Post your PHOTO.... Tell us your THOUGHT PROCESS......

[mom2rtk]

I see lots of great photos here and have learned a lot in the past year. I LOVE reviewing the EXIF data where possible to understand WHY the picture looks like it DOES and how you got there....

Asking questions of Groucho on his recent trip report got me thinking...... it would be SO helpful to have people post an interesting photo.... then post the thought processes they used in getting there. WHY did you choose shutter priority over aperture priority.... WHY did you use spot over partial metering..... WHY did you choose the aperture or shutter speed you did..... WHY did you dial down the exposure compensation....WHY was Cinderella's fountain purple.......

I'm starting to get some of this stuff down. But it feels like sometimes the little wheels in my brain just aren't moving fast enough to make good use of it all yet.... Seeing more examples with info pulled together just might pull it all together for me..........

 

[GrillMouster]

Good thread idea, mom2rtk. I'll toss in a couple of image from this past Saturday at Epcot.

The annual Flower & Garden Festival is going on at Epcot, and I liked this topiary of Stitch in front of the Mission: Space attraction. Let me say right off the bat, I do not like this composition at all. I don't like the metal spiral (from Mission: Space) sticking out from Stitch's head, and I dont like the fact that the spiral almost touches the upper edge of the frame. I don't like the tree poking out over his ear, I dont like the tree on the right side of the frame (but I can always crop that out), and I feel that the horizon may be too centered. I much prefer the composition in the shot Scott (SrisonS) posted of this same location. I was in a hurry to meet my wife and son elsewhere in the park, but I wanted to grab a shot and return to the scene later in the day when the light would be coming from behind me as I face Stitch. I never did make it back to this scene. Anyway, here was my thought process when I took this shot. First, the sun was overhead, to the right, and a little behind Stitch, causind very deep shadows on his front. If I exposed the image so that I could get shadow detail in Stitch, then the sky and other areas being hit by direct sunlight would be overexposed and blown out. I wanted to retain some color and detail in the sky while getting details in the shadows. Because the dynamic range of the scene was too wide for the camera sensor to capture fully, I chose to use my SB600 flash (by the way I shot this with a D300 and a 17-55mm f/2.8 lens). I shot in manual exposure mode, set the shutter speed to 1/250, which is the flash sync speed of the camera. Anything faster would have put the flash in FP, or high speed sync mode, which would drasticaly reduce the output of the flash. Given the power of the sun, I felt that I needed as much power as my little flash could produce, so I stuck with 1/250 shutter speed. In order to get the sky and most of the scene properly exposed at that shutter speed I had to dial in an aperture of f/8 and an ISO of 100 (lo mode, since the native low ISO on the D300 is 200). Using a higher ISO would mean that I'd also have to use a smaller aperture, and I didn't think that little flash could produce enough light at anything smaller than f/8. Heck, I thought f/8 would be pushing it; I'd have preferred f/5.6. In hindsight, I could have used f/5.6 if I had used 1/320 as my shutter speed (although 1/250 is the "official" sync speed, in practice I've been able to take it up to 1/320). I crouched down to hide some stuff in the background (but I still wanted the M:S building visible). I set the camera's pop-up flash to Commander mode, hand-held the SB600 in my outstretch left hand (aimed at Stitch's shadows), and took the shot. This description is pretty long, but the entire thought process only takes a few seconds. At these settings, without the flash, Stitch'e entire front would have been black. Instead, I have the sun lighting the scene and I was able to fill the shadows enough to see the details in the Stitch topiary. I haven't had a chance to play with this image in post too much, but for a grab shot I'm satisfied.

