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

[kwitcherkicken99]

The higher ISOs won’t have a major affect on your background. Light “falls off” or is absorbed by surrounding elements very quickly.
OK......... THIS was a moment for me. What you're saying makes complete sense unlike anything I've read yet. I can't wait to have a few moments to play around with the settings and try it out!

I like light bulb moments!

The weight of the camera actually helps steady my hands, if that makes any sense. I have loved the advances in image stabilization in recent years. I think it really has made a big difference for me. I'll try some shots with flash with 1/30, 1/60 and higher and compare. I think I might be able to get down to 1/30 with IS.

Yes, that makes perfect sense… you have resistance vs. something that is so light! The only way to know will be to test. Like we said at school… testing proves that testing works!

What an COOL attachment

If you are EVER in a pinch, a Kleenex, bit of toilet paper, or notebook paper works too – it just looks silly!

I also have a modified bounce card contraption that I made (similar to the link I showed Jen)
I LOVE your resourcefulness! Of course, I have to remember that you are the person who hunted down the type of lights in use in a venue so you could set the correct white balance!

That would be my color teacher’s fault. I’m OCD over WB... As for the resourcefulness… being a poor college student with a very expensive “hobby” makes you a master at MacGuyvering things.

Re: presetting:

What you're saying makes complete sense. So I assume you're shooting full manual in these settings? Finding the right settings while advancing in line taking test shots, then manual?

All manual all the time unless I’m shooting sports, then it’s shutter priority all the way. I prefer to manipulate everything on my own – that way if something is messed up, it’s my fault and I can’t blame it on my camera. My two favorite cameras are my Hasselblad 503CW and 4x5 (the “film” is literally 4”x5”). They are 100% manual – no batteries or anything!

It's starting to make sense to me why you'd do it though.

It gives me peace of mind to know that I’m ready when they need me to be. I get irked at the people who stand there and futz with their camera and take up a lot of time! I don’t want to be that guy!

I would love to see your Spiderman photos. Oops...... photo. Singular. Man, that would drive me NUTS! And the lighting sounds like a nightmare. Be sure to tell me how you handled it too.

[I forgot them again. I even had them set out last night….]

Re: CRT:

I ended up using 800 ISO for most of the indoor shots, except for the entry shots with Cindy at CRT. Those I went to 1600. That one's really tough. It's REALLY dark in there. Based on what you're saying though, maybe I should have left it at 800 but slowed down my shutter speed, maybe to 1/45 or 1/30?

If your goal was to get more of your background, yes. Slowing the shutter speed would have allowed the background to lighten up.

I would use a diffuser over the front of the flash for either seat.
I actually leave the diffuser on the front of my flash all the time. Are there times when I'd want to take it off?

If you need the flash to carry, yes. Like if you are several feet away from your subject, take it off. If you are closer than 10ft., leave it on.

Since the ceiling is so irregular out in the middle and you can't use it to bounce, is this where I'd want a little contraption on the flash to bounce off of (like a note card taped to the back???)

Yup. Tape, rubber band - anything to hold it on there!

In the shots I've seen so far at the new Town Square Theater meet & greet, it looks really dark, so not vastly different from the previous Toontown setup.

I’m excited to see it too! I do worry about the darkness aspect of the set up, but we’ll see.

So do you use the white balance presets, or do you custom adjust the numbers? As long as I'm shooting RAW, I've just been leaving WB on auto since I can adjust it at home where I can see it better on a full-size screen.

I stick to my WB presets. The only time I have toggled the numbers myself was at my school’s gym. Those lights are halide bulbs, so none of the presets have the configuration to make the pictures look right.

You should be okay staying on auto… I’ve noticed a growing trend of places that print up photos (CVS, Walgreens, etc) actually are correcting for auto-WB by increasing the amount of yellow/red (warming tones) they put into the prints. So, on occasion, if I don’t watch my WB closely, I’ll have overly warm prints!

I used to thing RAW was for camera pros. Now it seems to me the pros cna be confident enough of their settings to shoot JPEG.

I know a lot of pros that shoot RAW. I don’t like to mess with the software to “develop” them. There are definite advantages to shooting RAW, like “batching” your photos, but that is a topic for another day!

Do I just give it up and assume those sort of shots are going to have a little motion blur? At camp Minnie-Mickey, Donald and Goofy started messing with Katie, stealing her hat and stuff. But once again, some motion blur. I doubt I could react fast enough to change that on the fly, then back again

A little motion is actually good. It makes the pictures feel like you are moving. So, having a twirly skirt can be fun for the image. I can see where it’d bug you with the hat steal though.

