Location, Location, Location...

[Pooh_Girl]

I know this question has probably been asked on here a gazillion times, but what are the expert's recommendations on locations for photographing Wishes and Illuminations?? DH (RBennett) did a phenomenal job of photographing Wishes in December, but he was unhappy with the location we were at. We were inbetween the Partner's statue and Casey's Corner on the left hand side. How close is too close?? We want to be able to get all the big fireworks in the shot as well as a have a closer view of the castle. And how about Illuminations?? We didn't get a chance to shoot these in December, so we have no idea where the best spot is for these. Any help you guys could give us would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Groucho]

Well, it's a little tricky getting TOO close to the castle, unless you get there a little bit early. Still, you can sometimes find somewhere decent that's not too far away. This shot, IIRC, was from just behind a bench around the main hub:

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/gallery/25096-4/2007WDW4-606.jpg

For Illuminations, again, it's often a matter of just finding somewhere close, preferably without trees or poles in the way. However, I recently got a copy of an Illuminations performance that someone (Keichi, apparently) took from the entrance to World Showcase, so looking right at the American pavilion. I had never noticed that there are lasers coming out of the American pavilion for nearly the whole performance, not just certain parts. That angle gave a really neat view of the lasers, as well as being pretty close to the floating globe. I will probably see if I can grab that location on my next trip (although I doubt it, I suspect that's usually a pretty busy location.)

[AydensMom]

These pics are from Dec 04. so I am trying hard to remember my exact location. For illuminations I think we were by the Germany area and for the castle fireworks show I was down that path that heads towards tomorrow land.

DH Pat.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x6/pricha00/Disney2004pt2-152.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x6/pricha00/Disney2004pt2-172.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x6/pricha00/Disney2004pt2-050.jpg

[annie1995]

I just have to add those are all beautiful shots!!!

[DizneyNutz]

The first three were taken from the Hub in front of the castle on the left side along the railing near the path over to the POTC attraction. Unless you have a very wide lens you will cut off about 3% of the fireworks from here, but catch most of them.:thumbsup2 The last photo of Wishes is from the bridge near the Mexican Pavillion. Hope this helps.:thumbsup2

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/teeba/IMG_2741.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/teeba/IMG_2767.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/teeba/IMG_2781.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/teeba/IMG_3314-1.jpg

[LMarge]

I wasn't crazy about my view of the castle in September, we were on the path that runs to the right of the castle, I think it's called the Rose Garden area. There were no heads in my shots, but I had forgotten that the fireworks go off a bit behind and on the sides of the castle - here's a sample - next time I'm fighting the crowds and going for a straight shot!:goodvibes
http://LargeMarge.smugmug.com/photos/218659608_x22S2-L.jpg

For Illuminations - there's a spot several yards before the Mexican Pavillion that has a few tables lining the rail, also a few garbage cans (which is what I staked out and used as a portable tripod holder!) This will sound wierd, but there's a mobile slushy vendor and a gift shop to your right as you look at the lagoon! You have to get there a tad early as this area filled up fast - to the point people were trying to squeeze between the garbage can and the rail!:headache: The first shot is as wide as I could get from that area, the second is full zoom on the Canon S2is, just to give you an idea of range without obsturctions! Hope these help!

http://LargeMarge.smugmug.com/photos/218637083_GjAiy-L.jpg

http://LargeMarge.smugmug.com/photos/218641498_xajVu-L.jpg