A Photo Safari Halloween Solo Trip for Oct'13: Trip Report Started!

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I do !! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3111056&page=83

now you can go catch up with me....gotta go Dave I work the overnight tonight
need a nap desperately been up since 8:30 last night what the heck was I thinking ????

Yes, definitely have a lot of catching up to do! Hope you got some rest before your shift tonight.

Hi Dave! 53 Days!!!! How exciting for you! Getting caught up here now that we are back.

You mentioned the trolley show - a great photo op for sure! Capture the twirling skirts and if you have an eagle eye you will see some 2nd story windows open on Main Street for the sound system. (Shhhh Disney secrets you know!)

Sounds like you enjoyed your Ohio get away/weekend!

Hi Brenda and welcome back!! Can't wait to read your trip report!

Thanks for the tips on the trolley show! I just read that they are now doing the fall version of the shows which looks pretty good.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Dug this out from a stash from past Disney trips! Still in good shape so I'm going to tag my backpack with it for this upcoming trip.


Untitled by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[Disney2013Girl]

Dug this out from a stash from past Disney trips! Still in good shape so I'm going to tag my backpack with it for this upcoming trip.


Untitled by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I'm bummed I missed out on grabbing these back in the day. I've been trying to keep my eye out for something the right shade of green. I think I'm going to put a Dis-inspired Mickey head on our stroller tag if nothing else.

 

[chattadisser]

The trolley show would make for excellent pictures! Lots of color there. The Cirque show will be great but I doubt any photography ~ wouldn't want to distract the performers. We went to the one at WDW years ago and then have been to several of the travelling shows. All excellent. Now, don't ask me what the storyline is because what I think they are about are never what the program says they are about. I just enjoy the beautiful colors and the great performances. I think it would hold the attention of a 3 year old. There is always something going on...who could get bored??

Sorry you were taunted by the OSU fans. Although as a U of KY grad, I was taunted by M-I-N-N-E SOTA! SOTA! over and over again during the '97 final four till it was nauseating. It was clever at first, I mean how do you really shorten that long of a states name? But over and over and it loses it's cleverness real quick! But I would still take it over OSU, at least the Minnesota fans are nice.

Christine

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm bummed I missed out on grabbing these back in the day. I've been trying to keep my eye out for something the right shade of green. I think I'm going to put a Dis-inspired Mickey head on our stroller tag if nothing else.

I wish I had grabbed some more back then if I had known they would discontinue this. The paint company was probably wondering why sales were so low for this particular color even though there appeared to be a high interest based on how many paint chips were being taken.

The trolley show would make for excellent pictures! Lots of color there. The Cirque show will be great but I doubt any photography ~ wouldn't want to distract the performers. We went to the one at WDW years ago and then have been to several of the travelling shows. All excellent. Now, don't ask me what the storyline is because what I think they are about are never what the program says they are about. I just enjoy the beautiful colors and the great performances. I think it would hold the attention of a 3 year old. There is always something going on...who could get bored??

Sorry you were taunted by the OSU fans. Although as a U of KY grad, I was taunted by M-I-N-N-E SOTA! SOTA! over and over again during the '97 final four till it was nauseating. It was clever at first, I mean how do you really shorten that long of a states name? But over and over and it loses it's cleverness real quick! But I would still take it over OSU, at least the Minnesota fans are nice.

Christine

Yes, Minnesota fans are nice mostly out of conditioning. We've suffered so many losing years in football and basketball we have no choice but to be nice to other fans. I remember that Final Four very well although it no longer exists in the official books thanks to the idiotic coach and the scandal he created.

The Buckeye fans weren't really taunting in the restaurant. They were just being ummmm overly proud of their team beating up a strong competitive opponent. Buffalo. By 30 points.

