantha French, Jillian Domings, Elizabeth Macgregor, Dina Grassi, Kelly Taylor, Caitlin Barringer, Amy Miller, Jamie Poynton, Kelly Zanauskas, Cheryl Costello, Wendy Palmquist, Casey Sullivan, Ronnie, Katy M. Robinson, Nicole Amidon, Christina Sharkey, Dawn, Nancy Cullison, Bob Hendrix, Paul Newman, Sharon Dale, Tina Benco , Mike Malampy, Mike Thomson, Daniel Meagher, Catherine Chiarello, Katie From Jupiter, Matt Taylor, Jessica Marcotte, Kirsten Stark, Krista Penno, Robin Mcconnell, Gemma K, Nick Straka, Robyn Couture, Kathy Sandford, Chris Auckland, Vickie Scioneaux, Dana Hall, Nikki Powell, Deb Nichols-silhan, Laney Wood, Jennifer Collingwood, Christine Benoit, Sandy Miller, Liz Moreau, Sharon Stieg, Heather Mcfall, Roye Ann Morris, Richard Nussbaum, Kenya Shirley, Heather Coursen, Gary Allen, Trish Babler, Anastasia Branco, Kristin Dormuth, Betsey Pickard, Carol Donoghue, Melissa Demonbreun, Wendy Ip, Heidi Summers, Bob H., Jessica Reed, Candace Dadswell, Bob Sertic, Jacque Schmidt, Heidi Goodhue, Kirk Hardy, John R Arena Jr, Lorna Goodnoh, Kathryn Hughes, Gary E Genteman, Cheri Palmisano, Jennifer Tremley, Eric Bouchet, Anjanette Tournillon, Peggy Saeger, Phil Vickers and Katarina Whitmarsh. Each of you will be entered in the April winners’ drawing.

This next week’s challenge comes to you from our very own Jack Spence. I told him you all are good, but he’s still looking to stump you. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Jack’s fabulous AllEars blog, The World According to Jack.
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Challenge #81: 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 16, 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For your May calendar, may I present my favorite character, Dory, and Nemo’s worrisome dad, Marlin. This undersea sculpture can be found outside of The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Epcot. It’s a great place for a group picture. In fact, you’ll almost always find a Photopass photographer stationed there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #75:

And here's the answer:

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

Before its closure in 2004, the Wonders of Life pavilion in Epcot was home to such attractions as Body Wars and Cranium Command. Its other exhibits were all related to life and health. Now this golden domed pavilion is used for special events. I’d love to see it brought back and updated. There’s so much that could be done with this pavilion to get kids interested in health and fitness.

Jenny Leek was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Jenny and all the readers who got the answer right: Alex Weld, Alicia Henderson, Amy Miller, Amy Sapp, Andrew Bentz, Andrew Michuda, Anjanette Tournillon, Ann Fowler, Anne Hainsworth, Aruna, Ashley Pizzino, Austin O'blenis, Barbie Lawless, Becky Terjung, Belicia Dawson, Blair Howard, Bob Patterson, Bonnie Smith, Brandy White, Brian Eagen, Brian Haas, Brian Yesutis, Brianne F, Bruce Arnold, Bruce Dormuth, Bruce Lawson, Cara Richards, Carla Leger, Charrissa Lin, Cheri Palmisano, Chris And Alison, Chris Hall, Chris Masse, Christina , Cody Catherine Peterson, Craig Canady, Dan Mangini, Dan Owens, Daniel Meagher, Daniel Record, Danielle Destefano, Danusia Rogacki, Dave Carriere, Dave Cole, David Caffey, David Coates, David Tarbet, Densie Cayz , Derek Carty, Diane Cripps, Douglas Mcknight, Ed Aleszczyk, Ed Nawrocki, Elizabeth Scarborough, Eric Hoffman, Erica Andrews, Gary E Genteman, Gary Lindros, Hayley Lawson, Heather Coursen, Hillary W, Holley Blyler, Hollie Hinton, Howard Schreiber, Jacque Schmidt, James Berry, Jamie Kelly, Jamie Poynton, Jaron Goldberg, Jeff Blank, Jeffrey Dunne, Jen Cerce, Jen Cox, Jennifer Bogdan, Jennifer Haas, Jennifer Kaufman, Jennifer Schwing, Jennifer Tremley, Jerry Marceau, Jessica Reed, Joanne O'brien, Joe Jennings, John Dupre, Jonathan Thomas, Joseph F. Tempel, Joyanne Johnston, Joyce Tofflemire, Judy Koslowski, Julie Wickware, Justin, Karen Schlumpf, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kathy Berry, Kris Nixon , Krista Penno, Kristen Gainey, Kye Layton, Leslie Dameron, Linda Mac, Lisa Hoffman, Luis Rodriguez, Lynn Barber, Marc Silverman, Marie Phillips, Mary Jean Kanacel, Michael Joel Gainey, Michael Pyle, Michele Delorenzo, Michele Shea , Mickey Eckert, Mike Malampy, Mike Venere, Nancie Lymer, Nancy Mclaughlin, Nick Straka, Noreen Rachuba, Patrick Albrecht, Paul Cooper, Paul Moody, Paula Lorenzo, Peggy Saeger , Rich, Richard Nussbaum, Richard Tritschler, Richard Uhler, Rick Hemsley, Rick Shea, Ron Renz, Sabrina Bogart, Santiago (james), Sara M. Moore, Sarah, Sarah Smee, Scott Cullen, Scott Khachadourian, Scott Otis, Shane Stack, Sharon Dale, Sharon Pierce, Sherry Klinefelter, Stephanie Servaites, Stephanie Visco, Stephen Martin, Stuart Hale, Susan Thompson, Sydney Chambers, Terri Howard, Theresa Rucando, Tim Rachuba, Tim Wingfield, Tina Benco , Tricia Noble, Vickie Scioneaux, Vincent Maltese, Wendy Markwood, Wendy Snelgrove, Will Bennett, Willie Tople and Zachary Walzer. Each of you will be entered in the March winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #76: 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, March 12, 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #71:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 55-200mm, 1/6s shutter, f/8

This miniature train is in the display just outside of the Germany pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you actually had an advantage this week because this photo has been recycled. It made its debut way back in August of 2007. I didn’t realize that until after I had posted it. Don’t get any ideas though, this week’s challenge photo is a brand new one.