If you want to “stop” that motion, set your camera to ~ 1/100-1/125 or higher (CHECK YOUR CAMERA MANUAL to see what your maximum shutter speed for flash is) Upping the shutter speed there, in combination with the flash, should halt unwanted motion in your image. BUT, you may end up sacrificing some of your background again. You’ll have to pick which is more important – but again, this is where presetting the camera while you are still in line will save you time and headaches!

Can you imagine Pinocchio???? Ooooohhh..... maybe a creative shot would be fun...... with the end of the nose in focus and everything else out of focus????

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

On your Belle pictures, notice the heavy shadow from your flash?

Well, I actually did have my diffuser on. Is there anything else I could try? Maybe a different exposure and the flash dialed down a bit?

Can you adjust the intensity of your flash on the flash?

With my flash on TTL I can “turn down” the flash in 1/3 stops. I usually keep it at -0.3 or -0.7 anyway – helps the flash from becoming too strong when I am in a tight space.

Belle’s dress is particularly difficult in this situation because it is so dark. Your exposure here is REALLY good.

Thank you! I really did love the colors here. Sometimes it just pays to be lucky!

You have part luck and part skill. I think you know more than you believe that you do!

Here at tea, notice the shadow on the chair in the back and the one under Katie’s chin?

OK, so maybe that answers my question from above. Maybe I just need to move back some more.

If you were to move too far back, you will lose the exposure on your subject. Try adding a little extra Kleenex to the flash OR dial down the flash exposure.

I actually thought this entire sequence of photos from Photopass were a little overexposed. … Do you suppose this is just from the lighter exposure? Or perhaps they have a more powerful flash than I do?

They had their exposure dialed in – remember, they’ve had LOTS of practice shooting in there. They had balance between the subject and the ambient light. I assume they were shoot ~1/60 (maybe 1/50) and most likely used TTL and had the flash turned down ever so slightly.

The exposures were actually spot on. You want to have a “full range” exposure, meaning you can see everything from the whitest of white to the blackest of black and all the shades in between. Had the exposure been down anymore, you would not be able to see the fibers and details in the dark things (clothes, hair, etc). Having that detail in your shot is the right way. Conversely, you don’t want your highlights to “blow out” either. In a properly exposed image, you should be able to see fiber or detail in your whites and in your blacks (or lights and darks), Unless you are shooting a non-porous subject (glass, mirror, paint, the sky, etc.)

I bought the 270 EX because it's smaller and lighter than my 430 EX. I think I'm starting to see some of my tradeoffs. But I'm not sure I want to add that weight back to my bag.

I don’t blame you. The thing that adds the most weight to my stuff is my 80-200 because it’s the old model and weighs a ton. By the end of the day, my hands and arms hurt!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I actually thought this entire sequence of photos from Photopass were a little overexposed. … Do you suppose this is just from the lighter exposure? Or perhaps they have a more powerful flash than I do?

Come to think of it... maybe you felt they were overexposed because they are high key images (LOTS of light colors...) It tricks your brain into thinking there's too much light stuff.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

So, I'm ready to start taking you up on your MVMCP expertise... I'll start small:

1) How do you tour the party?

For MNSSHP I took a friend's advice and went clockwise - but we never made it to Tomorrowland.

and

2) What are your favorite "stops" at the party?

and finally,

3) Where do we find the hot chocolate and cookies??? Are they dabbled around like the candy stops at MNSSHP or are they at specific locations?

 

[jenseib]

I love the Jasmine dress, Janet! It is beautiful. Jasmine is Eve's favorite princess!

I won't have time to learn how to use a camera before my trip this summer. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good point and shoot that I could purchase for my upcoming trip? I am looking in the $300-$500 range.

For a lot less you can get a Canon SX 130 is. It takes great shots for a point and shoot and it under 200. Most places in the $150-170 range. You can get more expensive ones, but if you already have an SLR, then I would go with something like this.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

For a lot less you can get a Canon SX 130 is. It takes great shots for a point and shoot and it under 200. Most places in the $150-170 range. You can get more expensive ones, but if you already have an SLR, then I would go with something like this.

Thanks, jenseib and Kwitcherkicken99! I do not have a SLR. I thought about a Canon Rebel, because a friend of mine loves hers. But I am afraid I will not learn how to use it in time to take pictures in August. The little point and shoot that I have now cost less than $100 about 18 months ago. It has high megapixels, but it takes awful pics. They are all blurry or grainy or too dark. Of course, I have never read the manual, so that may be my fault!

