DON'T Read This TRIP REPORT If You're a Princess Hater!

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I find myself totally overwhelmed with each one of your posts. Where do you even begin to comment! I need to take notes as I go along!

LOVE the Mr. and Mrs. Clause! Disney always has the most awesome Santas! We met him at DTD on our first trip and he even had me convinced that he was the real thing! And Katie's outfit, as usual, is adorable! So did Santa deliver on the AG doll?

I thoroughly enjoyed all your WS pictures. I am head over heels in with WS! It is a shutterbug's dream back there, is it not? And the library dress is another beauty! Very nice!

We have only been to LC once, but I didn't think it was worth all the hype either. Now my meal was delicious!!! Don't get me wrong on that, but DH's was not. And just overall, I didn't feel like it was as out of this world as what I had read from so many others. Oh, and we would have totally wiped the floor with those folks on the Atristocats trivia too!

LOVE the red TT shot! That just perfectly captures the ride and your daughter's expression is wonderful! That could be in a Disney brochure! And while your printing one up, just add those Soarin' with feet shots! They are fantastic as well! You seriously nailed both those rides!

The Epcot "ball" pics are terrific too. You really have a talent for photography and I am so enjoying seeing all your pictures. It has really inspired me to try to take the time to practice more. I REALLY want to, but everyday life always seems to get in the way. But I need to get out there and work with my camera more and make it a priority. I feel like I do have a decent eye for it most of the time, but I need a lot of practice with manual settings. I fully intend on reading that book you suggested though. Maybe once I refresh my memory on that stuff and practice it all with my p&s, I might be ready to take the slr plunge. But you really have motivated me to get on it!

 

[mom2rtk]

Replies in red!

I find myself totally overwhelmed with each one of your posts. Where do you even begin to comment! I need to take notes as I go along!

Awww............ thanks you so much!

LOVE the Mr. and Mrs. Clause! Disney always has the most awesome Santas! We met him at DTD on our first trip and he even had me convinced that he was the real thing! And Katie's outfit, as usual, is adorable! So did Santa deliver on the AG doll?

We had met Santa and the Mrs. in Epcot in 08. I'm pretty sure these were the same ones. I had heard they were pretty remarkable, and they certainly were! Santa must have cut Katie some slack, because he did indeed come through with the AG doll. She got the "My twin" doll, complete with blue glasses!

I thoroughly enjoyed all your WS pictures. I am head over heels in with WS! It is a shutterbug's dream back there, is it not? And the library dress is another beauty! Very nice!

I have not even scratched the surface in photographing the WS. I see so much remarkable stuff posted on the photography forum and would love to give it a try. I'd love to be there at closing and circle around with my tripod and camera........... One day.........

We have only been to LC once, but I didn't think it was worth all the hype either. Now my meal was delicious!!! Don't get me wrong on that, but DH's was not. And just overall, I didn't feel like it was as out of this world as what I had read from so many others. Oh, and we would have totally wiped the floor with those folks on the Atristocats trivia too!

I did like my meal, but it didn't "wow" me. The funny part is that Katie loved the place. I was talking with her about where to eat when we go back, and she keeps putting LC at the top of the list. That must have been ONE MEAN hot dog she had! I'd still like my husband to go, so we'll attempt to get a lunch ADR when we go back.

And yes, you would have LOVED playing Aristocats trivia!

LOVE the red TT shot! That just perfectly captures the ride and your daughter's expression is wonderful! That could be in a Disney brochure! And while your printing one up, just add those Soarin' with feet shots! They are fantastic as well! You seriously nailed both those rides!



Thank you!

I can't really take credit for the Soarin shots. I had seen similar photos posted in the photography forum. But I like to think I might have come up with it on my own..... it's the sort of shot I love to do for my scrapooks.....the sort of thing that puts you right back in the experience.

The Epcot "ball" pics are terrific too. You really have a talent for photography and I am so enjoying seeing all your pictures. It has really inspired me to try to take the time to practice more. I REALLY want to, but everyday life always seems to get in the way. But I need to get out there and work with my camera more and make it a priority. I feel like I do have a decent eye for it most of the time, but I need a lot of practice with manual settings. I fully intend on reading that book you suggested though. Maybe once I refresh my memory on that stuff and practice it all with my p&s, I might be ready to take the slr plunge. But you really have motivated me to get on it!
Do pick up "Understanding Exposure". Once you get those concepts down, you can apply it to almost any camera. You can learn the technical stuff. If you have a good eye, you're halfway there!

I also struggle with the "no time" problem. I always mean to get out and practice in the spring and fall when the weather is nice and there are beautiful things outdoors to photograph. But those tend to be the busiest times in life here too........