Jodi Cook was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Jodi and all the readers who got the answer right: Alan Law, Alicia Henderson, Alison Ripley, Allison Dibiase, Amy Miller, Amy Sooy, Andrea Mayo, Angie Young, Anne Hainsworth, Aruna, Ashley, Austin O'blenis, Baines Family, Barbie Lawless, Barclay Bakkum, Becky Terjung, Ben Campbell, Bethany Cybak, Bob Hendrix, Bob Patterson, Bob Sertic, Bonnie Smith, Boris Beckert, Brandon Emerson, Brian Gallant, Brittany Irish, Bruce Arnold, Bruce Lawson, Bryan Fencl, Bryan Timko, Cara Richards, Carinne Kight, Charles Ingle, Cheryl Costello, Chip Vermette, Chris Freeman, Chris J, Chris Moore, Christine Dagney, Clare C, Curtis Bille, Daniel Record, Danielle Aston, Danielle Destefano, Darlene Harmon, Dave Cole, David Coates, David Uchtman, Dawn Radke, Deb Ragno, Debbie Hudson, Dennis Dunkman, Diane Cripps, Diane Furtado, Dick Nussbaum, Dina Grassi, Dylan Weidner, Ed Nawrocki, Elisa Dillon, Elizabeth Kormesser, Emma Poprock, Eric Jones, Erin Hammer, Erin Kubicki, Erin Savoie, Evelyn Wilson, Gabe Widmer, Gary E Genteman, Gary Sooy, Gayle Myrick, Glenn Meyer, Harry Wilson, Heather Coursen, Heather Young, Heidi Goodhue, Holley Blyler, Jaclyn Kelch, Jacquelyn Law, Jarcewski Family, Jeanine Yamanaka, Jeff Blank, Jeffrey Dunne, Jen Cerce, Jennifer , Jennifer Bogdan, Jennifer Horst, Jennifer S., Jennifer Schwing, Jennifer Tremley, Jeremy Coto, Jeremy Hardy, Jill Linton, Jim Thompson, Joan Salem, Joanna Snow, John Dupre, Jorge Caso, Karen Dresser-smith, Karen Pizzuta, Karen Schlumpf, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kate Fanning, Katelyn P., Kathy Berry, Kathy Lutz, Kelli Vancil, Kellie Carter, Kelly Scott, Ken Fischler, Kim Watson, Kimberly Vega, Kris Kline, Kristi Rose, Kurt K , Kye Layton, Larry Sams, Laura Pranaitis, Lee Anastasi, Leslie Dameron, Lin Fales, Linda Kasych, Linda Mac, Lisa Berton, Lisa Graham, Lisa H, Lisa Lee, Liz Moreau, Lori Posey, Lou Baker, Lynn Barber, Marie Wolfe, Mary Dannahey, Matt Cofone, Matthew Naldzin, Megan Krainski, Melissa Littman, Michael Cortese, Michelle Wilinski, Mike Thomson, Nicole Lassiter, Patrick Albrecht, Paul Cooper, Paula Munson, Penny Urell, Renee Engel, Rich Kacprowicz, Rob Speed, Rob Stewart, Rochelle, Ron Renz, Russell Wurr, Sandra Miller, Sarah Biggs, Sarah Haas, Sarah Smee, Scott Bauer, Scott Junkin, Scott Price, Shane Stack, Sharon Dale, Sharon Martinez, Sheila Saey, Sherri Pell, Sherry Trapp, Stacey Nellis, Stacey Van Dyke, Stephanie Chambers, Stephanie Servaites, Stephen Hafke, Steve Benson, Steve Knapp, Steven Long, Susan Linder, Suzanne Brown, Suzanne Kennedy, Terri Thornton, Theresa Rucando, Tim Rachuba, Tim Wingfield, Tom Koval, Tom Linder, Tommy Montgomery, Trish Babler, Vicki Hayes, Vicki Vaught, Vincent Maltese, Virginia Mackenzie and Walter Fletcher. Each of you will be entered in the February winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #72: 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 12, 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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

This was Challenge #68:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D300, 50mm f/1.4, 1/30s shutter, f2.8, ISO 3200

The Seas with Nemo and Friends has a great queue. Near the beginning of the queue you’ll find this sign letting you know that you are at the Coral Caves Beach area. Be sure to bring your snorkel because before you know it, you’ll find yourself underwater looking for Nemo.

