From Kick'n It at Kidani to Play'n It at Pop adults only p62/63 last thoughts&request

[MEK]

That's the one I have- love the xsi, I've been really happy with it. Congratulations!!! It's very exciting to have a "real" camera again, isn't it? There's a great book on the camera- it's one of those "For Dummies" books- that helps a LOT in trying to figure it all out. Have a great time at Longwood Gardens- I've always wanted to go there, I'm sure it will be beautiful with all the Christmas stuff!

Hey Ellen -

I am excited to have the camera and Longwood was beautiful. Unfortunately, we did not arrive until dusk and being a novice with the camera, some of my indoor, low light shots are not the best. I think I deleted more than I actually saved!

The outdoor lights were so beautiful! I needed a tripod for those (which will be my next purchase). Denny and I did have a nice time. Well, let's just say that Denny never complained as I took 5 million pictures and then deleted 4.9 million. I hope I have a few decent ones to show you!

Oh- and we rode EE front row in November- the whole ride, I thought of you!! It's CRAZY fun up front!! Tyler also did RR front row this trip- Timmy & I were right behind him (it was Tim's first RnR ride, so pretty brave in the first car!). Fun, fun stuff. Can't wait to see what #1 is.....

OMG! Wasn't it great! That was brave of Timmy to do the front row on his first ride! Wowsa - I don't think I am that brave! I can't wait to see your ride pics!!!!

for the xsi! That is the one that I was going to get! I really did need the new laptop though...I will just live vicariously through your awesome pictures! That is such a great idea watching youtube for ideas!! You can find anything on the internet! Also check out the photography thread on the Dis....especially for fireworks settings tips This will work out great for me because when I finally get mine you will have yours all figured out!
Happy New Year !!!!
Tracy

I am a little frustrated because I would like to have it figured out NOW! Plus, I really want to try the second lens, which is on back order. I hope I have some decent shots from Longwood. I still have to download the software on my computer, so hopefully I will do that later today!

The youtube videos are working well, because I am a visual learner. But I have to hear everything about 5 times before it finally sinks in. Anyway, I hope to get it eventually. I will keep you posted as to my progress!

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats on the new camera!!!!!!!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey ME,

Longwood Gardens is absolutely lovely...

I hope you do post some pictures...we didn't get there this year for Christmas but we try to go at least every other year...it's so pretty in the spring/summer too......

I just looked up your new camera and kudos to you...I'm not anywhere near the point where I need extra "lenses"...

I'd just like a decent point and shoot...I'm hoping to get a new camera for our trips this year but I need the "Camera for Dummies" (at least when it comes to photography) version...

So congrats on your new baby...hope to see some pictures soon...

 

[praisehisname]

I'm loving the recap; what a great way to end the report! Can't wait to hear #1!!!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on the new camera!!!!!!!!!

Thanks. It really is a slick, new little toy!

Hey ME,

Longwood Gardens is absolutely lovely...

I hope you do post some pictures...we didn't get there this year for Christmas but we try to go at least every other year...it's so pretty in the spring/summer too......

Hey 3P's - Longwood was beautiful. It was very crowded and very cold outside, but we had a really nice time. It was beautiful. So much to see. I just edited on my pics - so I am going to put them on photobucket soon!

I just looked up your new camera and kudos to you...I'm not anywhere near the point where I need extra "lenses"...

I'd just like a decent point and shoot...I'm hoping to get a new camera for our trips this year but I need the "Camera for Dummies" (at least when it comes to photography) version...

So congrats on your new baby...hope to see some pictures soon...

This camera is totally slick and I am really trying to learn how to use it. I have spent a lot of time reading, watching videos, and practicing. Some of the things I understand in theory - but can't put into practice yet. It is going to take some time, I think. Anyway, the camera is nice and light weight and feels very comfortable, so I don't think it will be too cumbersome to take anywhere. But I was a little uncomfortable around all those peeps, despite having a secure grip on the camera.

I hope to get a few pics up soon.

I'm loving the recap; what a great way to end the report! Can't wait to hear #1!!!

Glad you like the recap. I've got to get it done tonight - no more procrastinating!

 

[MEK]

OK, OK - I Know I have to wrap up this TR. I've let it go on too long. I have procrastinated. I have one more (possibly two) installments to do. I have to write about my #1 highlight of the trip and I would like to have a few parting thoughts about the trip in general.

I know I need to put this puppy to rest, but I am having trouble breaking free. Not sure why. I guess its because I don't write PTR's. I think they are bad luck. If there is any trip I don't want bad luck with, its this one. And when I say bad luck, I generally mean something related to the teenage boys. Leaving them at home makes me NERVOUS! anyway - I digress.

So, before I right my last installment, I am going to post a couple pics taken with my new camera. Remember, I am a total novice. Up until a few days ago I knew nothing about Fstops, apeture, and shutter speed. I have been working with all the auto modes on the camera, but I am also trying to figure out the manual modes. So here a few different pics I 've taken over the last three days......

On the way to Longwood Gardens.....

The Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Bridge (which I cross everyday):

Random trees:

Black & white shot:

Pass this sign everyday:

The city of wilmington (I did a lot of color editing to this):

A cool old house along Rt 1 Near Longwood Gardens:

Dusk at Longwood:

An amazing poinsetta ball (Here is where I started having trouble with lighting, flash vs no flash, manual vs auto):

Now these next four shots I took in 4 different modes. Don't ask me what they were, cause they were some combination of auto, maual, flash / no flash:

I accidently discovered the black n white mode (monochrome) and I found that I really liked it:

This was the most beautiful display, but I could not get a good shot of it to save my life. Everything kept coming out dark and I was cursing Denny under my breath for insisting that he had to watch half the Penn State game before we could leave! I needed natural light for my first outing with the camera!

