"What's the Catch - Do I Not Get Bacon?" - 11/27 - TR started!

[amazingact21]

I know it's late, but...hooray for double digits!!!


I had to laugh over your fireworks dessert party situation. My DH does the same thing to me whenever I'm planning a Disney trip. Guess they just wanna keep our planning/adjustment skills sharp.


That sounds like a long day of flying...but at least your final destination will be Animal Kingdom Lodge! Pretty exciting!

 

[teekathepony]

I know it's late, but...hooray for double digits!!!


I had to laugh over your fireworks dessert party situation. My DH does the same thing to me whenever I'm planning a Disney trip. Guess they just wanna keep our planning/adjustment skills sharp.


That sounds like a long day of flying...but at least your final destination will be Animal Kingdom Lodge! Pretty exciting!

Thanks!! I can't believe how fast it went by!
Honestly, like he figures I enjoy the planning, so why not make more of it for me? (Not only that, but we've also booked two new ADRs! )
Ahhh yes, the pot of gold at the end of the long hours of flights! It's something to look forward to, which makes it all go a little easier!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi all! Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I know I am, great weather and we got a lot of yard work done. In fact I’m so tired from mowing my lawn:

The horses accidentally got out of their pasture and came to my front lawn for the grass. I just roped it off and let them at it. They nibbled all day and now they're full and my lawn is mowed!

Teeka wouldn't even lift her head to look at the camera:

Dale wouldn't either:

In other news, I finally got the My Disney Experience website working for me!

Until today I’ve been seeing the old site. I had the MDE app on my ipad so at least I was able to use it there, but I’m really glad the new site is finally working for me. It’s great! I love it! It sure makes planning easy.

Speaking of planning, how about I tell you about my first full day in Disney?

Day 1
November 12 --

If the past is any indication, I’ll be up around 4:30. My normal day 1 tradition is to grab my camera and take a solo tour around the resort while Johnny sleeps in.

Last year's tour (it was still dark!)




I’d like to be back to the room and waking Johnny by 6:30, have a quick breakfast and then we’re off! It’s an Epcot day.

Extra Magic Hours (Morning): Epcot [8:00AM]



I'd like to make it to rope drop! The plan is to get as much done in Future World this morning as possible, on top of the list being of course, Soarin' and Test Track!



Johnny will probably want to do his favourite while I sit out with my camera:



With any luck we will have most of Future World finished early. We want to have a quick service lunch somewhere, but we're also planning a mid-day break back at the hotel so we might just try out the Mara for the first time.

After taking a break it's back to Epcot we go for our first ADR of the trip:

4:30PM - Via Napoli. Epcot - World Showcase.

This is a first for us! As many times as this restaurant has made our short list, it has never yet made the final cut. I made it a top priority this year and I can't wait!

After dinner we're taking it easy and going to head on over to our favourite IllumiNations viewing spot:




Right outside of Canada! We're going to get there early, set up our tripods, maybe get a snack and settle in for what is (sometimes) my favourite show in the whole world:

9:00PM - IllumiNations. Epcot - World Showcase Lagoon.









When the show is over we will slowly pack up our camera gear and perhaps sneak up toward the Imagination pavilion for a few night shots of the fountains:



By this time everyone who was in a rush should be gone and we can take our time making it out of the park. Grab a bus back to Animal Kingdom Lodge and off to bed (unless the mood strikes for a late swim or soak in the hot tub!)

 

[teekathepony]

Photography 101
Lesson 8: Food Porn

It can bring readers to your TR, followers to your Instagram and comments to your Facebook. It can trigger Pavlovian drooling, stomach aches, and intense cravings.

FOOD PORN.

Yes, let's talk about Food Porn. Everyone likes taking pictures of their delicious Disney foods. Some people even go the extra mile and write dining reviews about every morsel they eat. So how can you get a better food picture?

Let me preface this by saying food photography is one of the things I've never really paid much attention to so this might be a learning experience for me too.

Unlike previous lessons, much of getting a good food picture is dependent on the situation and settings your food is in. Are you eating outdoors in bright sun? Indoors in a dark restaurant? Beside a window? Is it cloudy? Are the lights giving off a colour cast? Since there is so much that can affect your picture, I'll just give some general tips.

Natural light is your friend.
If you can, sit by a window. It will allow natural light to come in and this does two things -- first, it adds light to your scene allowing you to expose without using flash! Second, it will add visual interest, particularly texture to your meal with light coming in at an angle instead of the flat, straight on light of flash. Try very, very hard not to use the flash. Not only can it disturb other guests, it won't help your food to look appetizing. Open up your aperture -- the shallow depth of field it results in will add visual interest to your plate too. Slow your shutter speed as much as you can, just don't use flash. You're better off to up your ISO if you need to. If you are relying on natural light, just make sure you keep an eye on your white balance, you may need to adjust it. You can use things like white or metallic plates, napkins, sheets of paper etc. to hold up (out of the frame) opposite the window to bounce some of the light back onto the shaded side also -- lots of things can be used as emergency reflectors!