For the third week in a row, Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer for the challenge! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Evelyn Wilson, Cara Richards, Bryan Timko, Sarah Smee, James Greene, Belicia Dawson, Belicia Dawson, Jacquelyn Law, Heather Young, Jaclyn Koller, Deb Ragno, Holley Blyler, Steven Long, Pollyanna Buff, Dylan Weidner, Tim Rachuba, Sharon Dale, Sarah Biggs, Ann Fowler, Ray Kastner, Barbie Lawless, Elisa Dillon, Sherry Klinefelter, Erica Andrews, Danielle Murgia, Jonathan Walker, Linda Mac, Debbie Hudson, Doug Zuccollo, Jennifer Lalli, Stephanie Visco, Will Bennett, Carol Ray, Hayley Lawson, Chris And Alison, Steve Bieniek, Sharon Lee, Christie Condit, Kala Bieniek, Charles Wright, Tim Wingfield, Claissa K, Chris Masse, Brandon Emerson, Tom Carty, Diane Ramos, Alicia Henderson, Jill Fogg, Kris Nixon, Dave Wang, Ramona, Cindy Dore', Baines Family, Susan Pitts, Chloe', Peggy Saeger, Amanda Campbell, Emma Poprock, Lee Anastasi, Joseph Tortorici, Daniel Record, Michael Pyle, April Tucker, Jen Cerce, Kathy Berry, Tyler Benson, Jackie Purcell, Amy Sooy, Lisa Graham, Kelly Jean Clarkson, Kelly Montgomery, Jennifer Rupert, Ed Nawrocki, Marie Phillips, Chris Connors, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Caitlin Barringer, Maureen O'hare, Scott Price, Neil Van Dyke, Shannon Milair, Jeffrey Dunne, Jeffrey Dunne, Bonnie Smith, Vicki Hayes, Ken Fischler, Bob Patterson, Dana Schirnhofer, John Dupre, Elizabeth Scarborough, Joann Albrecht, Brenda, Amy Miller, Marie Bertini, Kim Riley, Nathaniel Powe "the Disney Fanatic", Greg Gallo, Cheri Palmisano, Angela Youngblood, Tim Tosten, Noreen Rachuba, Deanna Simmons, Jody Erdfarb, Kendra Hettel, Jim Thompson, Melissa Nute, Jamie Poynton, Angela Miller, Amanda Brand, Jen Norris, Andrew Webber, Michael Gainey, Morgan Stalker, Lisa Berton, Stacey Van Dyke, Brian Yesutis, Paul Cooper, Jamie Kelly, Joe Franceschino, Suzen Woolley, Ellie Argaluza, Anjanette Tournillon, Becky Terjung, Vickie Scioneaux, Kelly Christine Delaney, Trish Babler, Sarah Connors, Jennifer Schwing, Bill Mckim, Gregg Mcglasson, Zachary Walzer, Mike Venere, Jennifer Tremley, Jeremy Coto, Liz Moreau, Danielle Destefano, Carinne Kight, Karyn Christenson, Jennifer Bogdan, Luis Rodriguez, Suzanne Sevier, Walter N Clark, Angela Haire, Bruce Dormuth, Heather Coursen, Hope Schiemer, Tricia Noble, Barclay Bakkum, Barclay Bakkum, Patty Lue Roosa, Patti Sturgis, Jack Danger, H. Michael Miley and Mary. Each of you have been entered in the January winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #69: 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 22, 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!

Epcot's 2008 Christmas Tree.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/8s, f/3.5, 640 ISO, EV +0.3, 18mm Focal Length

Being as this is the last Photographic Innoventions before Christmas, I wanted to wish you and yours a safe and peaceful holiday season no matter where you live in the world. Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I'll be back in two weeks with some more great tips and techniques from my recent trip to Walt Disney World!

This was Challenge #64:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/160s shutter, f6.3

Off Kilter is a fabulous Celtic rock band that entertains guests near the Canadian pavilion in Epcot. This is Jamie Holton, the band’s bagpiper and front man. I wasn’t sure what kind of answers I was going to get this week. What I found amazing was that not only did folks know that these legs belonged to someone in Off Kilter, several people actually identified them as Jamie’s legs. Now that’s a little scary!

Bryan Timko was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Bryan and all the readers who got the answer right: Dusty Cheatham, Deb Ragno, David Wickware, Sandra Shaw, Jennifer Lazzaro, Jacquelyn Law, Alan Law, Deb Gallo, Erika Loboda, Devin, Austin O'blenis, Angie Young, Sherry Klinefelter, Leslie Dameron, Ed Aleszczyk, Kye Layton, Brian Harrigan, Patrick Albrecht, Sharon Pierce, Sharon Lee, Debra Kuklinski, Kathy Love, Dennis Dunkman, Ken Maikowski, Lori Posey, Kim Davis, Lauri Phillips, Brian Gallant, Jen Cerce, Jeremy Hardy, Jeff Kulisek, Mary Beth Tarbet, Trish Babler, Jackie Purcell, Melissa Demonbreun, Kelly Jean, Clarissa K, Joyce Tofflemire, Lisa Edmonson, Debbie Poole, Tim Wingfield, Joanna Snow, Shannon Milair, Hayley Lawson, Amanda, Michelle Wilinski, Dawn Bach, Kevin Toomey, Jeffrey Dunne, Gregg Mcglasson, Dallas Hamilton, Melesia Love, Krystal Pound, John Dupr, Robert Mcclean, Greg Gallo, Tim Rachuba, Elizabeth Scarborough, Debbie Hicks, Siobhan Mason, Jude Toups, Karen Schlumpf, Dan Mangini, Wendy Snelgrove, Sarah Haas, Nicole Lassiter, Carla Leger, Paula Bender, Evelyn Wilson, Glenn Meyer, Cheri Palmisano, Karen Dresser-smith, Rick Shea, Keith, Lisa, Tommy Montgomery, Luis Rodriguez, April Tucker, Anne Hainsworth, Allison Caputa, Marie Bertini, Angela Brown, Gloria Keenan, Heather Stevens, Janet Guay, Joanne Snoots, Matt Cofone, Patti Sturgis, Ken Taylor, Kathy Berry, Harry Wilson, Bob Sertic, Katie Fry, Kevin Cowdell, Morgan Stalker, Kristine Gallatin, Melissa Boyle, Sam Mortellaro, Lisa Zitek, Lisa Hoffman, Kelli Vancil, Kim Steiner, Patricia Ovesny, Regina L Tipton, Ruth Cookson, Patricia Siebert, Kurt Schmidt, Mlke Verlinghieri, Kirk Hardy, Terri Thornton, Cari-ann, Liz Patterson, Tere Rudy, Nancy Ahlsen, Lauren Foss, Mickey Eckert and Bruce Arnold. Each of you will be entered in the December winners’ drawing.

I’ll be taking the next two weeks off from the Where in the World challenge to attend MouseFest. That gives everyone some extra time to get your answers in for challenge #65. Challenge #66 will appear on December 28.

If you’re attending MouseFest this year, don’t forget to join Lisa, Scott and me at our Picture This! Photowalk meet on Saturday morning. You’ll find all the details here.
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Challenge #65: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, December 25, 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 D50, 18-200VR, 1/640s shutter, f4.5

Being a gardener myself, I really appreciate the work of the landscaping crews at Walt Disney World. They do such a wonderful job of transporting us to the corners of the earth with the gardens they create. My landscaping Pic of the Week was taken near the Japan pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. If you didn’t know better, you’d never guess this picture was taken in Central Florida.