The next image is of my son (a toddler) in the Seas with Nemo & Friends. This is after the ride, in the sea base, where you can explore the aquarium. I knew right away the type of image I wanted: an off-center silhouette of my son up against the glass, peering into the aquarium. I wanted him to be sharp and I didn't want any other people or walls in the frame. With so many variables out of my control (a moving toddler, throngs of guests moving throughout the frame, fish swimming wherever they want), I needed time, patience, and serendipity on my side. Unfortunately, I had neither, so I had to compromise and walk away with whatever I could. Okay, so here's my thought process. The scene was dark, and although the aquarium was the brightest part of the scene, it was still pretty dim. My toddler was moving around so much that one would think I'd need a fast shutter speed. However, a fast shutter speed would require an even higher ISO than I wanted to use. I opted, instead, to wait for those split seconds in which my son was motionless and use a shutter speed that was fast enough to negate shake from hand-holding the camera. I chose 1/60. At that shutter speed I had to max out my aperture at f/2.8 and increase the ISO to 1600 to get the aquarium adequately bright. I was okay with the wide aperture, as it would be enough to get him and only him in focus; I was okay with the aquarium being more out of focus, and thought that it would actually help my son "pop" more in the picture. So that's pretty much how I handled the exposure. Now, what I don't like about the image is that the aquarium scene is too busy. The spot that I really wanted had nothing but blue water in the background and occassionally a big fish or a small group of fish swimming by. That's what I wanted. Unfortunately, there was a group of divers (which also might have been cool in the frame) and virtually every inch of the glass was occupied by other guests. I waited a minute, looked around for the spot that had the most openings, and this was the only spot that seemed to clear of guests once every minute, but it only remained clear for a few seconds at a time. Unfortunately, the coral there was just too busy; I prefer simplicity in my images. I chose to compose the frame so my son's head was in a spot where a shaft of light was hitting, and where there wasn't as much "busy-ness". Again, not a winner, but I'll take that as a snapshot and try again next time.

Thanks again for the opportunity to talk about this stuff. I always say that photography is all about compromise (and I just started listening to Scott Bourne's podcast and laughed out loud when I heard him say the same thing). Ideally, we'd be able to select the shutter speed that perfectly suits our needs, pick the right aperture to get the exact depth of field we want, choose the ISO that gives the least amount of image noise, and have available light with the right color, quality, and direction for our subject. However, we usually wind up having to compromise on one, or more, or all of these things, and that makes photography so challenging and interesting. If it were too easy, it would be boring. When people ask "what settings should I use for (fill in the blank)", there's no universally correct answer, because the environment, the subject, and lighting are constantly changing. Additionally, it's not always easy to reply to such a question, because the answer can also be greatly affected by the mood a photographer wants in the image. Take, for instance, shooting a waterfall. You could use a slow shutter speed so the motion of the water will apear silky and give a certain mood to the image. Alternately, you could use a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water and dwell on each tiny droplet. If someone is diving over the waterfall you could freeze his motion with a fast shutter speed, let him and the water have motion blur by using a slow shutter speed, or you can pan with him with a moderate shutter speed, so he's relatively sharp while everything else is a streak of color and light. There are so many ways to interpret a scene. And in the case of this Disney trip, I could have taken a little more control (asking people to move, posing my son, etc.), but I wanted our enjoyment at the park to take precedence over photography. I long for a dedicated photo expedition to WDW, and I might get an annual pass so I can do just that (maybe by myself instead of with the family).

 

[Marlton Mom]

This is an excellent idea and Grillmouster laid on an excellent reply. I envy his skill with the D300! I myself am leaning heavily towards upgrading to a Nikon D90 but that's another post and hours more research. (thanks for the info Figgy!)

Ok, here goes my thought process on capturing this image. I had literally envisioned this shot for years but it was with a rather uncooperative subject. I got lucky to say the least when all the elements came together for this shot.



If you've ever tried to take pictures up close of butterflies you know as soon as they see you coming with a camera they automatically take off. If you are not in possession of a camera they will playfully land in the perfect spot just to hear you say "gee I wish I had my camera". Then they stick their rather long tongues out at you and fly off!

I had been trained to raise butterflies at my son's school. Every year they would have a butterfly parade and I would take tons of really great pictures of kids with butterflies placed on their heads as they were being released. The look of wonder and joy on those kids faces made for some really great photos. Unfortunately I am not at liberty to post any photos of these children as the photo release their parents signed was for the schools use (Yearbook, Newsletter) and not for my use.

This post is not so much about camera settings because the subject was so dynamic. I didn't know if it would be moving or still, in the shadows or the sunlight, so like most "sports" photography I kept the settings of the Nikon D50 on full automatic. That was one camera that NEVER let me down (Ahem D60!)

This post is more about managing your situations so that you can get the best shot.

Shooting the parade is mass chaos with everyone and their Grandmother trying to get the best angle for that once in a lifetime shot using a crappy 1 megapixel cell phone camera. (Sort of like shooting at Disney, Huh?) These people are constantly intruding on my shot composition and I have to be nice and understanding, even though I am the school's photographer and I'm taking pictures for "everybody", especially the parents that couldn't make it.