I'm actually looking forward to another driving trip. When I'm not driving (or sleeping) I'm usually mulling over a photography book. This time it will probably be my massive Lightroom3 book.

Everyone says to read the manual, and you absolutely should. But honestly, most of those are pretty hard to get through. If you end up with a camera that has a "dummies" book, buy it. That's not meant as a testament to your photography skill at all............ I bought them for my last 2 cameras. They are much easier to get though and have lots of nice photos to illustrate everything. Between the Dummies books and the nice folks on the photography forum, I finally started putting it all together over the past couple of years.......... after MANY years shooting on auto.

 

[jenseib]

Where do I start? The pictures are awesome!

I am with you on LC. Sound like we might've had somewhat similar experiences. Was your food Salty too? I was too full to try the Mousse though.

I had the same probelm at Epcot. I swear I was so tired it was becoming a chore to lift the camera.

I hope you can make a trip work out. How fun. I wouldn't mind if Skip did a quick decision on something like that. But for Disney, I need more time, when possible.

Oh and look at my signature!

 

[mom2rtk]

Where do I start? The pictures are awesome!

I am with you on LC. Sound like we might've had somewhat similar experiences. Was your food Salty too? I was too full to try the Mousse though.

I had the same probelm at Epcot. I swear I was so tired it was becoming a chore to lift the camera.

I hope you can make a trip work out. How fun. I wouldn't mind if Skip did a quick decision on something like that. But for Disney, I need more time, when possible.

Oh and look at my signature!

Well.......... YEAH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all the details in your TR!!!! Or is there a new pre-trip report?

Thanks for the nice comment on the photos.

I think you and I both like to go go go at Disney, but it eventually catches up with both of us! So for me it's always Epcot that gets the shrift. But I also like knowing there's a Disney gem sitting there waiting for me to fully explore and appreciate when I have the time one day!

I wouldn't say the food was salty. I wanted the filet but don't care for mushroom so they put a different potato side with it, which I didn't really care for. The filet was good. The soup was ok. I had tried it at the F & W Festival in 09 so knew I didn't LOVE it, but liked it. So I still ordered some. And unlike you, being full did not deter me from trying the "moose"!

I'm sitting here laughing at your comment about the "quick decision" on the summer trip. It has been talked about and discussed back and forth for months. It's had so many incarnations I've lost track. But I didn't have a dog in the fight, since I didn't really care as much as they did. So I've just been waiting for them to decide. They are pretty much out of time now or there would STILL be no decision!

Just in case we really go........... and in case it's warm enough I go rafting with them.......... can you remind me which waterproof point & shoot you got and how you liked it?

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I'm looking for a waterproof camera right now too. Good luck with that! I'm the type that spends hours reading reviews before I buy anything like that. Well, in this case, they haven't helped much. Basically there's a WP camera made by all the major manufacturers... Canon, Fuji, Panasonic, Sony, and Olympus. They all have good reviews and bad and it really seems like a mixed bag for each one. The Canon seems to get the best overall reviews but it is $300. On almost every camera, some people complain about them eventually leaking. The Sony and Panasonic have many good reviews too, but none of them seem just right to me. I really want one though b/c we will be snorkeling at CC and possibly doing the dolphin excursion. How can I NOT have a WP camera for those things. No way do I want to come back without pictures of that stuff. I've even looked into a WP housing for my regular Canon camera, but they are really expensive too. At this point I'm about ready to just stick my old Kodak camera into a heavy duty Zip Lock bag and go for it!

 

[jenseib]

Well.......... YEAH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all the details in your TR!!!! Or is there a new pre-trip report?

Thanks for the nice comment on the photos.

I think you and I both like to go go go at Disney, but it eventually catches up with both of us! So for me it's always Epcot that gets the shrift. But I also like knowing there's a Disney gem sitting there waiting for me to fully explore and appreciate when I have the time one day!

I wouldn't say the food was salty. I wanted the filet but don't care for mushroom so they put a different potato side with it, which I didn't really care for. The filet was good. The soup was ok. I had tried it at the F & W Festival in 09 so knew I didn't LOVE it, but liked it. So I still ordered some. And unlike you, being full did not deter me from trying the "moose"!

I'm sitting here laughing at your comment about the "quick decision" on the summer trip. It has been talked about and discussed back and forth for months. It's had so many incarnations I've lost track. But I didn't have a dog in the fight, since I didn't really care as much as they did. So I've just been waiting for them to decide. They are pretty much out of time now or there would STILL be no decision!

Just in case we really go........... and in case it's warm enough I go rafting with them.......... can you remind me which waterproof point & shoot you got and how you liked it?

I haven't written anything about it yet. I was hoping someone would notice my signature. LOL!