Yeah, the Minnesota chant can get old after awhile even for a loyal Gopher fan like myself.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Peter Pan and Wendy from Celebrate a Dream Come True

This will be the last time I will get to see this MK afternoon parade. By the time I come back with my family in late January, this parade will be no more. I know there are mixed reviews out there for this parade and I'm pretty sure the new one that begins in March 2014 will be an improvement. I love this parade mostly because I've enjoyed over the years watching both DD and DS have a blast and interacting with the many characters. I would like to get as many pictures as I can of this parade especially Pan and Wendy. They seem to have the most interactions between any two characters on the parade and would like to capture one of those moments.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

If you sense an overflow of geeky giddiness as you read this post, then you would be 100% absolutely correct. Just thinking about my gear gets me all happy and this will be the first time ever that I'm planning on hauling all of them to Disney thanks to being solo. Yes, I'm pretty sure this qualifies me as a "photo enthusiast" Back in March, I did a major makeover and upgrade for my camera gear. It was an expensive upgrade and I probably won't be able to add much to my gear at this point until I start making some side money from my photography. Also had a good amount of help from an unexpected tax refund we received.

So here's what I'm bringing:

My Camera Canon 7D
17-55mm f2.8 lens
70-200mm f2.8 lens
Tripod
Remote shutter cable
5 memory cards - I would hate to run out of space especially since I'm shooting in RAW mode.

I also just inherited a Speedlite flash and have begun playing around with it at home. Not to worry - the flash will stay off on rides as always. But I think I may look into using the flash for the Boo to You Parade. Especially, the Headless Horseman.

So the last thing I need is a lens for the dark rides at Disney. I'm not ready yet to make any purchases so I'm looking into renting a lens. I'm currently debating between a 50mm f1.4 vs a 50mm f1.2. Rental price is fairly similar between the two. I have the much cheaper 50mm f1.8 but would like to have a lens this time with a more solid build. Plus I hate how the manual focus ring on the 1.8 is out front. Very difficult to operate on a moving vehicle. I'm going to have to give more thought on this and look at other people's pictures from HM or other really dark rides. I think 1.4 should be enough.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm going to be honest.

I have no idea what any of that means, but I'm glad you're going to be able to take all your gear and put it all to use and get some new/unique pictures.

Your photos are always great, so I look forward to seeing what you can do with all your equipment.

 

[teekathepony]

Peter Pan and Wendy from Celebrate a Dream Come True

This will be the last time I will get to see this MK afternoon parade. By the time I come back with my family in late January, this parade will be no more. I know there are mixed reviews out there for this parade and I'm pretty sure the new one that begins in March 2014 will be an improvement. I love this parade mostly because I've enjoyed over the years watching both DD and DS have a blast and interacting with the many characters. I would like to get as many pictures as I can of this parade especially Pan and Wendy. They seem to have the most interactions between any two characters on the parade and would like to capture one of those moments.

Call me biased, but I'm a big fan of Peter and Wendy (But NOT Tink like everyone else! She tried to kill the Wendy bird!) Can't wait to see what you get with this one of course.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm going to be honest.

I have no idea what any of that means, but I'm glad you're going to be able to take all your gear and put it all to use and get some new/unique pictures.

Your photos are always great, so I look forward to seeing what you can do with all your equipment.

I know - I went a little overboard with my camera nerdiness. A little worried about carrying around my tripod. May have to stow it in a locker for certain periods.

Call me biased, but I'm a big fan of Peter and Wendy (But NOT Tink like everyone else! She tried to kill the Wendy bird!) Can't wait to see what you get with this one of course.

That's funny because I have the exact same opinion of Tink. She was not a very nice character in the original movie but somehow got a complete personality transplant in stories that are coming out currently.

 

[DDuck4Life]

Well I enjoy seeing what gear you plan on bringing. Nice setup. Where did you plan on renting from? You going locally or though the mail? I had looked into renting but decided I just wanted the new equipment so I recently upgraded my camera set up as well. So I know how you feel about being excited for what you are bringing to the parks.

I though about posting my gear and upgrades I made on our TR but thought most people wouldn't know/care about it. I figured most just want to see the pictures not what I use to get them.

The one good thing about having to leave the park for nap time is I won't have to carry my tripod around all day just the afternoon/night. I would spring for a locker if I was in the park all day. Not sure how big/heavy your tripod is but I know anything larger than a gorillapod would really wear me down as the day goes on.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Well I enjoy seeing what gear you plan on bringing. Nice setup. Where did you plan on renting from? You going locally or though the mail? I had looked into renting but decided I just wanted the new equipment so I recently upgraded my camera set up as well. So I know how you feel about being excited for what you are bringing to the parks.