Having covered this event for years and knowing what to anticipate I was able to position myself to the best advantage. So rule # 1 would be observe and anticipate, or try to be familiar with the subject you are photographing.

I was able to take a spot that was with my back to the sun. Being familiar with the behavior of the individuals involved in advance proved invaluable because I could anticipate the next action and position myself for the shot.

Now we get to this butterfly shot.

Remember when I said I was trained to raise butterflies? Well when I came back to school after the parade this little fellow was still around, feeding on the milkweed. Usually, these guys take off not long after they are released... because people have all those cameras...... right???

I wondered why he was still around and I went in for a closer look. His abdomen was malformed. He was feeding but he wasn't going to make it with that birth defect. He basically didn't have the strength to fly off. He was perfect in every way except for that. When I first went over he was feeding in the deep dark shadows. The milkweed was raggedy looking and the light was bad.

Since I was trained to handle Monarch Butterflies, (and had in fact given them baths after feeding them!) I knew I could gently pick him up and move him to a location that had better flowers. That location that I chose also happened to be in the best light.

I may have put the program to macro, I can't remember and it doesn't show up in the EXIF data. All I know is I got in as close as I could while trying to get the depth of field right in the perfect spot, fully aware that the closer I got, the shallower my depth of field would be. If the focus was off, the shot was in the delete pile.

I loved that D50! It was an awesome camera, the best in that price range that Nikon had to offer at the time, before they started chopping off features and dumbing down some of their offerings.

So there ya go.
That's my 2 cents,


Marlton Mom

 

[mom2rtk]

GrillMouster - AWESOME post... EXACTLY what I am looking for. Thank you! I loved the discussion about making the most of what you had in front of you with Stitch. I'm always traveling with kids, and have to take my shot when I'm there and seldom make it back for that better shot later... you know after the sun has moved to my desired spot in the sky!

I also loved your discussion of the shot by the aquarium. I think you did an awesome job making the most of a very dynamic situation. I liked the discussion of the compromises required.

MarltonMom - STUNNING SHOT! A great illustration of the importance of inside information!

I recall your thread before your last trip where you outlined the MANY pieces of info you needed to remember prior to taking fireworks photos. (At least I THINK that was you).... I feel like I'm about there now. I just need to make this stuff second nature.

Anyone else?????

 

[Marlton Mom]

MarltonMom - STUNNING SHOT! A great illustration of the importance of inside information!

I recall your thread before your last trip where you outlined the MANY pieces of info you needed to remember prior to taking fireworks photos. (At least I THINK that was you).... I feel like I'm about there now. I just need to make this stuff second nature. End Quote.

I think you mean this obsessive, compulsive post..
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2344791

In practice at the parks, the checklist really helped out. You tend to have ADD with all the distractions and fatigue. Having a camera settings list for your subject really helps you to stay focused, especially if you are going to go manual.

'Know thy camera'

Thanks


Marlton Mom

 

[mom2rtk]

I think you mean this obsessive, compulsive post..
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2344791

In practice at the parks, the checklist really helped out. You tend to have ADD with all the distractions and fatigue. Having a camera settings list for your subject really helps you to stay focused, especially if you are going to go manual.

'Know thy camera'

Thanks


Marlton Mom

Why... YES... that would be it! Can you tell me how that all went.... did you like the spot you chose, did you like your camera settings, which lens did you choose? In short.... how did that list translate into real life? I have this vision of me standing by my tripod with a little flashlight reading my notes while all those glorious fireworks are going off overhead!!!!

 

[GrillMouster]

Great post, Marlton Mom. It reminds me of advice I've heard from sports photographers. They say that having a genuine interest and/or knowledge of the sport your shooting will greatly improve your chances for success. The same principle can be applied to all sorts of photography. For example, at WDW, watching an earlier appearance of a parade, fireworks, or show can help prepare you to shoot it later. You'll know what to expect and can anticipate highlights.

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said about the D50. I've held onto mine and use it occassionally. Actually, I recently had the sensor replaced, and it's better than new. With the technology that was available at the time, I think this camera hit the megapixel "sweet spot" for a sensor of its size. The DX bodies that immediately followed the D50 with higher megapixel counts had to rely more on software/firmware to reduce image noise (cheating!). Obviously, the D50 can't compete with the FX bodies in low light/high ISO, but for what it is, that camera holds its own. I've never found the 6.1 megapixels to be limiting. It will always be "my baby".