If I did spring for an SLR, how many lens would I also need to purchase to capture what I want at Disney? I want pictures of my daughter with the characters, pictures inside restaurants, pictures at our hotels (POP and Kidani), parade photos, and fireworks photos would be great--but I would not want to spring for an extra lens just for that. I want to go SLR, but I know myself. I rarely take the time to learn how to use new technology.

Janet, are you still deciding between September/October and December?

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

They are all blurry or grainy or too dark. Of course, I have never read the manual, so that may be my fault!

I highly doubt it... the point and shoots are supposed to be designed for you to grab and go. If it's not delivering photos that are properly exposed (for the most part...) and not in focus, it's 85% the camera...

If I did spring for an SLR, how many lens would I also need to purchase to capture what I want at Disney? I want pictures of my daughter with the characters, pictures inside restaurants, pictures at our hotels (POP and Kidani), parade photos, and fireworks photos would be great--but I would not want to spring for an extra lens just for that.

I take my 24mm-85mm lens only. My camera actually makes the lens longer than it actually is, so it's more like a 36mm-110mm (odd size...) but anyway... for a trip to Disney, you'll most likely need a lens that is ~28mm-150mm, just to keep yourself covered.

If you go the SLR route, check B&H out of New York for sales. If the "brand" name lenses are out of financial reach, look at Tamron lenses too. They are the best "off" brand.

 

[jenseib]

Thanks, jenseib and Kwitcherkicken99! I do not have a SLR. I thought about a Canon Rebel, because a friend of mine loves hers. But I am afraid I will not learn how to use it in time to take pictures in August. The little point and shoot that I have now cost less than $100 about 18 months ago. It has high megapixels, but it takes awful pics. They are all blurry or grainy or too dark. Of course, I have never read the manual, so that may be my fault!

If I did spring for an SLR, how many lens would I also need to purchase to capture what I want at Disney? I want pictures of my daughter with the characters, pictures inside restaurants, pictures at our hotels (POP and Kidani), parade photos, and fireworks photos would be great--but I would not want to spring for an extra lens just for that. I want to go SLR, but I know myself. I rarely take the time to learn how to use new technology.

Janet, are you still deciding between September/October and December?

Lenses can be very expensive , but like Jen said,, look for one like she suggested that will at least cover many levels. It does take time to "bond" with it though...so to speak. LOL!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

You all are WONDERFUL! Thank you so much!

I have done a little research, and I can purchase an EOS Rebel XS with an EF 18-55mm Lens and an EF 75-300mm III Lens, a 2GB SD Card, and a Canon Rebel Gadget Bag for $699. (If I go for just the first lens, it would be $499.)

Or, this weekend, I can purchase a Canon PowerShot SX130-IS Black 12.1MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom, 3.0" LCD Display for $149 at Walmart (this Mother's Day special includes a camera bag and a coupon for a photo-memory book).

I am sure that the Rebel could take better pictures, but will I be able to learn how to use it? I would rather purchase the PowerShot, if it will take hours to learn how to use the Rebel, because I do not have the patience for that. But if I could learn how to use the Rebel in an hour or two and take much better pictures, then it would be worth the extra money to me.

What is it really like to own a DSLR? And Janet, what is the latest on your Disney plans? Are you leaning towards MNSSHP or MVMCP? I want to do both and my summer trip, too! Wish I had a bunch of free plane tickets, because I would do just that!

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey everyone! Once again, I've been MIA from my own trip report! If all goes well, I'll have 3 or 4 minutes to myself again in a few days........

Amy...... I saw your question on cameras and do want to take a moment to reply to you now in case you're actively shopping.

First off, that Canon 75-300 lens has not been well reviewed. Most over on the photography board say it's very slow and hard to get a good photo without LOTS of daylight. If you go that route, there's a better telephoto most will choose. I think it's 55-250 or some such thing.

As Jen (kwitcherkicken99) already noted, Canon is very well regarded in the point and shoot market. I see threads on the photography board all the time about which point & shoot to get, and that seems to get the consensus of opinion. I don't know one model from another though and couldn't make a recommendation.

I recently helped my best friend finally get a decent camera. She decided to go DSLR and I actually started a thread over in the photography forum looking for info on the best started DSLR:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2677596&highlight=sony+a500

After reviewing all that was out there, the most camera for the bucks was the Sony A500. She paid $550, but it's now up to $599. That's not surprising since most camera come out of Japan and most things from Japan have taken a hit in pricing since the earthquake/Tsunami.