This was Challenge #61:

And here's the answer:

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

You guys are good! This was a hard one. This postal box is in the United Kingdom, in Epcot’s World Showcase. I’ll go easier on you this week…

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: Leslie Dameron, Neil Taylor, Heather Young, Walter Fletcher, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Debra Kuklinski, Joyanne Johnston, Anita Ponton-brown, Glenn Meyer, Sarah Smee, Sharon Lee, Julie Ellis, Wendy Snelgrove, Ruth Woodhouse, Julie Wickware, Michelle Shewbridge, Liz, Kevin Jones, Peter Tucker, Steve Green, and Melea Broekers. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #62: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 20, 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!

Ready for Christmas yet? Shopping all done? Gifts wrapped? Yeah, me neither. Here is something you can start doing at Walt Disney World today. Taking pictures of the fabulous Christmas decorations in the themeparks and resorts. With more coming by the end of November with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Christmas parades and special events held all through the holiday season.

How best to capture the millions of lights Disney Imagineers use is our topic for today and I have a some tips for you. Let's start with something people often overlook as it gets dark so early in November and December. Take photos of lighting displays during the magic hour after sunset when the sky and lights become balanced. Though it's not a Christmas display, the photo of the Planet Hollywood sign demonstrates what I am talking about here. I used AWB (Automatic White Balance) here while others will say to switch to a Tungsten or Incandescent white balance for best results. A tripod would be useful but I get good results shooting down to a quarter second (1/4s) with image stabilized lenses. The key is to wait for the sky and lights to come together. Keep taking shots until you start to see the results you are looking for. The provided link will go into more detail.

Now you are saying to yourself, who has time to wait for the light at Disney besides it's mostly full night when you are there. The lights are so pretty, there's got to be a way to photograph them. Well, you are right. Below is a technique you can use called "Dragging the Shutter". This technique is used a lot in wedding photography to allow for room lighting to be seen instead of stark dark backgrounds in large banquet halls.

Nikon D70/18-70D, 1/30s, f/4.5, ISO 400, +0.6 EV, 46mm Focal length

On camera and external flash are normally synced at shutter speeds between 1/60 and 1/250 of a second. When you use a flash and purposely use shutter speeds below the normal flash sync speed, it allows more time for ambient light to be captured by the camera's sensor. This gives a more pleasing and natural look to the photograph as you see on the right hand photo of the Donald Duck topiary I took at Epcot during Mousefest 2006. Both photos were taken the same way except for the use of flash. This can also be called Slow Sync in your camera manuals.

Using flash for photos of large areas is not practical. For best results, we have to use long shutter speeds (of less than 1/60th of a second), high ISO speeds of 800 or greater and find a way to stabilize our cameras. In the photo of Main Street USA, I was able to do all three.

Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA all decked out for Christmas.
Nikon D70/18-70D, 1/20s, f/4.2, ISO 1600, +0.3 EV, 35mm Focal length

As you can see, I am using a very high ISO of 1600 (my camera's highest available), a shutter speed of 1/20 of a second and I stabilized the camera by leaning against a garbage can and using my elbows to form a human tripod. I took several images to make sure I had a few which would come out sharp. If I had a real tripod, I could have used even slower shutter speeds and smaller apertures but I'll leave that discussion for another time.

By using these tips both at Disney or at home, your Christmas light photography will make your friends and family envious of your talents. Click this link for more tips on capturing the spirit of Christmas photographically. That's my gift to all of you!

This was Challenge #60:

And here's the answer:

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

These colorful gondola mooring poles are in the water of the World Showcase Lagoon, in front of the Italy pavilion in Epcot. Uniquely painted poles were used to designate gondola “parking spaces” for various Venetian families. You can still see these multicolored poles in the canals of Venice, although they are more decorative than functional these days.

Chris Masse was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Chris and all the readers who got the answer right: Neil Taylor, Deb Ragno, Jennifer S., Heather Yjoung, Patrick Albrecht, Sherry Klinefelter, Brittany Irish, Brandy White, Jen Snapp, Jodi Cook, Dawn Bach, Barbie Lawless, Anjanette Tournillon, Marguerite Massett, Debbie Hudson, Lee Anastasi, Leslie Dameron, Sharon Dale, Penny, Ed Aleszczyk, Alyssa Nutter, Hollie Hinton, Becky Terjung, Kris, Jennifer Tremley, Kim Garabed, Elizabeth Akerley, Joyanne Johnston, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Linda Mac, Ben Howell, Samuel Shotick, Diane Cripps, Laura, Christina Dominique Cooper, Sharon Pierce, Sharon Powers, Lauren Foss, Jennifer Horst, Julianne Williams, Melea Broekers, Kelley H, Sarah Smee, Hillary W, Michelle Wilinski, Allison Lowry, Tina Roberts, Kellie Carter, Jennifer Rupert, Dan Record, Zach C, Alicia Henderson, Jeremy Hardy, John Agnew, John Dawes, Jill Fogg, Bonnie Smith, Angie, Amy, And Eli Young, Bob Patterson, Anne Hainsworth, Mike Thomson, Jennifer Schwing, Shannon Milair, Elizabeth Scarborough, Patricia Shea, Stephanie Servaites, Karen Schlumpf, Ashley Salters, Tim Rachuba, Judy Koslowski, Noreen Rachuba, Laura Barnes, Amy Miller, Becky Sterusky, Paul Ignudo, Jr., Amanda Diresta, Kye Layton, Allison Burgess, Karen Dresser-smith, Anderson Dun, Cindy Carrigan, Hope Schiemer, Kate Lavoie, Sarah Haas, Chris Bertelmann, Douglas Beasock, Ken Jackson, Jeffrey Dunne, Dina Grassi, Katarina Whitmarsh, Kelli Olthoff, Christine Angelo, Matt Cofone, Dana Hall, Carol Donoghue, Amy Cole, Sherri Pell, Jennifer Bogdan, Katy Robinson, Beth Dye, Michelle Gates, Amy Gamble, Barclay Bakkum, Heather Coursen, Rachele Hawkins, Wendy Snelgrove, Amy Kleinfieldt, Lisa Hoffman, Eric Hoffman, Allison Dibiase, Patti Sturgis, Bethany Mattiuz-king, Heidi Summers, Sue Castanien, Alison, Maryann Mignano, Beth Kandravi, Theresa Rucando, Wendy Cacka, Carinne Kight and Ryan Conway. Each of you will be entered in the November winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #61: Where in the world is this?

