Help-I want to take a castle picture at sunset.

[Flora Fan]

I need some help from those who have more photography experience than I do. (That would be most everyone) It turns out that in March, I will have one afternoon/evening before my party arrives. This means that I will be able to carry my camera and tripod and set-up my pictures for 5 hours or more.

My dilemma is this, I would like to take a picture of the castle at sunset. At this point I'm thinking of setting-up on the platform in front of the train station...you know, the one above main street. Using my 70-300mm lens, I'm thinking that this will take the flag pole out of the picture. But I am worried that the picture will not be as spectacular as I hope due to the sun setting on the left of the castle.

Please tell me will the sun make a big difference? Can you advise on any settings that would help with the shot? Do you have any suggestions that I have overlooked or not even thought of?

Thanks everyone. This is the first time I will be able to take my time and I would really love to come up with something worth being proud of.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Do you prefer a front shot over a side shot?

What specificaly are you hoping to to capture with a sunset shot.

As you said the sun will set to the left so it will not be in the picture, but mornings and sunsets do have very colorful light.

Mikeeee

 

[Groucho]

What about taking a shot from somewhere else? You may be able to get a good shot from one of the fire escapes at the Contemporary, rather than being right in front of the castle.

Obviously, this is a lot of work for just one shot, but hey, it's an idea.

 

[boBQuincy]

Here is a photo of Cindy's castle at sunset last February (photo taken at 5:58, sunset at 6:09). The lighting is interesting and with some added saturation comes out nicely.
The view from Main St Station should be similar except for the flagpole and the distance.

 

[Flora Fan]

Thank you so much for your responses.

boBQuincy: What a lovely shot. Don't you just love how the sun is cutting across the castle. Beautiful. Did you have to adjust your shutter speed?

JR6ooo4: What I am hoping to achieve is a super shot. As you said the colors at sunrise and sunset can be spectacular. I am not opposed to a slightly askew shot; however, I would like to see the front of the castle.

Last night I was thinking about this shot and I'm wondering if a 70-300mm lens would pull the castle in close enough. (Taking main street out of it) I have thought of two alternatives, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Unfortunately, this would put the sun behind me and I think make a difficult shot. My other thought was the rose garden. This would allow me to use flowers in the shot. With several minutes to "play", I would be able to focus on a rose and blur the castle, then switch the focus to put the castle clear, and finally allow the entire shot to be in focus.

Groucho, I hadn't even considered the Contemporary. Can anyone get to the fires escapes? I will not be staying at this resort. Although I would not get a castle shot, the idea of a park shot with the castle in it is very interesting.

Again, thank you all. I really appreciate your help so that I can be prepared.

 

[handicap18]

I think a lot of it is going to depend on the developing (or lack there of) sky once you are there.

I might just set up with a wide angle zoom lens in front of the partners statue. I like that angle and boB got a great shot. I think is more dramatic being that close than from further away.

However, since you now have a number of different idea's. Its not to much of a big deal to change your mind once you get there and see how the sun lighting is effecting the shot.

Get there well before sunset time and take some shots of all the area's that you have listed. Check them out and see what angle & focal length you like best, then go back to that area for the final shot.

Looking at some of my own pics, I don't know that you'll be able to get a straight on shot from the train station without the flag pole being in the way. You can certainly get around the flag pole, but I'm not sure how straight on you'll be able to get even with the longer lens. Its worth trying it out earlier in the day though. If it works, great, if not try a different spot.

I certainly I wish I was able to get extra time by myself to plan out some shots around Disney.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I certainly I wish I was able to get extra time by myself to plan out some shots around Disney.

You know.. they just don't understand. The trip is way cheaper if only one person goes.

Mikeeee

 

[Groucho]

Groucho, I hadn't even considered the Contemporary. Can anyone get to the fires escapes? I will not be staying at this resort. Although I would not get a castle shot, the idea of a park shot with the castle in it is very interesting.

Yes, anyone can get there, but it's best if the door is propped open - otherwise you'll be walking down ~14 stories or so!

Here's a fairly wide shot (38mm):

And a closer one (200mm):

 

[DueyDooDah]

...I certainly I wish I was able to get extra time by myself to plan out some shots around Disney.

And this is why I firmly believe that photographers should give up all friendships. You can always ask strangers to pose as friends, if you're into portraiture. (Just rememebr to get a signed release)

 

[Gdad]

I don't know where you can get the entire castle with the sunset behind it- this was taken from around the Pooh ride IIRC.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

And this is why I firmly believe that photographers should give up all friendships. You can always ask strangers to pose as friends, if you're into portraiture. (Just rememebr to get a signed release)

Some photographers have friends?

 

[Bugdozer]

I don't know where you can get the entire castle with the sunset behind it- this was taken from around the Pooh ride IIRC.

Beautiful!

Bug

 

[poppyolivia]

I don't know where you can get the entire castle with the sunset behind it- this was taken from around the Pooh ride IIRC.

That is absolutely superb!

 

[Flora Fan]

Gdad...WOW, what a terrific shot.

handicap 18...perfect. Honestly, I would not have thought to take the pictures earlier in the day. But it makes perfect sense, as I will be able to imagine the picture much easier and will have the shot already arranged.

Groucho...thanks. I may try to get that shot also if there is time. Although I may have to give up sunset. Thanks for the info on propping the door open. 14 flights of stairs is a bit much.

You guys are super. Thanks for all the advice. I can't wait to give this a try.