Picture This!

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.

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.

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.

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

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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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.

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.

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.

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

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

The 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.

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.