I got a fuji xp something or other. It's around $100 or so right now.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm looking for a waterproof camera right now too. Good luck with that! I'm the type that spends hours reading reviews before I buy anything like that. Well, in this case, they haven't helped much. Basically there's a WP camera made by all the major manufacturers... Canon, Fuji, Panasonic, Sony, and Olympus. They all have good reviews and bad and it really seems like a mixed bag for each one. The Canon seems to get the best overall reviews but it is $300. On almost every camera, some people complain about them eventually leaking. The Sony and Panasonic have many good reviews too, but none of them seem just right to me. I really want one though b/c we will be snorkeling at CC and possibly doing the dolphin excursion. How can I NOT have a WP camera for those things. No way do I want to come back without pictures of that stuff. I've even looked into a WP housing for my regular Canon camera, but they are really expensive too. At this point I'm about ready to just stick my old Kodak camera into a heavy duty Zip Lock bag and go for it!

I haven't done much research yet, but at least I don't really want to go UNDER water (well, not on purpose anyway!). Mostly I would hope to stay ON the raft, but I'll have to see...........

I haven't written anything about it yet. I was hoping someone would notice my signature. LOL!

I got a fuji xp something or other. It's around $100 or so right now.

Thanks Jen, I'll check that one out! That's a lot closer to what I had budgeted......... which was pretty much 0!

 

[mom2rtk]

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[SmallWorld71]

Another great update. DD has started reading along as well and she says that she wishes you were in our family so you could make her some costumes too. LOL She also wants to know if Katie got her American doll for Christmas. She just started the whole American Girl thing - she got Kit for her birthday in Feb.

 

[mom2rtk]

Another great update. DD has started reading along as well and she says that she wishes you were in our family so you could make her some costumes too. LOL She also wants to know if Katie got her American doll for Christmas. She just started the whole American Girl thing - she got Kit for her birthday in Feb.

Awwwww......... tell your daughter thanks.

And tell her Katie got her My Twin AG doll from Santa. That one joined her gifts from the previous 2 Christmases......Kit and Ruthie. But alas the "girls" have not had the benefit of my sewing like Katie has. I've done a few special dresses. But man........ those things are harder to do than the full size ones. I marvel at the fact that I started sewing with doll clothes all those years ago.......

 

[jenseib]

You did a great job with his shots. And he looks pleasant about it too! How long before you get to see the photographers shots? I bet yours are better!...and cheaper.
Do you ever print with Adorma? They have great photos and even have normal wallets sized one, with the rounded type edges.

 

[mom2rtk]

You did a great job with his shots. And he looks pleasant about it too! How long before you get to see the photographers shots? I bet yours are better!...and cheaper.
Do you ever print with Adorma? They have great photos and even have normal wallets sized one, with the rounded type edges.

Thanks Jen! I was really amazed at how cooperative he was with the whole thing. He's just so happy to have high school over. I haven't seen him smile that much in years! So I'm just soaking it all in and loving it. I can't believe I almost didn't ask him to go do it! I've been taking pictures of the kids in Halloween costumes out by the black iron fence at that location for years, but I never knew we could walk up around the house that late in the day. It was a great find. And it's only a few blocks from our how. Low effort, big payoff. I'm happy!

I haven't used Adorma but might give it a try. I print all my own, but for this it might be nice to try someone.

I have no idea how long before I get to see the professional shots. They were low on staff and the office was empty when we left. So I figure they'll call me when they're ready.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Very nice portraits! I can't imagine the photographer's being any better. And they can charge a fortune for outside sessions. Glad he cooperated too. Sometimes boys/men don't want to play along with us do they?

I wanted to tell you that I actually went outside and did some practicing today! I even dug out the tripod! And then I stood on my patio in the HEAT for over an hour trying to photograph my hummingbirds. What a challenge! I also took some flower shots and a few of the cat. I had fun, but it really reminded me how much I need to learn.

 

[mom2rtk]

Very nice portraits! I can't imagine the photographer's being any better. And they can charge a fortune for outside sessions. Glad he cooperated too. Sometimes boys/men don't want to play along with us do they?

I wanted to tell you that I actually went outside and did some practicing today! I even dug out the tripod! And then I stood on my patio in the HEAT for over an hour trying to photograph my hummingbirds. What a challenge! I also took some flower shots and a few of the cat. I had fun, but it really reminded me how much I need to learn.

Thanks RTT!

One of the reasons I put off trying to take some shots of him myself is because I was dreading the fight. I was shocked at how easy it was! And yes...... an arm and TWO legs is what the professionals want. I think if you say "senior pictures" they double the price or something......

YEAH YOU! for practicing today! It's funny but I was stalking one of our cats today too with the camera! And don't be too hard on yourself. Hummingbirds are touch to get. I'm assuming you needed a really high shutter speed?