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, November 13, 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!

Here is a photography rule which I read about when researching the previous blog on the Sunny 16 Rule I wrote about last time. This one is called the Rule of Odds. The rule states an odd number of objects should be sought out for a shot. This results in a natural framing of the objects, adding comfort and depth to the artwork.

Okay, though I tend to put 1, 3 or more odd numbered subjects in my photos than even numbers, I pay more attention to the Rule of Thirds when I am composing in the viewfinder. However, it looks like Disney Imagineers use this rule. Below is a photo of the five balloons which hang from the ceiling in Epcot's Land Pavilion. The middle one represents Earth while the four surrounding balloons represent the seasons: Yellow for Summer, Orange for Fall, Blue for Winter and Green for Spring.

The odd numbered balloons hanging from the ceiling of The Land pavilion in Epcot.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/4.5, 200 ISO, 36mm Focal length

Again, I don't purposely go out and look for an odd number when I am composing my photographs. Since this is a compositional rule and, like all rules in photography, they are more like guidelines anyway (now, where have we heard that before?), I wouldn't go out of my way to do this. It's something to keep in mind when you have time to do so.

This was Challenge #58:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/800s shutter, f7.1

This cool tile wall is in front of the Universe of Energy in Epcot’s Future World. It’s a great place to take some really fun pictures.

Angie Young was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Angie and all the readers who got the answer right: Sharon Dale, Deb Ragno, Darlene Harmon, Allison Lowry, Maryann Eckenrode, Jodi Cook, Brittany Irish, John Dupre, Brandy White, Steve And Kala Bieniek, Jennifer Chartier, Austin O'blenis, Ken Jackson, Chris Bertelmann, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, Bryan Timko, Nancy Ahlsen, Linda Mac, Richard Uhler, Amanda Campbell, Neil Taylor, Elizabeth Akerley, Jennifer Tremley, Dale Knight, Brianne F, Ben Dameron, Sherry Klinefelter, Evelyn Cowdell, Debbie Hudson, Jen Campbell, Alicia Henderson, Bonnie Smith, Becky Terjung, Cam Lange, Tim Rachuba, Carrie Kenney, Sabrina Bogart, Karen Schlumpf, Diane Cripps, Elizabeth Scarborough, Hollie Hinton, Kendra Hettel, Jen Cox, Dave Cole, Jaime Thomson, Kellie Carter, Russell Hickerson, Pollyanna Buff, Kim Garabed, Hayley Lawson, Betsey, Suzanne Brown, Carla Leger, Kevin Toomey, Cheri Palmisano, Jamie Poynton, Lauren Seymour, Amy Wenzel, Brian Haas, Cheryl Costello, Bruce Arnold, Jerry Marceau, Karen Pizzuta, Jennifer Bogdan, Danielle Destefano, Patti Sturgis, Roye Ann Morris, Liz Moreau, Chris Kotcamp, Mike Kaczanowski, Jen Norris, Bruce Dormuth, Allison Dibiase, Maria Root, Matt Naldzin, Tammy Persons, Cheri Palmisano, Jen, Kathy Lowe, Robin Mcconnell, Jen Harrelson, Eric Bouchet and Noreen Rachuba. Each of you were entered in the October winners’ drawing.

It’s monthly drawing time again! I’m happy to announce this month’s winner is Sharon Dale! Sharon’s name may look familiar to you. She’s been the first one to get the answer in the weekly contest more than once. Congratulations Sharon, you are the lucky recipient of a fabulous Disney book and some really cool AllEars schwag!

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Challenge #59: 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 30, 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 © 2006 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 0.5s shutter, f5

My Pic of the Week for water is the reverse waterfall fountain, or water-rise, in Epcot in front of the Journey into Imagination Pavilion.

When I was talking about adding metadata and how to use it. I seemed to have confused some people about how much work it takes to add captions and keywords. While it does take time to add them, it's not as time consuming as it sounds. Photo management software like Apple's Aperture 2, Adobe's Lightroom 2 and others let you change metadata on more than one photograph at a time. This is called batch processing as you change a whole batch of photos at once.

To return to the example I was using. When loading or ingesting from a memory card onto my computer using Aperture 2, I give pretty general captions and keywords which cover all the photos. After I go through and edit the day's photos, discarding those I do not want, I'll add more keywords. Again, I'll use Space Ship Earth as my subject. I'll select all the Space Ship Earth photos I took and then open up a metadata window. Your program may call it something else like a tab. I click on the keyword field which already has the general keywords added earlier and add more of them. You have to use a comma to separate the keywords. Then press the Change or Update button to process the batch of selected photos with the additional keywords. The same can be done for any of the metadata fields available.

Partial view of Space Ship Earth.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/400s, f/10, 200 ISO, EV -0.6, 52mm Focal length

Adding keywords can be even easier. Applications like Apple's iPhoto pulls up all your defined keywords in a window and you can click on the ones you want to add to a photo or group of photos. It pays to research what your photography software can do when it comes to saving time while entering metadata information.

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

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

Copyright © 2008 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 26s shutter, f8

Choosing a Pic of the Week for architecture was really hard! Walt Disney World is an amazing place to take architectural photos and I love that kind of photography. So let’s just say I have more than a few photos that would have worked for this week. Narrowing it down to just one was definitely a challenge. I ended up picking this night time photo of the Japan pavilion in Epcot for no other reason than it makes me remember being there.

Before I go on talking about organizing our digital library of photographs, I want to introduce you to the new breed of software that were released a couple of years ago I refer to as digital darkroom programs. These programs assist you in organizing, editing and outputting (either files or prints) your digital photos in one place. You no longer need more than one program to do each of these tasks.