There's a great camera store about 15 minutes from our home. It's a small national chain but the store has a more neighborhood store feel. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. When I went to buy a tripod, this one gentleman spent about 40 minutes with me going through the different models and options. He didn't try to oversell either and helped me pick out one that suited my needs. They also do rentals so I'm planning on taking one out for a week.

I though about posting my gear and upgrades I made on our TR but thought most people wouldn't know/care about it. I figured most just want to see the pictures not what I use to get them.

I'd want to know! So what model did you upgrade to? Can't remember if you're a Canon or a Nikon guy.

The one good thing about having to leave the park for nap time is I won't have to carry my tripod around all day just the afternoon/night. I would spring for a locker if I was in the park all day. Not sure how big/heavy your tripod is but I know anything larger than a gorillapod would really wear me down as the day goes on.

I'm hoping my tripod will fit in the locker. With the 70-200mm telezoom lens in my backpack, it's already heavy as it is. Not in the mood to strapping my tripod to the backpack.

 

[DDuck4Life]

There's a great camera store about 15 minutes from our home. It's a small national chain but the store has a more neighborhood store feel. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. When I went to buy a tripod, this one gentleman spent about 40 minutes with me going through the different models and options. He didn't try to oversell either and helped me pick out one that suited my needs. They also do rentals so I'm planning on taking one out for a week.

That's awesome and convenient. I wish I had something like that by me. But unfortunately the local camera shop we had near by closed up a few years ago. The owner said it was the best decision he ever made was to close so I don't think we will have a good local place again. Best thing near by is best buy and that is not very good at all.

I'd want to know! So what model did you upgrade to? Can't remember if you're a Canon or a Nikon guy.

I've never really talked about my gear so I don't think I've ever mention what I was shooting before. I'm a Canon guy as well. I was using the XSi and just purchased the 70D quite an upgrade for me. Also picked up a new lens, just hoping it comes in in time since it's back ordered right now. I can't wait to see what the new body can do in Disney.

I'm hoping my tripod will fit in the locker. With the 70-200mm telezoom lens in my backpack, it's already heavy as it is. Not in the mood to strapping my tripod to the backpack.

The 70-200mm is a beast lens but definitely worth it. I'm sure some afternoons I'll have my tripod strapped to my bag, but I can toss it in the stroller while we are just walking around and just take it out when we park the stroller somewhere. One of the benefits with kids and having the stroller to carry the heavy stuff.

 

[SAT887]

If you sense an overflow of geeky giddiness as you read this post, then you would be 100% absolutely correct. Just thinking about my gear gets me all happy and this will be the first time ever that I'm planning on hauling all of them to Disney thanks to being solo. Yes, I'm pretty sure this qualifies me as a "photo enthusiast" Back in March, I did a major makeover and upgrade for my camera gear. It was an expensive upgrade and I probably won't be able to add much to my gear at this point until I start making some side money from my photography. Also had a good amount of help from an unexpected tax refund we received.

So here's what I'm bringing:

My Camera Canon 7D
17-55mm f2.8 lens
70-200mm f2.8 lens
Tripod
Remote shutter cable
5 memory cards - I would hate to run out of space especially since I'm shooting in RAW mode.

I also just inherited a Speedlite flash and have begun playing around with it at home. Not to worry - the flash will stay off on rides as always. But I think I may look into using the flash for the Boo to You Parade. Especially, the Headless Horseman.

So the last thing I need is a lens for the dark rides at Disney. I'm not ready yet to make any purchases so I'm looking into renting a lens. I'm currently debating between a 50mm f1.4 vs a 50mm f1.2. Rental price is fairly similar between the two. I have the much cheaper 50mm f1.8 but would like to have a lens this time with a more solid build. Plus I hate how the manual focus ring on the 1.8 is out front. Very difficult to operate on a moving vehicle. I'm going to have to give more thought on this and look at other people's pictures from HM or other really dark rides. I think 1.4 should be enough.

What size memory cards do you use? You just have me thinking that I need to test my remote to see if the battery works! With my lens rental I am thinking of not bringing my wide angle... I enjoy my speed light - it's older but does the trick!!

