Marching right down the middle of Main Street

[ThurlFan]

I am totally stoked! DD's high school band is performing at WDW next month - marching down Main Street USA! We just found out where they would be performing, and are so excited, but I've got to get busy figuring out how to shoot this once-in-a-lifetime event.

First thing I have to figure out is the route, based on the little information I have heard so far, it sounds like they'll follow the Frontierland to City Hall parade route. Starting to put together a wish list of shots, so I can prioritize and try to figure out what's doable. This will take place in the morning, so I figure out best light will be available at the castle hub and will perhaps be a bit dark on Main Street proper. We will be there for a couple days before they march, so I'll take some time to scout locations and play with settings.

Suggestions or advice?

 

[VVFF]

I am totally stoked! DD's high school band is performing at WDW next month - marching down Main Street USA! We just found out where they would be performing, and are so excited, but I've got to get busy figuring out how to shoot this once-in-a-lifetime event.

First thing I have to figure out is the route, based on the little information I have heard so far, it sounds like they'll follow the Frontierland to City Hall parade route. Starting to put together a wish list of shots, so I can prioritize and try to figure out what's doable. This will take place in the morning, so I figure out best light will be available at the castle hub and will perhaps be a bit dark on Main Street proper. We will be there for a couple days before they march, so I'll take some time to scout locations and play with settings.

Suggestions or advice?

I did that back when I was in the Purdue University marching band before the 2003 Capital One bowl. Quite a lot of fun considering how cool the setting was. Crowds were decently heavy considering we weren't the usually parade, I was rather impressed. Line up early. We came out of Frontierland by Splash and went around the wheel and down main street.

 

[mom2rtk]

Very cool! Can't wait to see what you come back with!

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I marched down Mainstreet in high school and we also marched at Epcot, years ago!!! Will there be more than one person with you? If so, I would split up. Have one at the hub, like you said, that way you will have the castle right behind them no matter which way they march. Then have another person on Mainstreet. You'll get more photos with two different looks. Have fun!!!

 

[Spinning]

Our kids just returned! It was amazing to see them march down main street! They just beamed. Are they marching during the day or night?
Our kids were night time last band to march. They had 3 during the day and 3 at night.
I really wanted the castle in the picture so I stood across the bridge at the entrance to frontier land. honestly it was a big mistake. I do have one fab picture of my daughter so it was great for her shot. But for the rest of the band I had a lot of washed out faces. They will march faster than they ever had. I think nerves and then they had a disney member setting the pace. So by the time you get to the end of the group they are moving.
If I could do it all over again. I think I would stand right at the base of main street by Walt and Mickey. This way you could get a front on shot and then hopefully of them turning and get some side views. Plus you would have better lighting with the lights from main. Where I was at the lighting was almost none. I had an external flash too but it seemed to over power the kids faces. Also people who had camcorders had a horrible time cause the camera had no idea what to focus on, plus add tons of flashes going off! make sure to ask your child what side they will be on . I was very lucky my daughter was the last girl!
Have fun! It was one of the best times ever!

 

[JimbobJimbo]

Great experience, our son's high school band marched last April. They went from Main St. to Frontierland. I got some shots of Main St. and then in front of the Castle, then tried to hurry and cut on over to Frontierland to catch a few more shots.

 

[Spinning]

Great photo especially the second one. Part of me wishes they marched during the day time just for the photo op and I think I would have been able to do what you did and move to get different angles. It was packed at night with everyone lined up for the electric light parade you couldn't really move! I so hope when my son gets to HS they get to do the trip again!