DSLR---best setting for capturing Disney pics?

[ThurlFan]

Don't forget to go to the "Welcome to the Photography Board" post on the front page of (wait for it...) the Photography board In it, you will find a list of links such as:

Disney Photo Tips
How to Shoot Fireworks
How to Shoot Indoor Shows
How to Shoot Parades
How to Shoot the Safari Ride
Useful Photo Web Sites
When to Use Which Metering Mode
Why your photos are blurry

And much, much more!

 

[Beep]

Hi

I just wanted to tell you about my experience with my new camera last year at Disney.

I went for a $30 point and shoot to a Panasonic Lumix, interchangeable lenses etc. Yep, hadnt got much of a clue!

I used it on Auto and got used to what settings it was using (I read up on aperture, exposure, shutter, ISO and all that) and then started using the A priority setting for aperture.

I got used to the different options and settings and felt quite confident.

Fast forward a couple of months and we went to Disney. By the time I had got the settings right I had missed some of the shots I wanted but I got better and better at it and I absolutely love some of the pictures.

The IAuto on the Lumix is superb, I can set a very shallow depth of field for the bokeh shots with one tap on the touch screen, up the exposure if needed and loads of other things so tbh, I could get away with just using IAuto for 90% of my shots.

But I like the fact that I know what the settings mean and how to change them when I want something different like soft water, light writing etc.

I don't feel I missed out at the beginning of the trip with the camera but I was treating the trip as a 'getting to know my camera' trip.

The only time I didn't use it was at MNSSHP, I took my point and shoot as the Lumix didn't fit in with my costume

 

[DisneyTog]

I am a novice with my new DSLR camera---a Canon Rebel T3i. I've read the manual, watched some tutorials online, and practiced using different settings. I've been experimenting with AV mode and Auto mode. The problem is, I am SO new to SLR and I want to capture perfect pics of my family during the day and at night while at Disney. Can you recommend a setting for daytime pics with my family as well as nighttime? I know this is not an easy question since a lot of factors come into play.

If you have any tips on helping an unexperienced DSLR user capture great pics, I'd appreciate it! I feel great upgrading from my 6 year old point and shoot digital camera!

Thanks!

No-one can tell you what to set you camera on....I am sorry thats not what you wanted to hear I know. There are sooooo many different variants on the day that make a setting. Firstly I teach photography and own a pro studio in case you are wondering who the hell is this guy.

When I go to Disney with the D3x I ALWAYS shoot on manual. However saying that if I take a pic on main street toward the castle I will have one setting then if I shoot the station in the other direction an different setting will be need and a window display will need me to change again. OMG you say however practice it is the key to this. I am going to put a little free lesson together for everyone who is a beginner on the net via webcam so if you are interested keep your eyes open however if you want any help or advice before that give me a shout I am happy to skype. msg me from my site iguanaphotography.com

Cheers

Si