Photo Trip Report from October Weekend in WDW

[Pugrpooh]

Yup, wedding anniversary---only 4 years though, not 20. We stayed at Coronado Springs Resort this trip, which was an upgrade since we originally booked a value. This december, we'll be at Boardwalk Villas.



Thanks! I honestly don't even think that was early morning mist, because it was taken at almost 9:00am. I think it was fog, maybe?? That night got down to below 50 degrees---the high for the day was only 68. I honestly think the lagoon was at least 10 degrees warmer than the air. We were so cold!

That's the difference! It was so hot while we were there that by about 7:30 there wasn't much mist left over the lake. I would've loved weather in the 50's and 60's while we were there.

 

[Groucho]

This board is really bad for helping people save their money, the way it feeds the need to both buy equipment and go to Disney more often.

Nice work, my main comment is one you've already addressed since you've admitted that you're on the vignettaholic 12-step program!

 

[KarenAylwood]

Thanks! I just use Photoshop Elements 6, so far it's good enough.

For me, comparing Lightroom and Photoshop Elements is like comparing apples and oranges. Lightroom is more of a photo management software to help catalog and also do adjustments to your RAW files. PSE is more of a photo editing software with things like filters, layers, masks, etc. If you want to do more creative editing, I would go with PSE. If you want to do things like crop, adjust exposure, white balance, etc. I'd go with Lightroom.

Ideally, I'd go with both. I'm looking at Lightroom for better RAW editing capabilities (even though I find Adobe Camera Raw in PSE very easy to use) and for cataloging since right now I'm just using Windows & ViewNX, but it won't replace my PSE.

Good luck!

Alright. Well I just ordered Photoshop Elements 7 last night- so I hope you're right!! I had been using Photoshop CS3 and loved it so I'm hoping Elements will be somewhat similar. I can't wait to get it in the mail to finish editing the rest of my Disney shots!!!

Did you buy a book on it or is it pretty easy to learn? I've used Photoshop and I know they're similar but not totally alike.

 

[WillowBelle]

Ann, your shots are GREAT!!! As for the memory issue - you're not the only one. Nothing like having your tripod completely set up before realizing that you don't have the quick release plate. Been there, done that . How did you like the fisheye? Isn't it a fantastic lens to use there?

Tell me more about your strap. I just checked it out and added it to my Amazon wish list - think it would cut down on DH saying, 'Watch your camera' whenever we are in a crowd. When we were in NOLA if he said that once he said that a 1000 times.

 

[wenrob]

Ann, you've done a fabulous job! Really, really like the fog on the water pic.

eta:Oh and I've been following your trip report (was waiting to comment here) and I think I would have smacked Joe. You don't like something fine but seriously, suck it up, don't ruin it for other people. My almost 4yr olds don't act like that!

 

[annnewjerz]

Nice work, my main comment is one you've already addressed since you've admitted that you're on the vignettaholic 12-step program!

I really am trying not to add them to everything. I've admitted I have a problem, isn't that the first step??

Alright. Well I just ordered Photoshop Elements 7 last night- so I hope you're right!! I had been using Photoshop CS3 and loved it so I'm hoping Elements will be somewhat similar. I can't wait to get it in the mail to finish editing the rest of my Disney shots!!!

Did you buy a book on it or is it pretty easy to learn? I've used Photoshop and I know they're similar but not totally alike.

I'm a litttttttle confused. If you have CS3, why are you ordering Photoshop Elements? CS3 is the whole Photoshop suite if I'm not mistaken, Elements is like a toned down version of CS3. I wouldn't think anyone would need both---in fact if I had my choice I'd get CS3 over Elements any day.

As far as whether it's easy to learn, if you are good with CS3, I would think Elements would be very similar. Elements is the first photo editing software I used, so for me it has a bit of a learning curve but the more I use it, the more it makes sense.

Ann, your shots are GREAT!!! As for the memory issue - you're not the only one. Nothing like having your tripod completely set up before realizing that you don't have the quick release plate. Been there, done that . How did you like the fisheye? Isn't it a fantastic lens to use there?

Tell me more about your strap. I just checked it out and added it to my Amazon wish list - think it would cut down on DH saying, 'Watch your camera' whenever we are in a crowd. When we were in NOLA if he said that once he said that a 1000 times.