The two programs I want to talk about are Adobe Lightroom 2 (PC and Mac) and Apple Aperture 2 (Mac only). Now, I know there's a lot of discussion on which one to use in photography forums. I think both do a great job. If you have not looked at either of these programs, you can download free trials from Adobe and Apple.

What these programs do is import your photos from your camera or memory cards and place them into one image database. If you've been following this series, you know I put my photos into specific folders on my computer system depending on the year and month they were taken. Both of these programs will allow you to keep such a system and give you the freedom to create projects or collections within their image database or library as I like to call it. I use Aperture 2 and as an example I want to show you how I use Aperture's organizational power.

I set up a Project called Walt Disney World. Inside this project I have each of my trips in a folder labeled WDW_YYYYMM (so far I haven't stayed over a two month span yet but I would still separate the photos on my hard drive into separate folders). My last trip from May, 2008 is in folder WDW_200805 and has a few thousand photos. I have some albums in the WDW project I have set up for various reasons. One is called POTW (for the Picture This! Picture of the Week theme) where I have past and upcoming photos for the themes Lisa, Barrie and I have come up with. An album consists of photos I have moved into it. The photos are not actually in the album or folders but point back to the photo's location in the library. ONe photo can be in multiple projects, folders or albums. Luckily, I don't have to worry about where the photos files are as Aperture takes care of all that for me. I just drag and drop.

I can also search for a group of photos and this is where metadata comes in very handy. Let's say I want to create an album with just my photos of Epcot's Spaceship Earth. Since I have added the keywords, spacehip earth, to all my photos I have taken of this attraction, I can pull up a view of all of those photos easily by typing it into the search box. Once I have that view, I can create an album with a simple click of my mouse. If I had not added keywords, it would have taken me a long time to look through each of my WDW folders and pick out all the Spaceship Earth ones.

If you are looking to easily organize, process and print your digital photographs and have not looked at either Aperture or Lightroom, I think you will be very surprised at how versatile these programs are. Both have come out with second versions in the last few months with vast improvements over their first editions.

This week’s theme for Pic of the Week is indoor photography. Although it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of taking pictures in Walt Disney World, there are loads of great indoor photo opportunities. Lisa, Scott and I have chosen three very different examples to share with you this week.

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/13s shutter, f5.6, ISO 1600

In the World Showcase at Epcot, Mexico is a wonderful place to practice your indoor photography. This dragon is one of the Oaxacan wood carvings that you’ll see when you first enter the pavilion.

This was Challenge #47:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/500s shutter, f11

This is the sign for the relatively new Character Spot sign in Epcot. Head to Innoventions West to meet Mickey Mouse and his friends. It’s a great place to have your pictures taken with the characters. Each picture will feature you and your favorite character in front of a brightly colored backdrop depicting the different lands of Future World.

Cari-ann Smith was the first to send in the correct answer this week! Congratulations to Cari-ann and all the readers who got the answer right: Cori Lehman, Katie Shade, Holley Blyler, Patty Lue Roosa, Emma Poprock, Erica Andrews, Dan Molczyk, Ann Fowler, Eric Bouchet, Linda Mac, Robin Fitts, Bob Kowalski, Sharon Pierce, Tom Durr, Abby Steill, Rebekah Anguish, Sharon Dale, Jenn G., Jennifer Romano, Jennifer Tremley, Hillary W, Lynn Brown, Tim Rachuba, Amanda Penhale, Noreen Rachuba, Stephanie Christiansen, Kerianne Magee, Cara Richards, Dina Grassi, Jon Thomas, Tom Koval, Patrick Albrecht, Heather Frase, Melissa Rebelo, Juliann Ruffing, Heather Coursen, Allison Caputa, Brian Gallant, Diana Archambault and Jessica Reed. Each of you will be entered in the July winners’ drawing.

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Challenge #48: 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 31, 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!

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

These flower baskets hang from the poles lining the pathway in front of Germany in Epcot's World Showcase. I wanted to capture the beautiful red geraniums but I deliberately composed the shot to include part of the building in the background as well. This is a nice way to take a not so typical vacation photo and a more interesting flower photo at the same time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I dedicate this blog to all my fellow Canon peeps. :secret handshake:

Camera companies are always competing in the sense that one brand's cameras can do something that another's doesn't. One of Canon's specialties is Color Accent. You'll find it in the SD750, SD890 IS, SD 1100 IS, S5 IS, and the G9 just to name a few.

I borrowed my neighbors' Canon Powershot S5 IS (the same camera that Deb Wills shoots with) for my latest Walt Disney World adventure. I can tell you that I already knew I wanted this camera before I even borrowed it. The S5 IS is in high demand everywhere, actually, so if you can find one, buy it.

What Color Accent does it it lets you pick out a single color from those in your picture, before you take it. The remainder of the image will turn black and white with the possible exception of green, which is the default color.

Here's how it works on the Canon Powershot S5 IS.

1. Turn the Mode Dial to SCN (Scene).

2. Press the control pad's right side until you see the icon for Color Accent.

3. Press the button for ISO.

4. The liquid crystal display (LCD) will show you a bar at the bottom and inside a box, the selected color to retain. The featured color will be the last one you used or it'll be green by default if you haven't used this setting before.

5. Point your camera at the color you want the camera to keep. Make sure that color is in the center of your frame. Now press the left side of the control pad.

6. Press the ISO button again to lock in your selected color.

7. Now take your picture.

Important note: Let's say you aim your camera at a blue shirt in hopes of using blue as your accent color but when you take your photo, it's of something that doesn't have any blue in it, like a chicken. Your image will be black and white without any blue. In order for the Color Aceent to work, the color you select has to be in the image you shoot.

I started off by aiming my camera at this yellow flower.

I set the camera to pick up the bold yellow and then recomposed my shot and took this picture.

It not only picked up the yellow in the chateua but it retained green, the default color as well.

I then took this shot and you can see a pale yellow in the stones.

Shop AllEars Net's Amazon store for the Canon Powershot S5 IS.