 

[mom2rtk]

Great post, Marlton Mom. It reminds me of advice I've heard from sports photographers. They say that having a genuine interest and/or knowledge of the sport your shooting will greatly improve your chances for success.

So what you guys are saying is that I need to spend more time on the Disboards to become and even better Disney photographer.... Hmmmm ..... Well.... if you INSIST!

Keep the info coming!

 

[GrillMouster]

So what you guys are saying is that I need to spend more time on the Disboards to become and even better Disney photographer.... Hmmmm ..... Well.... if you INSIST!

Now I've got a legitimate excuse for spending way too much time on the DIS.

 

[SrisonS]

GrillMouster..... Thanks for the shout-out!!!!!!!!

I approached this under the same lighting conditions. Stitch was in shadow; but I wanted him to be the main subject of this shot...... and also wanting Mission: Space in there. And just like you said, Stitch would've been "nicely" lit, and the sky blown-out; or the sky would've been nice, but Stitch too dark. A fill-flash was a great idea here; but I unfortunately only have the pop-up one on my camera, and it doesn't play too nicely with my lens hood on (and I didn't wanna take it off).

So my main approach in these types of situations is to use HDR (3 differently exposed shots.... -1, 0, +1). The subject doesn't get lit up as nice (like in GrillMouster's shot), but you can get some nice range of colors under not-so-great lighting conditions. One thing I had to be aware of was how the camera was metering off this scene. When metering off of Stitch, the sky was totally blown-out in all 3 shots (camera thought the main subject was too dark, so it brightened everything). So I locked the metering more from the sky (to where the sky looked decent in all three shots). I know I seem to focus a lot on the sky here; but from past experience with HDR processing, having a blown-out sky in the shots is [heck] to deal with. I could live with the topiary being more on the dark side. Again, like GrillMouster mentioned, it's all about compromise (that's a wise one there ).

As far as my other settings, I went with Aperture Priority (f/8.0) to bring Mission: Space more into focus. With my composition, my main goal was to avoid people being in the shot. The tilt helped there (but that's one of my addictions as-of-late... well, maybe more than as-of-late), as did the low pov. Ultimately, the low angle also helped to bring the topiary and the ride "together" in this shot.

Here's one of the 3 exposures I used (the other 2 being an overexposure and underexposure of this):


And the Final product:

 

[mom2rtk]

GrillMouster..... Thanks for the shout-out!!!!!!!!

I approached this under the same lighting conditions. Stitch was in shadow; but I wanted him to be the main subject of this shot...... and also wanting Mission: Space in there. And just like you said, Stitch would've been "nicely" lit, and the sky blown-out; or the sky would've been nice, but Stitch too dark. A fill-flash was a great idea here; but I unfortunately only have the pop-up one on my camera, and it doesn't play too nicely with my lens hood on (and I didn't wanna take it off).

So my main approach in these types of situations is to use HDR (3 differently exposed shots.... -1, 0, +1). The subject doesn't get lit up as nice (like in GrillMouster's shot), but you can get some nice range of colors under not-so-great lighting conditions. One thing I had to be aware of was how the camera was metering off this scene. When metering off of Stitch, the sky was totally blown-out in all 3 shots (camera thought the main subject was too dark, so it brightened everything). So I locked the metering more from the sky (to where the sky looked decent in all three shots). I know I seem to focus a lot on the sky here; but from past experience with HDR processing, having a blown-out sky in the shots is [heck] to deal with. I could live with the topiary being more on the dark side. Again, like GrillMouster mentioned, it's all about compromise (that's a wise one there ).

As far as my other settings, I went with Aperture Priority (f/8.0) to bring Mission: Space more into focus. With my composition, my main goal was to avoid people being in the shot. The tilt helped there (but that's one of my addictions as-of-late... well, maybe more than as-of-late), as did the low pov. Ultimately, the low angle also helped to bring the topiary and the ride "together" in this shot.

Here's one of the 3 exposures I used (the other 2 being an overexposure and underexposure of this):


And the Final product:

Thank you Scott! It's a stunning photo!