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I think I mostly used auto on the hummingbirds b/c it was just too complicated. You have to be so fast with them that I just couldn't handle fooling with all those numbers and trying to catch them too. But I did try different settings with the other stuff. I even called the 1-800 number for Canon and asked specific questions about what my camera could do. That helped a lot. But I still didn't end up with any award winners.

 

[kmrein]

Well, I found your trip report about a month ago and subbed right away and today I finally had a day off with time to 'play' on the DIS and read the whole 157 pages. I am just blown away by your photos, your lovely daughter and your skills in costuming! What a wonderful thing that you had such a special mother-daughter trip together. Thank you so much for sharing it here! And, congrats to you and your son on his graduation!

 

[Caretames1]

I think your son's pictures are very nice. He looks like he happy. I think it's the same sparkle that my Sam has now that school is done.
Our grad went well last night. I'm working on her pictures, hopefully I have them done and I can get some up here soon.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I have a question for you if you don't mind. I'm wondering how often do you use a tripod at Disney? It's obvious that you used one for the fireworks, but did you also use it a lot for the parades and at other times? And what kind of tripod do you use... a full size one or one of the mini ones that you sit on something? TIA!!!

 

[joy13]

I love, love, love her pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus! The outift and the hat go so well with them - wow! And I am very impressed with Belle - she was very on top of things to recognize that dress so quickly! I honestly thought it was Aurora's blue dress, but Beauty and the Beast has never been a favorite of mine or Maddie's so we have only watched the movie a couple of times. Now the stage show I love!

 

[mom2rtk]

I think I mostly used auto on the hummingbirds b/c it was just too complicated. You have to be so fast with them that I just couldn't handle fooling with all those numbers and trying to catch them too. But I did try different settings with the other stuff. I even called the 1-800 number for Canon and asked specific questions about what my camera could do. That helped a lot. But I still didn't end up with any award winners.

Well, I think hummingbirds are a challenge even for someone comfortable with all the camera controls. I'm thinking I would probably use shutter priority and try to go for a really fast shutter speed. Maybe 1/500 or 1/1000. But even then, it's hard to focus on something moving around so fast. Keep trying though. It's a lot of fun, and with digital you can experiment all you want and just erase what you don't like!

I love, love, love her pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus! The outift and the hat go so well with them - wow! And I am very impressed with Belle - she was very on top of things to recognize that dress so quickly! I honestly thought it was Aurora's blue dress, but Beauty and the Beast has never been a favorite of mine or Maddie's so we have only watched the movie a couple of times. Now the stage show I love!

Thanks! That Santa set was actually for one of our nights at MVMCP, but it was just too cold to wear. I'm glad we got to break it out at least to meet Santa and the Mrs.!

It was fun to have Belle recognize the library dress so quickly. I thought MAYBE that might be one that could stump her. But I have found that most face CM's have done a very thorough job of researching their character. I also thought that pink dress with the cloak might stump Belle in 08, but she made a point of telling us it's the dress she wore when the Beast took her ice skating.

I have a question for you if you don't mind. I'm wondering how often do you use a tripod at Disney? It's obvious that you used one for the fireworks, but did you also use it a lot for the parades and at other times? And what kind of tripod do you use... a full size one or one of the mini ones that you sit on something? TIA!!!

I have never used one of the mini tripods (gorillapods). I don't like knowing I'll have to depend on finding the right surface to attach it to. I use a full size tripod, but i chose it because it's lightweight, fold up pretty compact, is pretty tall, and came with a carrying bag. In other words, I chose it just for Disney. It's the Luxi-L. the only drawback I have seen is that it has twist lock legs and you have to be very careful t be sure they are securely twisted to the lock position. I prefer flip lock legs, but I wanted something small and easy to carry.

http://http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Ultra-LUXi-L-Tripod/dp/B0023B5HJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306681689&sr=8-1

I think your son's pictures are very nice. He looks like he happy. I think it's the same sparkle that my Sam has now that school is done.
Our grad went well last night. I'm working on her pictures, hopefully I have them done and I can get some up here soon.

Thanks Carey! I hope you guys had a wonderful day for Sam's graduation. Isn't it amazing how the weight of the world can just lift off their shoulders like that???????

Well, I found your trip report about a month ago and subbed right away and today I finally had a day off with time to 'play' on the DIS and read the whole 157 pages. I am just blown away by your photos, your lovely daughter and your skills in costuming! What a wonderful thing that you had such a special mother-daughter trip together. Thank you so much for sharing it here! And, congrats to you and your son on his graduation!

Many thanks and

Thank you so much for the kind comments and well wishes. I'm glad you found us!