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

I thought a photo from the Mexico pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase was a good fit for August, usually the hottest month of the year here in the states. Can't you just feel the balmy breeze of a warm summer evening when you look at this scene? Hmm... margarita anyone?

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/400s shutter, f5.3

The China Pavilion in Epcot celebrates the Flower and Garden Festival with a display of Chinese Zodiac topiaries. My Pic of the Week is a topiary depicting the year of the monkey. If you were born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 or 2004 you’re a monkey person!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's an unusual shot of Illuminations from inside the China Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Generally, China is considered to be one of the worst places to view Illuminations from because there is an island in Showcase Lagoon that sits right between China and where Illuminations is staged.

However, when I was at MouseFest last year, I happened to be coming out of the China pavilion right when the fireworks started and I loved the silhouette of the arch against the fireworks. But, I didn't have my tripod with me. It was my last night in WDW so I had to wait until my next visit to photograph it. This is what I captured then.

I want to try it again though, because I don't think I was in just the right place. I'd like the arch to be more centered with fewer of the trees in the frame. Next time... it's always nice to have a reason to have to go back!

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

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

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

On to top of your digital SLR or advanced Point & Shoot cameras is a Mode Dial. On this dial you will find the main shooting modes to let you take more creative control of your photography. Below is a list with a short decription for each one. For more detailed information, consult your camera's manual.

AUTO or A-DEP - this is an SLR's version of a Point & Shoot mode. It will calculate your exposure for you including the ISO, metering mode, aperture and shutter speed (this may vary by manufacturer).

P for Program - calculates the aperture and shutter speed given the camera's settings for ISO, metering mode, and white balance (this may vary by manufacturer).

S or Tv for Shutter Priority - you set the shutter speed manually and the aperture is calculated for you given the camera's settings for ISO, metering mode, and white balance (this may vary by manufacturer).

A or Av for Aperture Priority - you set the aperture or f-stop manually and the shutter speed is calculated for you given the camera's settings for ISO, metering mode, and white balance (this may vary by manufacturer).

M for Manual - you set both the aperture and shutter speed and take full manual control of all the camera settings. You have to be careful here as some other settings may or may not be affected. Check your camera's manual.

With that little primer finished, I'm going to start with the Shutter Priority (S) Mode and continue a series of entries over the next few weeks to cover the rest. Let's climb right into how to use the S-Mode by looking at this photo from Epcot's Canadian pavilion featuring the Rocky Mountains with a very tall waterfall.

Rocky Mountain waterfall in Epcot's Canadian pavilion.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/30s, f/18, 200 ISO, -0.3 EV, 28mm Focal Length

I took a few images of this beautiful scene with the late day light striking the top of the mountains and the waterfall cascading down the mountain side. For the first ones, I was in P or Program mode and it kept selecting shutter speeds which froze the water. Made the water look very static and uninteresting. Often when taking pictures of moving objects, like water, you want to show it's motion. The best way to do that is to use a slow shutter speed.

To get the effect you see above, I turned the Mode Dial on my Nikon D70 to S putting it in Shutter Priority mode. I now had control of the shutter speed by turning the command dial (this may be different for your camera so check your manual. Sound like a broken record, don't I?). I took photographs at shutter speeds of 1/60, 1/30, and 1/15 of a second. Each time the camera selected the aperture for me based on the other camera settings (refer to the Exif data below the photo).

I'm sure you have seen other waterfall photographs where even longer shutter speeds were used giving the water an even softer look. Those pictures were taken with shutter speeds over multiple seconds and require a tripod to keep the rest of scene in sharp focus. Something I didn't have with me during this visit to Walt Disney World.

If you are taking pictures of action scenes like the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you may want to use a very fast shutter speed to freeze the action. I would start at 1/250 for Indy and 1/500 for Lights, Motors, Action!

For more on the use of shutter speeds, check out some of our past Picture This! entries:

Shutter Speeds and You

Mechanics of Exposure

This was Challenge #38:

And here's the answer:

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

You’ll find this fountain in the marketplace of the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Mexico is a great place to get beautiful, colorful photographs. Because it is so dark, you have to be extra careful to keep your camera steady. For this shot I balanced the camera on the ledge at the entrance to the pavilion.

John Agnew was the first to send in the correct answer this week. Congratulations John!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Jennie K, Nancy, John Pasqueralli, Kevin Toomey, Gary E Genteman, Esther Muldur, Stephanie Visco, Chris Kotcamp, Mary Dannahey, Kelli Vanil, Kelley H, Reynic Compton, Amy Smith, Ramona Gaylor, Jennifer Schwing, Jennifer Bogdan, Heather Coursen, Monica Guerra, Jamie Hammond, Julie Mcclure, Renie Mistretta, Jillian Hoffman, Shana Wilson, Carinne Kight, Barclay Bakkum, Tammra Daugherty, Richard Ouellette, Melissa Olson, Julie Williams, Sara Stanfield, Emily Nussbaum, Amy C, Roye Ann Morris, Maria Rubi, Cheryl Lemmy, Martha Vance, Margaret West, Jorge Caso, Betsey Pickard, Angie Young, Sara Lewis, Debra Moscara, Alan Lichtman, Caitlin Blaney, Ana Marlett, Carrie Mcgugin, Patty Sindone, Sarah Bajek, Eric King, Sharon Dale, Lisa, Jennifer, Lisa Stamey, Michael Ciarrocchi, Brenda Double, Anjanette Tournillon, Susan Kolmetz, Jennifer Tremley, Karen Schlumpf, Katarina Whitmarsh, Denise, Marie, Kye Layton, Wendy Snelgrove, Jullie Petrie, Ashley Salters, Becky Myers, David Lizewski, Sherrytrapp, Laura Pranaitis, Emily Rennie, Vincent Maltese, Rob Stewart, Margaret Vattes, Patrick Albrecht, Sarah Smee, Catherine Chiarello, Mike Fisk, Tamara Gary, Mrs. Mumpower's Class, Kim Peters, Lisa Honard, Susan Williams, Karen Dresser-Smith, Stuart Hale, Sabrina, Sharon Lee, Julie Fahrner, Heather Timko, Julie Ellis, Anderson Dun, Jeremy Hardy, Bryan Timko, Trish Babler, Ann Carr, Jen Campbell, Sara Clemenson, Jeff Christiansen, Michael Gainey, Shirley Mclaughlin, Hollie Hinton, Josh Rohrbach, Brenda Strohmeyer, Monica Hatch, Donna Ports, Abbey Williams, Emily Russo, Danusia Rogacki, Jeff Schoeling, Cindy, Heidi Summers, Vicki Vaught, Susan Pitts, Elizabeth Akerley, Patty Carty, Kendall Huffman, Derek Carty, Garland Cox, Robin Fitts, Dave Cole, Rebecca Payne, Tim Rachuba, Rose Guarracino, Shannon Milair, Judy Koslowski, Chloe' C, Christine Dagney, Kevin Scharf, Becky Terjung, Luis Rodriguez, Chris Bertelmann, Jennifer Cox, Aaron Hale, Patty Lue Roosa, Mike Kaczanowski, Brian Haas, Scott Cullen, Belicia Dawson, John Dupre, Austin O'Blenis, Deb Staples, Damon Carter, Sherry Klinefelter, Nicole, Erin Hammer, Holley Blyler, Brandy White, Evelyn Cowdell, Brian Gallant, Anne Hainsworth, Richard Uhler, Ed Aleszczyk, Katie Wetzel, Heather Young, Jude Toups, Sandra Shaw, Caryn Schill, Melody Salemi, Erica Sipich, Brittany Irish, Jacquelyn Law , Maryann Eckenrode and Nora . Each of you will be entered in the May winners’ drawing.
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Challenge #39: 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 some special AllEars® goodies and a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World by Jennifer Marx, Dave Marx, Allison Cerel Marx!