I think I was on the right track with aperture priority to keep Stitch and MS in focus, but haven't tried HDR yet so couldn't have gone that direction.

A couple of questions:

1) When shooting your bracketed shots for HDR, do you have to have the camera on a tripod?

2) How do you meter off the sky, but focus on stitch?

 

[SrisonS]

Thank you Scott! It's a stunning photo!

I think I was on the right track with aperture priority to keep Stitch and MS in focus, but haven't tried HDR yet so couldn't have gone that direction.

A couple of questions:

1) When shooting your bracketed shots for HDR, do you have to have the camera on a tripod?

2) How do you meter off the sky, but focus on stitch?

1) I never carry a tripod during the day. I probably wouldn't use it, for the most park. Because of the faster shutter speeds I can get during the daytime, and the fact I can hold the camera steady enough, I'm usually fine.

2) I use AE Lock (Auto Exposure Lock). On my Rebel T1i, it's a button next to an asterisk. I basically just point the camera at what I want to meter off (i.e. the sky), then press that button. It will then lock that exposure setting; and I can just take my shot as normal. Very simple to do. And after discovering this function, I use it quite often.

 

[Marlton Mom]

Why... YES... that would be it! Can you tell me how that all went.... did you like the spot you chose, did you like your camera settings, which lens did you choose? In short.... how did that list translate into real life? I have this vision of me standing by my tripod with a little flashlight reading my notes while all those glorious fireworks are going off overhead!!!!

For fireworks, parades, shows, the key is to pick your spot and get there WAAAY early. I had really wanted to photograph Spectromagic and the fireworks and as it happened I would only have 1 night in the 5 day trip to do it.

I scoped out spots in the Magic Kingdom the day before Spectro/fireworks. I was thinking the traditional spot somewhere near Casey's hot dog stand but then I was hoping to meet up with other Dis board photographers and they wanted to shoot by the "Partners" statue. Those plans fell apart due to the chaos that is Disney and I was on my own.

The whole time I was thinking about the shots I wanted to get, I was thinking that I didn't really want the tops of people's heads blocking parts of the Castle. God forbid I should be parked behind a last minute Shaquille O'Neal with a child on each shoulder. If you know my luck then you know that is definitely gonna happen. I noticed that you could go up against the fence by the Crystal Palace and no one could stand in front of you....... unless they were a duck, and they're short!

I started to go over to the Partners statue at about 5:45 pm. The circle was PACKED!!! Unbelievable! There wasn't a show until 7 pm so these people were there for Spectro I'm guessing. I didn't really feel comfortable spreading out a tripod in space that was already claimed so I went with my other choice, the "Crystal Palace stroller parking lot", which is against the fence.

This meant that I would not be able to photograph Spectro. I had to decide, on the spot, which choice was more important to me and I chose the fireworks. (these crowds were there on Monday December 14th so there really isn't a "slow" day at Disney!)

By now it's about 5:55 pm and the stroller parking lot by C.P. is packed with dinner hour guests. I'm in luck because just to the left of a light pole is an opening about 3 feet wide. I start to set up the tripod.

In the process of setting up, an elderly lady stomps over and starts to SHOVE a stroller almost under the tripod. Keep in mind I'm standing right there next to the extended tripod. I'm saying excuse me please, excuse me please! She is ignoring me so I body block her from the tripod. She was of obvious ethnic origin (unnamed because it doesn't matter) and she was pretending not to understand English. I wasn't moving so we were in the midst of a standoff and then she disappeared, leaving the stroller right next to me.

I finish setting up and I start to take test shots. I'm using the check list and it was great at helping me avoid those brain dead moments.

This is a dusk exposure of the Castle touched up in Photoshop CS4



Notice that the Castle is still slightly over exposed. If I altered the shot to expose for the castle the roses in the foreground would be too dark. I still haven't gotten to the part in Photoshop where I can fix parts of the exposure.

I'll get to more picture info later but first I have to tell you that about 45 minutes later the old lady comes BACK and starts up with the stroller shoving AGAIN!!! Again I'm saying excuse me please, excuse me to no avail. I add in "I got here first" and get a angry blank look.

Now comes the best part. You know how she was pretending not to understand English? Well her grown up kids come over with the granddaughter and SPEAK ENGLISH to her, telling her "lets go Mom, lets go!".