The fisheye was definitely fun, but most definitely a specialty lens---I know I'd like to have one in the future, but probably not before I get a few faster "normal" lenses.

The strap is super comfy, holds a few memory cards and I really like that is rests on your hip---much more comfortable for me than having it around my neck for hours on end. That being said, I actually banged my camera quite a bit more having it hanging so low. Luckily, the hood on the lens kept it from getting hit and by the end of the trip I was more aware of the camera hanging down there. Other than the fact that I have to change straps for night-time shooting, I am in love with it, can't imagine shooting any other way now.

Ann, you've done a fabulous job! Really, really like the fog on the water pic.

eta:Oh and I've been following your trip report (was waiting to comment here) and I think I would have smacked Joe. You don't like something fine but seriously, suck it up, don't ruin it for other people. My almost 4yr olds don't act like that!

Thanks!!

Yeah, he is definitely a baby. I think he might be an only child---which might explain some of it. I mean c'mon, the guy is older than me and was throwing temper tantrums. GET OVER IT. Definitely a party pooper/fun time ruiner---but I'm not the one dating him, so I couldn't care less. If my DBil wants to put up with some infantile whiner, who am I to say anything about it?

 

[boBQuincy]

*Very* nice, Ann! Do you already have plans on how to top this in December?
It is not easy thinking of camera settings when Fairy Godmother lights up the castle, the show is that good!

 

[Todd_H]

Really enjoyed reading all your TR's, Ann! Nice job all around .

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Thanks, Tom.

You're right about the memory issue---I think it had something to do with the excitement of being back in The World after over two years.

As far as the QR plate, I always left it attached, but I recently bought the Black Rapid strap and it screws into the tripod socket. While it's an inconvenience to switch back to my OpTech strap at the end of the night when I use the tripod, it's worth it for how comfortable the RS-4 is during the day.

Great shots!

If you are using a head that supports arca type quick release plates, you can get those plates with tripod threads in them. I'm pretty certain that all of the RRS plates are threaded. I think the L-brackets (I love L brackets) have threads on both sides. I have a plate for my 70-200 that doesn't have threads. I'm going to replace it soon with one that is threaded.

You wanted constructive cristicism, so here is mine. While I love most of your shots, I think several could be improved by moving your subject off center. Some, like the red head on PotC are too balanced. It locks your head right on the subject and discourages looking around. For shots like the castle, I think a dead center placement works. For many others, pushing them off to one side would work better.

 

[Twingle]

REALLY great photos. If you consider yourself a newbie, I can't wait to see what your photos look like in your December TR!

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[handicap18]

Excellent job Ann. Love the Parade pictuers. One of these years I'll make it down for a MNSSHP.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Ann,

It shows that you are enjoying the 30mm. I've been following your TR and really have enjoyed the photos. Wonderful job!!!! Looking forward to more!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

Ooooops!! I guess this is what happens when I don't subscribe to my own threads.

*Very* nice, Ann! Do you already have plans on how to top this in December?
It is not easy thinking of camera settings when Fairy Godmother lights up the castle, the show is that good!

Thanks, boB! No thoughts on how to top this trip---I've still got three parks that I'll be shooting for the first time, I need to just make sure to get some half-way decent shots there!

You wanted constructive cristicism, so here is mine. While I love most of your shots, I think several could be improved by moving your subject off center. Some, like the red head on PotC are too balanced. It locks your head right on the subject and discourages looking around. For shots like the castle, I think a dead center placement works. For many others, pushing them off to one side would work better.

Thanks for the thoughts, Mark! I totally agree (especially about the PotC shots being too balanced. Being this was my first trip to The World with my camera, on dark rides especially I think I was more concerned with getting any shot, rather than worrying about composition. That's something I'm hoping to fix in December.

REALLY great photos. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks, I'll definitely be posting more after our upcoming trip!

Excellent job Ann. Love the Parade pictuers. One of these years I'll make it down for a MNSSHP.

Thanks, Kyle. The parade was awesome. I was considering not taking the time to watch it but I'm really happy I did.

Ann,

It shows that you are enjoying the 30mm. I've been following your TR and really have enjoyed the photos. Wonderful job!!!! Looking forward to more!!!

I do love my 30mm, it's my favorite lens. I hope you're able to convince your DW that you "need" to get one.