 

[teekathepony]

I missed this entire post... how do I miss the post about the camera gear???

So here's what I'm bringing:

My Camera Canon 7D (Ahhhh the camera envy is strong with this one.)
17-55mm f2.8 lens
70-200mm f2.8 lens
Tripod
Remote shutter cable
5 memory cards - I would hate to run out of space especially since I'm shooting in RAW mode.

I also just inherited a Speedlite flash and have begun playing around with it at home. Not to worry - the flash will stay off on rides as always. But I think I may look into using the flash for the Boo to You Parade. Especially, the Headless Horseman.

So the last thing I need is a lens for the dark rides at Disney. I'm not ready yet to make any purchases so I'm looking into renting a lens. I'm currently debating between a 50mm f1.4 vs a 50mm f1.2. Rental price is fairly similar between the two. I have the much cheaper 50mm f1.8 but would like to have a lens this time with a more solid build. Plus I hate how the manual focus ring on the 1.8 is out front. Very difficult to operate on a moving vehicle. I'm going to have to give more thought on this and look at other people's pictures from HM or other really dark rides. I think 1.4 should be enough.

Nice lens line up, I'd love to have something like a 17-55 2.8. I have my eye on a possible resale from the Sigma rep on a 18-35 f1.8... I'm just sad it can't happen before my trip!

For the 50... between the 1.2 and the 1.4, me personally I'd go with the 1.2 if the rental is close. Because... well why not I guess? Hahaha with the 1.2 you still have the option of shooting 1.4, but not vice versa.

I've never brought my flash with me to Disney. I haul enough stuff around with me and I don't think I would use it enough to make it worth it, but I have often wondered about certain shots and what could have been if I'd had it with me...

Just reading about your new tripod and that you hope to fit it into a locker... I went through this last year too. I looked online and found all the measurements of all the lockers and I had a heck of a time finding a tripod that would collapse small enough to fit. I did, but it's a pretty flimsy thing. Works though!

 

[chattadisser]

I think we are all excited that you are taking all that equipment with you on your trip because that means we will have awesome photos to look at when you get back!

I love when everyone posts their camera equipment that they used for their photos. For a newbie like myself it helps to learn more.

Christine

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

That's awesome and convenient. I wish I had something like that by me. But unfortunately the local camera shop we had near by closed up a few years ago. The owner said it was the best decision he ever made was to close so I don't think we will have a good local place again. Best thing near by is best buy and that is not very good at all.

Yeah. Best Buy sucks. For cameras I mean. Noticed a lot of the mom and pop shops for cameras have been closing up in the last few years in our area too. I blame the internet. I hope they don't close up the one I go to.

I've never really talked about my gear so I don't think I've ever mention what I was shooting before. I'm a Canon guy as well. I was using the XSi and just purchased the 70D quite an upgrade for me. Also picked up a new lens, just hoping it comes in in time since it's back ordered right now. I can't wait to see what the new body can do in Disney.

Oooooh! 70D! We're going to have to compare notes when we meet up. I want to hear all about the new model especially the new focusing system. Which lens did you go with?

The 70-200mm is a beast lens but definitely worth it. I'm sure some afternoons I'll have my tripod strapped to my bag, but I can toss it in the stroller while we are just walking around and just take it out when we park the stroller somewhere. One of the benefits with kids and having the stroller to carry the heavy stuff.

My camera backpack is great for everything else except for attaching a pro size trpod. Since I'm mostly going to the parks in the evenings and will be less ride centric in my touring plans I think I should be okay. But would still like to find a way to stow it for the coaster/thrill rides.

What size memory cards do you use? You just have me thinking that I need to test my remote to see if the battery works! With my lens rental I am thinking of not bringing my wide angle... I enjoy my speed light - it's older but does the trick!!

Over the course of the last few months and especially for my Korea trip in June, I've been able to accumulate five 32GB compact cards. Each card gives me roughly 950 shots in RAW+JPG mode. I'm thinking 5000 shots should be more than enough at Disney, right?