Ok, so that was round one. Obsessed photographer 1, Grandma stealing a spot that was already taken 0.

I'm including this Grandma part because it's something you are going to have to deal with. If it's not Grandma, it's some LAST MINUTE, dog eyed kids that can't see because "you" are in "their" way.

Ok, so now I'm taking test shots for exposure and composition. But this is from daylight to dusk to night so the exposures for the castle are all over the place as the light changes. At this point I think that from this spot I want to use my Tokina 11-16 to get in both sides of the Fireworks, even though the castle will be off center. Keep in mind that I don't know exactly where the fireworks are going to appear so I set my lens to it's widest point, then think about it.

After the fireworks started I wound up switching lenses after the first couple of bangs because the composition needed to be in tighter. I went with my Nikon AFS 18-55.

Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 7.3 seconds manual
Aperture: f/14.0
Focal Length: 26 mm
Focal Length: 25.9 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: -2 EV
Flash: No Flash




In the above photograph the castle is blue so the long exposure time didn't blow out the Castle's exposure and the blue lighting on it allowed for some nice long fireworks trails.

This however was rarely the case as the Castle was psychotic with it's color changes!

I pretty much figured that the exposure necessary for the Castle (BRIGHTLY lit at times) and the exposure for the fireworks were just about incompatible. Either, one was just right while the other was over/under exposed. The Castle kept changing it's lighting during the show and the fireworks would either be just right or blown out completely. Aye Ca rumba!

Here is an image before photoshop of the Castle with a different lighting scheme.
Exposure: 2.4
Aperture: f/14.0
Focal Length: 26 mm
Focal Length: 25.9 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: -2 EV
Flash: No Flash




You can see how the lighting change affects the overall exposure. The Castle was not at full color when this exposure was taken and the fire works are smokey so this one is not a "keeper" to me. I have yet to noodle around in Photoshop with most of these Castle fireworks exposures to see what I can improve.

Photography is about choices, right, so here's what wound up happening. I gave up on the castle exposure and concentrated on trying to get the fireworks exposed correctly to preserve their color and shape. Exposure Time = shape + color with fireworks.

I figured that the Castle was the 'sort' of interesting foreground anchor and the fireworks were the star of the show. At least that's the choice that I made. You could go for the opposite and expose for the Castle and then just deal with the more than likely underexposed fireworks. Or you could get lucky and all the stars would align. The universe would be in harmony and the perfect combination of fireworks and Castle would materialize in the instant you opened the shutter.

I shot on bulb and just guessed the amount of time to keep the shutter open manually. That was fun! I took a ton of pictures during the 12 minute show, 56 by my count. About as many as I could take while waiting for the big booms to materialize. I missed a few because I was checking the LCD screen from time to time to see if I was nailing the color and shape on the fireworks to my satisfaction. There is no way that you can control or anticipate what will come next unless you are very familiar with this show, so just remember to keep the shutter open longer for the "darker" ones and shut it right away when those eyeball frying, white magnesium ones go off.

Also be very aware that you can't see crap about what you're taking in a 3 inch LCD screen on the back of the camera. In a perfect world I would have loved to have my camera hooked up to a lap top to see what was really being captured.

Sooooo..... You get what you get and you don't get upset!

What I didn't think about until I got home was that fact that I could Photoshop together the best exposures of fireworks with the "beauty" shot I got of the Castle after the show.




I was trying to bracket the exposures on the Castle after the fireworks show but by the time I got to the last couple of EV's in a color set, the darn thing would change color! I really needed more practice exposing the Castle correctly and I was dog tired from a LOOONG day of running around the parks trying to be a photographer AND tourist Mom entertaining my 11 year old son.

Now lets get back to the next round of attacks on the spot that I claimed. Yes, there is a next round. No, it does not involve English speaking Granny!

I pay attention to everything that 'youse guys' post here on the Dis boards. I have read all the sad tales of having the perfect set up only to have some last minute interlopers run in front of your camera right before the fireworks go off and body block your shots. This is why I went for the Crystal Palace stroller parking lot location. I would only have to deal with the interlopers on my left and right since I was dead up against the fence. Remember I am only getting one shot at this every 2 years so I am neurotic!

The fact that people attempted to climb over the fence and stand in front of me on the grass will not be expounded upon because an ever helpful cast member busted them back behind the fence.