While I like my Canon a lot, there are more features on the starter Sony I'm showing that on the Canon XS. The Sony has the expanded ISO capability that my T2i has, which is invaluable when trying to capture low light photos without a flash. It also has a higher burst rate (frames per second) than my own Canon. This kit (the same my friend got) has an 18-250 all in one lens, which keeps you from having to swap out lenses constantly. My friend was back and forth on the one lens, versus the 2 separate lenses. Once she got it, she couldn't believe she almost went the other direction. It also has an articulated screen, which only the Canon T3i and better has. And Katie was quite tickled with the Sony's smile detection feature. I'm not sure how usable it is, but man we had fun playing with it!

http://www.adorama.com/ISODSLRA500H.html

Does this mean it's the camera for you? Maybe. Maybe not. You have to decide if you want to carry the added bulk and weight of a DSLR. But it certainly is a great camera you can grow with.

Regardless of which direction you go, a great place to start is with a better understanding of aperture, shutter speed and ISO (the exposure triangle). The best place to start is Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure":

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Camera/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304807547&sr=8-1

Let us know if you have questions, and let us know what you decide to do!

I promise I'll be back soon to reply and update. I've been working on a huge order that's had me tied up around the clock. Throw in a couple track meets, a field trip with Katie's school to the state capitol and college enrollment for Robbie......... and man....... I'm tired! But I AM taking tomorrow off to scrapbook.

Which reminds me.............. To all of my great DIS friends..........

Happy Mother's Day!

 

[Vowelmommy]

I am newly addicted to reading trip reports, and yours is my favorite so far. Your daughters clothes are stunning. Beyond stunning. I could look at pictures of her all day! Thank you!

 

[Caretames1]

Busy lives, it seems to catch us all!

Happy Mother's Day to you!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Hey Janet! Hope you survived the weekend!

A belated Happy Mother's Day to you!!!!







[guess who got some new toys this weekend!!!]

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey Janet! Hope you survived the weekend!

A belated Happy Mother's Day to you!!!!







[guess who got some new toys this weekend!!!]

Happy Mother's Day to you too! And to everyone else reading along!

I spent most of the day scrapbooking, which I really enjoyed. But I'll be paying today and tomorrow meeting some deadlines.

So spill it! What kind of toys did you get????????

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I sold my old 4x5 camera (poor thing hadn't seen the light in about 8 years...) and some other miscellaneous things that I was no longer using.

I picked up a portable flash unit, two 10'x24' backdrops, a new camera bag (bye-bye fanny pack!), and a beauty dish attachement for my little flash. The beauty dish spreads the light more and looks great on faces. If I can aim it right, I may be able to use it for sports!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

BTW... from the sounds of it, you needed the scrapbooking break.

 

[mom2rtk]

I sold my old 4x5 camera (poor thing hadn't seen the light in about 8 years...) and some other miscellaneous things that I was no longer using.

I picked up a portable flash unit, two 10'x24' backdrops, a new camera bag (bye-bye fanny pack!), and a beauty dish attachement for my little flash. The beauty dish spreads the light more and looks great on faces. If I can aim it right, I may be able to use it for sports!

So what time do you need Robbie there for his senior portraits????

Sounds like lots of fun new toys! I bypass gifts for Mother's Day, birthday and Christmas to seal the deal on an annual Disney trip. So I'm a happy camper too!

 

[mom2rtk]

BTW... from the sounds of it, you needed the scrapbooking break.

It really was awesome, and yes, much needed. I had a DVR full of Law & Order and just scrapped away. Then I took a deep breath before jumping right back in to the work this morning. I have some deadlines this week, then Friday is the school carnival, Saturday is the district track meet and Sunday is Robbie's scholar bowl banquet. Then next week the graduation stuff starts. OK....... I'm tired again.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

So what time do you need Robbie there for his senior portraits????

Sounds like lots of fun new toys! I bypass gifts for Mother's Day, birthday and Christmas to seal the deal on an annual Disney trip. So I'm a happy camper too!

I'd be glad to help, but it would be one heckuva drive!!!

I didn't get [much] more than what I traded in for... I went slightly over, but not by a whole lot. I received a combination Valentine's/Mother's Day gift in the form of Harry Potter Legos, so the camera bag was my gift to myself. Even better that it was on sale. I really needed an all weather bag - and the bag I picked up, I'm quickly falling in with. It's the Lowepro Rezzie 180AW. They had a smaller version, but that one pulled me in!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

It really was awesome, and yes, much needed. I had a DVR full of Law & Order and just scrapped away. Then I took a deep breath before jumping right back in to the work this morning. I have some deadlines this week, then Friday is the school carnival, Saturday is the district track meet and Sunday is Robbie's scholar bowl banquet. Then next week the graduation stuff starts. OK....... I'm tired again.

One foot in front of the other!!!