This was Challenge #36:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © 2007 Barrie Brewer, Nikon D50, 18-200VR, 1/50s shutter, f5

The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. Disney’s version of this beautiful temple serves as the entrance to Reflections of China, a 360 degree CircleVision movie.

With a telephoto lens I was able to zoom in close to pick up the detail on the outside of the building and create an unusual composition of this pavilion. The late afternoon sun really helped to give it a nice golden glow.

This week’s bragging rights go to Evelyn Cowdell, who was the first to send in the correct answer to challenge #36. Nice going Evelyn!

Congratulations to all the readers who knew the answer to this past week’s contest and sent it in before the end of Thursday: Lisa, Jessica, Colleen Gaudette, Sara Clemenson, George Zeimbekakis, Jami Kliethermes, Jennifer Schwing, Mike Venere, Bruce Lawson, Tara Lenharth, Mike Kaczanowski, Meridith Yeoman, Luis Rodriguez, Maureen U, Kevin Toomey, Doug Armstrong, Allison Dibiase, Barclay Bakkum, Lacy Gerrard, Jennifer Tremley, Carissa Totleben, Wendy May, Matt Naldzin, Tom Higbee, Sarah Phipps, Richard Nussbaum, Ed Nawrocki, Sherri Pell, Patricia Auger, Renee Soderberg, Melissa Demonbreun, Christina Rotella, Sharon Dale, Kim Watson, Kristen Chrzanowski, Jarrod Babel, Aaron Hale, Sara Lewis, Chris Bertelmann, Nick Straka, Alan Lichtman, Renee Hardiman, Heather Timko, Angela Brown, Wendy Cacka, Michael Gainey, Jen Campbell, Marie H, Jude Toups, Amy Miller, Brian Gallant, Jared Orth, Megan Stallings, Heather Young, Trish Babler, Sharon Lee, Noreen Rachuba, Melissa Hallenbeck, Ann Fowler, Karen Desantis, Dawn Bach, Kelley H, Jennifer Horst, Jerrimy Patzke, Gloria Martin, Anjanette Tournillon, Dan Record, Sherry Klinefelter, Garland Cox, Trygve Cumpston, Shannon Milair, Bill Androckitis Jr., John Dupre, Maci Schau, Amy Schweizer, Amy and Eli Young, and Pollyanna Buff. Each of you were entered in the April winners’ drawing.

It’s time again for another monthly winners’ drawing. This month’s prize is a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World, as well as some AllEars gifts. There were 290 correct answers this month, but unfortunately, there can only be one winner. Tina Lefante was randomly chosen to receive April’s prize package. Congratulations Tina!
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Challenge #37: 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!
_______________________________________________________________________

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!

Last week, I talked about Joe McNally's book, The Moment It Clicks. However, to start making photographs instead of snapshots, you have to think a bit before clicking the camera's shutter. It takes practice. So, when you are in a Disney park or an event and things start to happen fast or you are with family or friends and have to work fast, they become second nature to you to check the following:

1. Is my Shutter Speed correct to capture my subject properly?
2. Is my selected Focal Length or my Positioning optimal to capture my subject?
3. Have I chosen the proper Depth of Field to best highlight my subject?
4. Is my subject in Focus?
5. Have I checked the Edges of my frame to minimize distracting elements?

These were taken from 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Tripping the Shutter.

I would have put "Is my subject in focus" in the number one slot. For me, if the main subject of a photo is not in focus, it takes away from the impact. Sometimes it's not always possible to get all of your subject in focus. In that case, select the most important part to you. For example, for people or animals photos, always try and get the eyes sharply focused.

If you are photographing action subjects like sports, shows or parades. You want to capture the action at it's peak points. By using your camera's burst mode to shot many frames per second, you can shot an entire sequence. Later, you can find all the gems you got. Try this the next time you are photographing the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular action scenes. For something moving repetitively, like a themepark ride, it's easy to find a place and wait for the action to come to you.

In the photo below, while I like it, I wish I had waited for the light to fully fill the "rocket thrust". I'll get it next time!

Mission Space...To Infinity and Beyond. © Scott Thomas Photography 2008
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200, 0 EV, 32mm Focal Length

Further Reading: More Questions to Ask Before Pressing the Shutter (Some of these are redundant but not all.)

Posted by Scott Thomas on March 14, 2008 5:00 AM | Comment | Permalink