I had let it be known that I was taking yellow plastic CAUTION tape (Avail @ Home Depot). If we managed to meet up with the other Dis board peeps, we could wrap it around our tripod areas in a vain attempt to keep out the last minute interlopers. After my experience with Stroller Granny I whipped out that tape and tied it to both sides of the railing with my tripod in the middle. I only took up about 3 feet and I was there for 2 hours before the show, so no one could tell me they needed to stand in front of my camera. That tape worked until right before the fireworks started. A million people started cramming in to the C.P. stroller parking lot. They were pushing ever closer, especially as the the show got closer to starting. Most of the early birds saw the tape and backed off but there is always that group, with the little kids that scooches up to the front.... needing to be ever closer until they are standing in front of your camera, blocking your shot so the kids could "see".

I was really getting uncomfortable with this 1 family. This was the group that decided that it would be a good idea to hop the fence and stand right in front of me. I just about had a stroke! I had to tell my husband and son to body block these people from standing right on top of my camera. Then I looked at the kids. They were elementary school age and they looked tired.

I love kids and I started feeling sorry for them. My husband was stationed to the right, in front of the light pole and he could peep around and see. Nobody was directly behind him because of the pole. My 11 year old was on left and he was taller than these kids. I felt bad! He could easily stand behind these kids and have an unobstructed view, but they would be right next to my camera. I told my son what I was going to do and he was OK with it. I said to the family "I'll tell ya what I'm gonna do, how about if your kids stand in front of my son so that they can see, BUT YOU HAVE TO PROMISE ME THEY WON'T TOUCH THE CAMERA"."I repeated that it would not be good to touch the camera. "Ok" they said and BIG smiles spread out on their faces. My son was fine with this arrangement and the parents stood behind him.

It was PACKED and the excitement started to build. The little boy became jumpy and started to pull on my caution tape over and over again. I work with kids so I said "Ok, you can't do that it's making my pictures blurry". He was having a hard time not doing it. I kept gently repeating myself and much to their credit, his parents intervened and made sure he stopped. Another homicide on my part averted!You know how Disney can be overrun with feral children and their righteous parents? Well these people were ok and it was worth it to take a chance and let these kids stand right on top of my camera so they could see the fireworks. However, keep in mind that your mileage may vary.....

If I were you I would consider having some one with really bad intestinal gas stand next to you while you were staking out a spot for fireworks. (My husband would be PERFECT!) Perhaps a loud conversation about how the doctors will know for sure tomorrow whether or not you have Swine flu will help. In any case, don't be afraid to come up with some sure fire coping strategies for last minute interlopers. I'm thinking stun gun for the next trip.

As far as the exposures are concerned you really have to practice ahead of time, hopefully with the Castle, because the lighting on the architecture is so extreme. I was afraid to stop down because I didn't want the fireworks to be underexposed and the trails to be really long. I did not manage to find the right combination of exposure with the one night I had to shoot but you can fix a multitude of sins in Photoshop.

I would love to have easy access to the parks to really practice and hone my skills with the equipment that I have. I think for this trip I was the most successful with my exposures with the shots I took of the neon signs and building facades at the Hollywood Studios. A 'static' subject for exposure is a lot easier than the psychotic mess that is the Castle/Fireworks combination. Here is a link to my Flickr page Photo trip report. You can see what I mean about the Hollywood Studios shots here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlton-mom/4219612887/in/set-72157623419281093/

So go forth and have fun. Practice as much as you can on night exposures before you go. This will help you to learn your camera's settings and what you get when you do this or that. I would try taking pictures of neon signs at night. They don't have to be fancy. By doing this you will learn that you really have to stop down to get the details and avoid blowing out the colors. Alter f stops with exposure times. Try exposure compensation modes if you have it on your camera. And for God' sake use a tripod, otherwise you're going to be getting some "Timothy Leary tripped out on acid, blurry light" pictures! I was laughing because all these people were taking hand held cell phone pictures of Fantasmic. They looked great on that little tiny cell phone screen but I knew if they needed them bigger than an inch they were dead meat! The tripod was absolutely key for night shots. don't leave home without it!

