Category Archives: Walt Disney World

Matsuriza

Posted by Mike on

Taiko Drummers, Japan Pavilion, Epcot

The more I travel to Walt Disney World the more I realize how much I enjoy the entertainment available throughout the theme parks. The rides are great, but the human performers make the whole experience even better for me. The Matsuriza ensemble in the Japan Pavilion is one of those acts which is a must see. They are a traditional Taiko Drumming troupe that can be heard half way around World Showcase when they are performing. Needless to say, I stop every time to watch the show…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Matsuriza I

Matsuriza I
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 1/250s, 78mm, f/4.7, ISO 400

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Matsuriza II

Matsuriza II
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 1/250s, 108mm, f/5.1, ISO 400

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Matsuriza III

Matsuriza III
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 1/320s, 89mm, f/4.9, ISO 400

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Boardwalk Morning Redo

Posted by Mike on

Boardwalk, Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Being at Walt Disney World for a week is always therapeutic for me, at least in part. I love being in the parks and soaking up the Disney atmosphere. I don’t always enjoy the company. I stayed at the Beach Club again which allows me numerous opportunities to photograph around Crescent Lake. It also got me looking at my previous captures of that area. I have a few favorites from a trip on 2014 but the more I look at them the more I realize I would process them differently. They now seems a little dark and contrasty to me. Maybe it is due to learning new techniques or maybe my “look” has changed for my images. Either way I decided to re-process my Boardwalk Morning image.

This is the original HDR image I created back in 2014.

  

MLCreations Photography: Around WDW &emdash; Boardwalk Morning

Boardalk Morning
Nikon D5100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, {1/13, 1/6, 1/3 & 0.6s bracket}, 12mm, f/16, ISO 100

  

To me the shadows feel a little too dark, I used more contrast than I am currently using and the colors are off. I re-ran the same bracket through the Aurora HDR program and processed the resulting HDR image through ON1 Photo Effects. Too me the new image is brighter, more morning friendly and represents the feel I get when I am in this area of Disney.  It may not be that way for everyone as I am sure my feelings for Disney affect how I see this image.

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Boardwalk Morning - Redo

Boardwalk Morning Redo

 

I am curious to know your thoughts and my second attempt…

World of Avatar

Posted by Mike on

Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

The new land at Animal Kingdom wasn’t open during my last trip to Walt Disney World and from what I had been reading online, I was expecting quite a lot from it. The land itself is beautiful. I have to give Disney their due credit. They do know how to put on a show. To be truly impressed, make sure to visit after dark. That is when this new area comes alive.

I was unable to get a fastpass for the Flight of Passage attraction so I got myself to the park early to join the mad rush. To say my faith in common courtesy has been diminished would be a gross understatement. Apparently the new norm is everyone for themselves. It was a very disappointing. It continued into the night as I returned to this land for pictures as it became lit with the luminous glow the movie was known for. I lost count of the number of pictures ruined by someone stepping in front of me to get their picture. I wait my turn and definitely try not to impede anyone enjoying the parks. I realize my camera and tripod can be a bit much so I do everything I can to not intrude. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely people who wait before crossing in front of me, but they are becoming more rare every year.

OK, enough bellyaching! Here is one of the images I was able to capture. I still have some more learning to do as this is a difficult area to photograph with its lighting. I guess that means I will have to come back… LOL.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; World of Avatar

World of Avatar
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 15s, 12mm, f/8, ISO 1600

Main Street Philharmonic

Posted by Mike on

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

As the late afternoon clouds rolled in the Main Street Philharmonic band entertains everyone from the hub area of the Magic Kingdom. This band is called upon to perform numerous duties throughout the day but if you have the chance to catch a performance not tied to an event, i.e., Flag Retreat, I would highly recommend doing so. They are entertaining, funny, and sound great too!

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Main Street Philharmonic

Main Street Philharmonic
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/400s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200