Candlelight Processional Shooting

[AlbertZeroK]

Okay, DW is VERY happy about being able to do CP and see Whoopi! But she's asked me to get pictures (of whoopi). I'm guessing they allow photography, do they allow flash? I'll likely shoot without a flash, but how close can we get seated to where the narriator is standing?

Right now, I was thinking of using my 85L (f/1.2) with my 50d and taking my TC 1.4x with me. Perhaps my 135L (f/2) in my bag?

Thoughts?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Okay, DW is VERY happy about being able to do CP and see Whoopi! But she's asked me to get pictures (of whoopi). I'm guessing they allow photography, do they allow flash? I'll likely shoot without a flash, but how close can we get seated to where the narriator is standing?

Right now, I was thinking of using my 85L (f/1.2) with my 50d and taking my TC 1.4x with me. Perhaps my 135L (f/2) in my bag?

Thoughts?

Taking photos during the Candlelight Processional is very challenging! Yes, they do allow photos. Although they don't prohibit flash, you'll be way too far from Whoopi for flash to make a difference.

The challenging part is the changing lighting conditions. The lights are brightened and dimmed all throughout the show. While it's great for setting the mood during the narration, it's a HUGE challenge for photography.

Be sure to use spot metering to get the correct exposure, especially when the spotlight is on Whoopi and the rest of the stage is dark (like concert photography). If you have anything longer than 135mm, I'd bring that. I used a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. In the past, I used ISO 400, but only recently have I been comfortable shooting ISO 800 with my Canon 40D. I think ISO 800 is probably the way to go.

The really turn up the lights at the very end of the show, where Whoopi makes some closing remarks thanking the audience. That's your best lighting conditions for photography.

Here are a few from last year's Candlelight Processional:

1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 200mm

1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 200mm
​

Hope that helps!

 

[JoeDif]

Good advice!! I'll be at the 12/11 5:00 show, hoping to get some really good shots

 

[Marlton Mom]

I'd also add that I used a tripod and sat in the center back almost to the point where they roped off seating in the back for the people with out tickets.
From this location I could zoom in on 1 person or go wide to capture the entire choir.

We had tickets. We had read that you didn't have to stand in line for hours before the show like most people (with Tickets!) wind up doing. I was of the mind set that for a choir performance I might want to sit towards the back to take advantage of the acoustics.

We had about an hour before the show started seating people with tickets and the line was really LONG! Don't let that intimidate you. If you have a ticket, you will get a seat. We spoke with a cast member and asked if we had time to see the American Adventure. The cast member assured us that if we timed it so that the American Adventure show let us out at "X" time we would still be able to be seated. I don't think they seat you if the performance has started but I'm not sure....

My husband who is a 'nervous Nellie' was having a hissy fit about all the timing but I did my calculations and knew we could fit in the American Adventure show and still make it for the Candle light processional.

As it turned out, when AA was over we walked out and right on through to our, towards the back, center seats for the CP! I set up my tripod and I was ready to go!

Time is such a premium for us at the world that not fitting in my favorite attraction at EPCOT right at that moment meant that we wouldn't get to see it!

I will also let you know that we went to the CP specifically to see Vanessa Williams and we wound up with Chita Rivera. She did a great job but I really had my heart set on VW. They do let you know that substitutions may be made with the performers for CP.

I'm wishing you good luck with Whoopie and you can check out my CP pix below. Click on the picture to take you to my flicker page. On the right side of the page is a link to the Eddis-Koch Family Disney trip. Find the picture that you want the info on and click on it to view. Then click on the ACTIONS tab in the upper left corner to pull down the menu that will offer the view EXIF info. My camera settings will be listed there.

I hope this helps!
Enjoy!!


Marlton Mom

 

[Icemann]

Good advice!! I'll be at the 12/11 5:00 show, hoping to get some really good shots

I am soooo jealous I tried to get off of work but we have a job around that time? Can't wait to see and hear about CP

 

[AlbertZeroK]

Taking photos during the Candlelight Processional is very challenging! Yes, they do allow photos. Although they don't prohibit flash, you'll be way too far from Whoopi for flash to make a difference.

The challenging part is the changing lighting conditions. The lights are brightened and dimmed all throughout the show. While it's great for setting the mood during the narration, it's a HUGE challenge for photography.

Be sure to use spot metering to get the correct exposure, especially when the spotlight is on Whoopi and the rest of the stage is dark (like concert photography). If you have anything longer than 135mm, I'd bring that. I used a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. In the past, I used ISO 400, but only recently have I been comfortable shooting ISO 800 with my Canon 40D. I think ISO 800 is probably the way to go.

The really turn up the lights at the very end of the show, where Whoopi makes some closing remarks thanking the audience. That's your best lighting conditions for photography.

Here are a few from last year's Candlelight Processional:

1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 200mm

1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 200mm
​

Hope that helps!

Thanks!

I have a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II but would prefer to travel light. I might rent a 300 f/2.8 IS for the trip (not sure though, I own the 300 f/4 IS so I might rent the 400mm f/2.8 IS), so I might bring that. I was hoping to be close enough to use my 85L and blur out the background, but I don't think I'll be close enough.

Good call on spot metering. I typically shoot with one-shot AF as well. Also, I like staying in Aperture Priority Mode and control my shutter speed with my ISO.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Thanks!

I have a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II but would prefer to travel light. I might rent a 300 f/2.8 IS for the trip (not sure though, I own the 300 f/4 IS so I might rent the 400mm f/2.8 IS), so I might bring that. I was hoping to be close enough to use my 85L and blur out the background, but I don't think I'll be close enough.

Good call on spot metering. I typically shoot with one-shot AF as well. Also, I like staying in Aperture Priority Mode and control my shutter speed with my ISO.

I actually liked having the 70-200mm lens with me at Disney World. It's actually a very versatile lens, not just for the Candlelight Processional, but also for Kilimanjaro Safaris, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show", and Fantasmic!

I've never held a 300mm or a 400mm prime lens before, so I'm not sure how often I'd be using one at Disney World.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

The Safari is a different animal, I've been promised a photog day of just me and my cameras. I'll shoot the safari with two cameras and at least one will have my Bigma attached.

I agree though, the 70-200 is not only a great lens, but it is VERY durable. But I'll likely take my Nex3 with me for a walk around camera every day.