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Marlton Mom

 

[GrillMouster]

Another good one, Marlton Mom. I completely empathize with your difficultly getting both the castle & the fireworks perfect. The lighting levels on the castle can vary greatly on the castle from one second to the next. So, the moment you think you've got the right exposure settings dialed in, the lighting changes and suddenly you're overexposing the castle. Another problem is that the castle is lighted continuously, while the light produced by the fireworks only lasts a brief second. So, the slow shutter speeds required to get those nice fireworks trails & blooms can easily cause overexposure of the castle. As you concluded, sometimes the best solution is to combine images in post-processing. I try to avoid it as much as possible, cause I'd rather spend my time behind the camera, but sometimes there's no way around it.

Your suggestions regarding intestinal gas, swine flu, and stun gun caught me off-guard. I had orange juice coming out of my nose (not pleasant). I think I peed myself a little, too.

 

[klmall]

If I were you I would consider having some one with really bad intestinal gas stand next to you while you were staking out a spot for fireworks. (My husband would be PERFECT!) Perhaps a loud conversation about how the doctors will know for sure tomorrow whether or not you have Swine flu will help. In any case, don't be afraid to come up with some sure fire coping strategies for last minute interlopers. I'm thinking stun gun for the next trip.

Gotta love those down-to-earth practical strategies! I'll volunteer my DH too!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Quote:If I were you I would consider having some one with really bad intestinal gas stand next to you while you were staking out a spot for fireworks. (My husband would be PERFECT!)

Gotta love those down-to-earth practical strategies! I'll volunteer my DH too!

Perhaps we could gather enough of them to form a protective ring around the tripods.

We should probably get them bright orange reflective vests though..... with large block text that says : KEEP BACK 500 FEET, NOXIOUS HUSBAND FARTS EMITTED WITHOUT WARNING- DANGER DANGER!!!!!!!



I'm just sayin.....
~ Marlton Mom

 

[mom2rtk]

Marlton Mom - LOVING the Swine Flu idea! That should be good to use in December this year, right???? And loving the "real world" advice to go with the technical advice. This is WAY more than I wanted...err.... I mean ....requested.....

I do appreciate the play by play of your issues with exposing the castle properly. I too struggle with trying to get some decent fireworks shots, and have the exact same hurdle you do: lack of access for repeated tries! It's so hard when you get one try a year. I want to try my hand at our city's fireworks this summer, but it's probably not great preparation since we don't have the castle element to adjust for....

But I AM ever determined. I bought my new tripod yesterday, so I should be sufficiently equipped.

Quick question: Did you use a wireless remote or a cable remote? I have a cable but am thinking of getting the wireless one.

Anyone else have some photos they feel like walking us through? I continue to find this very helpful!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Quick question: Did you use a wireless remote or a cable remote? I have a cable but am thinking of getting the wireless one.

Anyone else have some photos they feel like walking us through? I continue to find this very helpful!

I used the "wash and wear" ML-L3 Nikon wireless remote.

 

[mom2rtk]

I used the "wash and wear" ML-L3 Nikon wireless remote.

I thought as much after seeing the other thread. Thanks! I'm thinking of trying the Canon version, but also have a cable remote. Mostly I want the wireless one for the odd occasion when I take a shot of the entire family. I've done that every year when we go to the beach. But I've been taking one shot, then running back to hit the timer, then running back while everyone says "would you just hurry up already!" I want to do one at the Grand Canyon this summer... I need to move fast there so no one pushes anyone over the edge....

 

[tlcmommyx4]

Marlton Mom - LOVING the Swine Flu idea! That should be good to use in December this year, right???? And loving the "real world" advice to go with the technical advice. This is WAY more than I wanted...err.... I mean ....requested.....

I do appreciate the play by play of your issues with exposing the castle properly. I too struggle with trying to get some decent fireworks shots, and have the exact same hurdle you do: lack of access for repeated tries! It's so hard when you get one try a year. I want to try my hand at our city's fireworks this summer, but it's probably not great preparation since we don't have the castle element to adjust for....

But I AM ever determined. I bought my new tripod yesterday, so I should be sufficiently equipped.

Quick question: Did you use a wireless remote or a cable remote? I have a cable but am thinking of getting the wireless one.

Anyone else have some photos they feel like walking us through? I continue to find this very helpful!

So can I ask what kind of tripod did you get? I have been looking and their are just so many and I kinda want another lens too. I need to plant some seeds for my money (camera) tree. Just need to get some idea of the kind of tripods I should be looking at.