Nice lens line up, I'd love to have something like a 17-55 2.8. I have my eye on a possible resale from the Sigma rep on a 18-35 f1.8... I'm just sad it can't happen before my trip!

For the 50... between the 1.2 and the 1.4, me personally I'd go with the 1.2 if the rental is close. Because... well why not I guess? Hahaha with the 1.2 you still have the option of shooting 1.4, but not vice versa.

Good point - I can always go to 1.4 on the 1.2. Decisions, decisions.

I've never brought my flash with me to Disney. I haul enough stuff around with me and I don't think I would use it enough to make it worth it, but I have often wondered about certain shots and what could have been if I'd had it with me...

Once I began playing around with the flash, I started getting a lot of ideas for using it at Disney. After being a slave to the natural and existing lights available, it feels awesome that I finally have a light source of my own. It's sort of feels like I'm controlling the sun. Sort of.

Right now, I'm mostly thinking of using it as a outdoor fill in flash during the day time and freezing movements during the parades at night time. And if Khertz and DDuck4life is game, I can try to take some night time family portraits of them with the Castle or parts of New Fantasyland in the background. Hint Hint. This possibility has me looking at diffuser options for the flash.

Just reading about your new tripod and that you hope to fit it into a locker... I went through this last year too. I looked online and found all the measurements of all the lockers and I had a heck of a time finding a tripod that would collapse small enough to fit. I did, but it's a pretty flimsy thing. Works though!

Hmmmm. This doesn't sound too promising for my Manfrotto 190 tripod. I'll have to do some research like you did about locker measurements and see if this will fit.

I think we are all excited that you are taking all that equipment with you on your trip because that means we will have awesome photos to look at when you get back!

I love when everyone posts their camera equipment that they used for their photos. For a newbie like myself it helps to learn more.

Christine

Thanks Christine! I'll try my best to bring back some interesting and fun pictures.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Just looked up the dimensions for the lockers. Depth is 22". Manfrotto lists my tripod's closed length at 19.68". So I should be good, right?

 

[abbybeth]

I don't know enough about camera equipment to have any reaction other than "oooooh, shiny!" to your list.

but it sounds like you shall be well prepared Sir! I can't wait to see the resulting photos

 

[DDuck4Life]

Yeah. Best Buy sucks. For cameras I mean. Noticed a lot of the mom and pop shops for cameras have been closing up in the last few years in our area too. I blame the internet. I hope they don't close up the one I go to.

Oooooh! 70D! We're going to have to compare notes when we meet up. I want to hear all about the new model especially the new focusing system. Which lens did you go with?

I'm excited to play around with it. Hopefully I can learn where everything is and how to use all the new features before the trip. I had posted on the Photography board to get opinions about going with the Sigma 30mm 1.4 or the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8. Ultimately I decided to go with the 18-35mm. The versatility and great reviews really won me over. I know it's big but I can squeeze it in my kit so I went with it. and I've heard/seen good things about it when paired with the 70D for video. Can't wait to try it out on the dark rides!

My camera backpack is great for everything else except for attaching a pro size trpod. Since I'm mostly going to the parks in the evenings and will be less ride centric in my touring plans I think I should be okay. But would still like to find a way to stow it for the coaster/thrill rides.


Right now, I'm mostly thinking of using it as a outdoor fill in flash during the day time and freezing movements during the parades at night time. And if Khertz and DDuck4life is game, I can try to take some night time family portraits of them with the Castle or parts of New Fantasyland in the background. Hint Hint. This possibility has me looking at diffuser options for the flash.

I know I'm game and DW sounds like she is too. DS is the question though, whether he will be cooperative or not. Maybe we will just strap him in the stroller and push him off to the side will you get some good shots of us. We can always get DS a snack from a cart near by to make him happy if he doesn't want to pose for pictures.

Hmmmm. This doesn't sound too promising for my Manfrotto 190 tripod. I'll have to do some research like you did about locker measurements and see if this will fit.


Just looked up the dimensions for the lockers. Depth is 22". Manfrotto lists my tripod's closed length at 19.68". So I should be good, right?

You should be good. On another trip report the persons tripod was 21.5" and they were able to squeeze it in. You might have to take your ball head off to store it since that added height might make it too long.