Shooting Illuminations

[lhermiston]

I'm sure this has been posted before, so I apologize, but does anyone have any tips for shooting Illuminations. This will be my first time watching and shooting the show, so I don't know if I should treat it like a fireworks show - bulb mode, etc. - or if there's a better approach.

Any advice would be much appreciated, we'll be down there in six days!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I shoot it the same as for fireworks. I haven't tried to use a ND filter, but that could be interesting, however I think you would have to know the show sequence prior to attempting that technique.

 

[lhermiston]

I shoot it the same as for fireworks. I haven't tried to use a ND filter, but that could be interesting, however I think you would have to know the show sequence prior to attempting that technique.

Thanks for the tip! I, too, am intrigued by using an ND filter, but since this will be my first time shooting all of the shows, I'm going to be focusing more on technique and location. I've only shot fireworks twice before...

 

[PythonFan888]

I'm sure this has been posted before, so I apologize, but does anyone have any tips for shooting Illuminations. This will be my first time watching and shooting the show, so I don't know if I should treat it like a fireworks show - bulb mode, etc. - or if there's a better approach.

Any advice would be much appreciated, we'll be down there in six days!

If it's your first time watching and shooting I suggest familiarizing yourself with the soundtrack and the sequence of bursts. The show follows a precise sequence and timing your exposures is easier when you are familiar with the show. This youtube video is one of the best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maWd7rBonn0

As for the ND filter I would say you could probably get away without one if you keep your exposures below 12 seconds otherwise you could run into the problem of blown highlights. Some parts of the show are very bright.

My usual set-up: tripod, remote cable release, ND filter, bulb mode, manual focus to infinity (or a little less), f/11 to f/14, ISO 100. My usual exposures are from 12 seconds to about 30 seconds depending on the sequence. Location: the Japan pavilion is my favorite.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/9370978462/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/9965058656/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/8746526037/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/8642934052/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/8056371479/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/10993474843/in/set-72157627344397028
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_castillo/11996003776/in/set-72157627344397028

 

[Shazzasmd]

Beautiful, PythonFan. Nicely captured

 

[Pixel Dust]

I usually shoot with a 3 stop ND filter. But you can get away with it using a small aperture. These were shot at f/11 with the ND filter.

 

[SunDial]

I have a variable ND filter that I have not had the time to use it at Disney yet. I do use pretty much the same settings as the others. I could be up there this weekend but will definitely be there in 4 weeks.

 

[HPS3]

I have a variable ND filter that I have not had the time to use it at Disney yet. I do use pretty much the same settings as the others. I could be up there this weekend but will definitely be there in 4 weeks.

What dates will you be there? We'll be in the parks from 2/27-3/5. I'd be interested in shooting some night shots with someone.

 

[SunDial]

February 22nd and 23rd is when I will be there for the weekend. I have gone up for single day trips. If the home schedule works out I could be back up there then. In the MK they did not let me stay to long in the park after closing, about an hour. Now in Epcot I have been in there a couple of hours after closing shooting long exposure shots.

 

[lhermiston]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Sidebar: Is it possible to get a decent Wishes shot from just outside Cinderella's castle, facing the carousel, with the carousel in the frame? I'm guessing not, but it'd be a great shot.

 

[Pixel Dust]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Sidebar: Is it possible to get a decent Wishes shot from just outside Cinderella's castle, facing the carousel, with the carousel in the frame? I'm guessing not, but it'd be a great shot.

The area between the castle and carousel is usually blocked off during the fireworks. There are fireworks that go off right next to the castle and the ash comes down in this area.

The larger fireworks are farther back and actually from outside of the park.

Here you get an idea of where they are being fired from.

 

[Tigerlulu]

So shooting from the japan pavilion--you can actually go up onto a balcony? Or just up closer to the building?

 

[Pixel Dust]

So shooting from the japan pavilion--you can actually go up onto a balcony? Or just up closer to the building?

Yes, the balcony around Tokyo Dining is open to everyone.

Also of note: You are going to want the corner spot. Otherwise, the Japan arch in the water will block the globe. You will still get nice shots anywhere. Just be aware the globe may be blocked if you don't get the corner spot on the balcony.

My first attempt on the balcony. I didn't get the corner spot.

 

[lhermiston]

The area between the castle and carousel is usually blocked off during the fireworks. There are fireworks that go off right next to the castle and the ash comes down in this area.

The larger fireworks are farther back and actually from outside of the park.

Here you get an idea of where they are being fired from.

These are truly amazing!

The reason I ask about shooting from the back of the park is we'll be getting out of BOG right before Wishes our first night and I doubt I'll be able to snag a decent spot in the primo spots. I took this as an opportunity to get something unique.

 

[Pixel Dust]

These are truly amazing!

The reason I ask about shooting from the back of the park is we'll be getting out of BOG right before Wishes our first night and I doubt I'll be able to snag a decent spot in the primo spots. I took this as an opportunity to get something unique.

Remember, the large fireworks originate from outside of the park, in the back.

You could just shoot it at BOG.


Or Little Mermaid.

 

[lhermiston]

Gah!! Those are great!

So many locations I want to shoot from...not nearly enough nights at MK.

 

[Hockeyman]

From the corner spot last year


Illuminations Friday by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr



Illuminations by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr



Fireworks Friday by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[Skywise]

Remember, the large fireworks originate from outside of the park, in the back.

You could just shoot it at BOG.

Huh... I didn't know Beast's castle got its own fireworks display.