Tips on Photographing at California Grill

[saturndb]

The DW and I go to the world in T minus seven days and counting and this time we will be having dinner at the California Grill restaurant and afterwards will we going up top to take some pictures. Any tips on how to photopgraph up their?


Dave

 

[Kyen]

Good Luck! The wind is CRAZY up there, I would use a tripod!

 

[annnewjerz]

I've never been up to the observation deck to take pictures, but if it is as windy as the previous poster says, I would bring something to hang on your tripod to keep it from tipping over with your camera on top. Most tripods have a hook on the centerpost---you can probably hang anything on there to weigh it down. I'd get a small drawstring back and a rock, or maybe a bag of sand. Heck, maybe they sell something specifically for that purpose. Maybe try Google'ing it?

Also, I probably wouldn't fully extend the centerpost either. The more parts are extended, the more shaky it's going to be, so if possible just open up the legs but avoid extending the centerpost.

Good luck!

 

[YesDear]

I've never been up to the observation deck to take pictures, but if it is as windy as the previous poster says, I would bring something to hang on your tripod to keep it from tipping over with your camera on top. Most tripods have a hook on the centerpost---you can probably hang anything on there to weigh it down. I'd get a small drawstring back and a rock, or maybe a bag of sand. Heck, maybe they sell something specifically for that purpose. Maybe try Google'ing it?

Also, I probably wouldn't fully extend the centerpost either. The more parts are extended, the more shaky it's going to be, so if possible just open up the legs but avoid extending the centerpost.

Good luck!

She is getting good!

 

[boBQuincy]

If you are going to photograph "Wishes", don't expect the fireworks to be nicely centered like they are on Main Street. Most of the bursts will appear to be off to the right side of Cindy's castle.
The viewing deck is not as rock solid as it seems, people walking by and other vibrations in the building can make some photos with long shutter speeds blurred. Take a lot of photos!

It's a long way to the castle, I used about 85mm for fireworks, longer for castle and Space Mountain photos. The view of the Electrical Water Pageant parade is pretty good from up there too!

 

[annnewjerz]

She is getting good!

I learn from the best.

 

[bostran1]

Definitely use a tripod. I've never had a problem with wind but a tripod is a must. Also, if you're going out to see the fireworks, go to the observation deck on the right (if you're looking at the Magic Kingdom, it is past the elevators) and the crowds will be smaller. Its a great view.

One thing to keep in mind if you're using a tripod and a lens with IS or VR, you may need to turn off the IS or VR. Check your lens manual to see what the manufacturer says.

 

[GrillMouster]

...Most tripods have a hook on the centerpost---you can probably hang anything on there to weigh it down. I'd get a small drawstring back and a rock, or maybe a bag of sand. Heck, maybe they sell something specifically for that purpose...

I use my camera bag.

 

[saturndb]

Thanks everyone for the tips

Dave

 

[WDWFigment]

One thing to keep in mind if you're using a tripod and a lens with IS or VR, you may need to turn off the IS or VR. Check your lens manual to see what the manufacturer says.

I have heard this a lot (I'm not calling it into question), but without fail, I forget to do it with my Nikkor 18-200. Anyone know how much of a difference this really makes? I have never noticed issues with sharpness in my images, but I have also not done any comparison shots.

 

[GrillMouster]

I have heard this a lot (I'm not calling it into question), but without fail, I forget to do it with my Nikkor 18-200. Anyone know how much of a difference this really makes? I have never noticed issues with sharpness in my images, but I have also not done any comparison shots.

I think the official lens guides say to turn VR off when the camera is on a tripod, but judging from my own experience as well as accounts on other photo forums, it's not a problem with the current 18-200 and other relatively new VR lenses as long as VR is set to Normal. That's not necessarily the case with older VR lenses, like the old 70-200. I expect that the VR II on the upcoming 70-200 will be much like that of the current 18-200, and you should be okay leaving it on Normal on a tripod. I think the current 18-200 is VR II, even though it only says "VR" on the lens.

 

[pointandshoot]

Photograph the sushi. It is delicious!

Keep your dinner receipt. You can leave after your meal and return later in the evening for fireworks photography or night shots.

You have two platforms for viewing. One of Epcot and one of MK. They offer different shots.

If my memory is good, I think you catch the sunset light over Bay Lake which makes for some nice color.

Enjoy your meal and trip.

Chuck