Continued in next post....... (Yeah, Yeah....I know .....I got carried away with the pics)

 

[kschafer]

Are we meeting for a night time ride on EE???? I hope so and I hope that Tracy will join us, too!

I think all 3 of us are planning on the evening EMH at AK (on the 5th maybe?) Tracy suggested in another thread that we should meet at the Y&Y bar first

 

[MEK]

Who on the Dis boards can go anywhere and not shoot multiple light fixtures while thinking about LL??????

I did A LOT of editing to this next shot:

Going for the Artsy Black N White pics again......

Different Editing.......

Next Up.......Macro shots.....This room was SOOOOOOO crowded with everyone snapping photos:

More of the poinsettas.......

Look at this crazy bad boy........ this baby is sprouting antennas!

What's Christmas without Christmas trees (these are decorated by local school children) Disclaimer - these pics are NOT the best!

 

[MEK]

Continued.......

Moving right along.......

This camera does take some great macro shots.....

Of course, what is a Christmas display without trains......

We took a break and went back inside to get a few more shots. Practice, practice, practice!

LL.....Now this is a totally cool light fixture:

I think the rest of these pictures I was trying manual focus, so they aren't as great!

Continued.......

 

[MEK]

And two more black n whites just for the heck of it......

And, last but not least........

PSYCH.....they're from my tree!!!!!! LOL!

 

[MEK]

I think all 3 of us are planning on the evening EMH at AK (on the 5th maybe?) Tracy suggested in another thread that we should meet at the Y&Y bar first

Perfect idea...Y&Y bar then EE!!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great pics, Mek! I think they look good. I know it took me awhile to get a handle on my camera settings and I just kept taking it out and practicing. You'll have GORGEOUS photos by May.

Love that light fixture, I love the unique looking ones.

 

[MEK]

Great pics, Mek! I think they look good. I know it took me awhile to get a handle on my camera settings and I just kept taking it out and practicing. You'll have GORGEOUS photos by May.

Love that light fixture, I love the unique looking ones.

Thanks LL! I've got a long way to go, but for pretty much right out of the box this camera takes some really nice shots. Once my second lens comes in, I'm thinking tripod for the night shots. It's amazing how slow the shutter speed is for nighttime and I have way to much camera shake. It's fun to post the pics now, so I can go back and look at them later when (if) I improve!

That was a very cool light fixture, just hanging there waiting for someone to notice it!

 

[MEK]

So, the number 1 highlight of my trip was none other than........MNSSHP Wow - what a winner! I am so glad we decided to attend. I wish we had real costumes, but that didn't put a damper on the fun! The access to rides was great, the theming was spectacular, the candy was fun (for me - DH was a party pooper when it came to trick or treating), the photopass opportunities were so unique, and the parade was top notch! I loved this party - it was definately an experience I would like to repeat.

So, without any further adieu - Here are a few pictures of the memorable night:

Up Next....final thoughts!

 

[eandesmom]

And, last but not least........

PSYCH.....they're from my tree!!!!!! LOL!

You've got some great shots in there! I love the empty train track one for some reason. Lovely composition. How fun and what great timing to start playing now, you will be a master by the next trip!

Oh I want another camera.....

Selfishly I wish you'd do a PTR but I do get the rationale....

I LOVE your #1 choice and what a great photo recap of a wonderful night!!!!

So really, draw this one out as long as you want!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great shots at Longwood! It's very pretty there!

MNSSHP is wonderful!!! Loved the pictures recap! Makes me want to go again next year just to see that wonderful parade again!

 

[dawnbu40]

I think we've been to all the parties Disney has offered (MNSSHP, MVMCP, P&P and Grad Nite) and they are all wonderful! I think they really make the whole trip extra special! So glad you enjoyed the party! I can't wait to attend again in Sept!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Congrats on the new Camera MEK! You got some great shots... especially for just getting used to it!

I'm impressed you tried manual focus! I still autofocus the vast majority of time...I never seem to have long enough to mess w/manual, unless I'm doing portraits of VERY still beings (like my Christmas tree LOL!)or something like that and no one is rushing me to get somewhere! Besides...I think manual focusing is hard!

I love MNSSHP! You photo highlight series makes me excited that I'm already booked to go again this year!!

Paula

 

[manntra]

Those are some great pictures ME! You got some great close up shots! So nice to see flowers in the middle of a deep freeze!
The colors are so vibrant and they just pop...you can really tell the difference with that camera.
Soon enough you will be making your own youtube instructional videos!
I loved MNSSHP too. Can't wait to do it again!

Tracy

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I just love your photo tour of Longwood ME... And I was super excited since I've been there so I was just following along (through the entrance, and the grand conservatory, the orchid room (warmish) and the steam mediterranean and tropical plant areas (I'm a geek-I know...) and then I got all excited because I thought they had a Disney tree this year...

You big teaser......you did get me with that one for what it's worth...

I love your MNSSHP wrap up...thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your photos...I absolutely cannot wait to do that when we are there in October (I think that other than the fact that it will be Em's b-day and that is the most special thing...the party will be my favorite too...

PTRs are bad luck...are they...