Flash: YUCK!


No natural light, high ISO:


Window light: Much better.


Watch your composition.
Remember last lesson? Those things apply to food too. Figure out what exactly your subject is -- pick a particularly perfect strawberry, garnish, slice, etc. and place it on one of your rule of thirds intersections. Use items like napkins or utensils to create leading lines to lead your eye in to your subject. Above all, don't clutter your picture -- be aware of what's in your frame! Take out the things that don't tell the story. If you need to move a few elements around on your plate to create a better composition, do it! Create some height in flat dishes by piling ingredients up or try taking it from a different angle. Taking different angles is a great tip anyway -- you can shoot from above, shoot from a lower angle, etc. Experiment!

Clutter will ruin your shot every time:


Getting a lower angle helped to get the texture of the bread, and the diagonal angle leads the eye:

Art of Animation by teekathepony, on Flickr

Get in tight to eliminate distractions:



Add motion.
This is just one idea to try -- add some motion or some human element to add life to your shot. A hand on a fork, some pouring liquid or condiment, etc.

I had Johnny wait until I was ready to pour his cream in his coffee:



Plan ahead.
If you really want to get a fantastic food shot, do some research. Have a look at as many pictures of the restaurant you're going to and the food you want to order as you can find. This will give you clues as to how the dish is prepared, the lighting of the restaurant, how crowded it is, etc.

Macro!
If you have a macro lens (or macro option on your lens) you may want to utilize it for taking closeups of food.

Making an emergency "Tripod"
If you need to slow down your shutter, remember that as a stationary object, as long as you can stabilize your camera, you can go as slow as you need to. Rest your camera on the table if you can, but if you need some extra height try resting it on your bag, a book, a box, a nearby windowsill or whatever you can get your hands on. Remember to use either your self-timer or a remote to eliminate camera shake with pressing the shutter release!

I hope these tips help, as always, if you have any specific questions please feel free to ask!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I love the pictures of your horses on your front lawn! Horses are so beautiful (but I'm sure you agree with that lol) Your first day plans sound great. I love getting up early and touring around resorts when it is quiet and still.

Thanks as always for the photography tips, they are really helpful!

 

[WDWaddictt]

Haha...awesome you had help with your lawn!

I absolutely loved your firework pictures...amazing!!!!

 

[teekathepony]

I love the pictures of your horses on your front lawn! Horses are so beautiful (but I'm sure you agree with that lol) Your first day plans sound great. I love getting up early and touring around resorts when it is quiet and still.

Thanks as always for the photography tips, they are really helpful!

Hehe I love my horses, I absolutely agree they are the most beautiful animals in my eyes!
It started when I could never sleep in on my first Disney day, but I found I loved wandering around an empty resort before the sun came up. Very relaxing!
And you're welcome.

Haha...awesome you had help with your lawn!

I absolutely loved your firework pictures...amazing!!!!

The horses have to pull their own weight and help with the chores around here! Lol
Thanks!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

Your horses look like they are in heaven. So glad they had a fantastic day just grazing and mowing the lawn.

Love your first day plans. I am actually a big fan of Via. I have eaten there twice and enjoyed the food both times. It's simple, but its a great environment with beautiful surroundings.

That was an awesome update on food shots. Wonderful tips. You really should write a little mini manual with all your updates. Seriously - I think its perfect for what someone on my level needs. Sort of like a little reference guide you can carry with you that really just hits the highlights and has practical tips.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I've gotten in a similar habit as you about waking up really early in the morning before my family does and walking around the resort taking pictures anytime we take a trip! It's so quiet and easy to take pics because nobody else is around.

The problem I have with taking food pictures is that I always forget to! The sight of food usually makes me think of just one thing - eat. By the time I remember that I should be taking some pictures, the plate is completely unpresentable!

 

[teekathepony]

Your horses look like they are in heaven. So glad they had a fantastic day just grazing and mowing the lawn.

Love your first day plans. I am actually a big fan of Via. I have eaten there twice and enjoyed the food both times. It's simple, but its a great environment with beautiful surroundings.

That was an awesome update on food shots. Wonderful tips. You really should write a little mini manual with all your updates. Seriously - I think its perfect for what someone on my level needs. Sort of like a little reference guide you can carry with you that really just hits the highlights and has practical tips.

The horses barely ate their hay the next day, they were so full! And they bout me at least another week before I have to mow my lawn!
I love Italian food more than anything, so I'm really excited for Via. It helps that everyone seems to be a fan!
Glad you liked the food tips, I thought that was a great suggestion (from Dee I think?) and definitely something the folks around here would enjoy
A little pocket reference is a great idea. Maybe ill compile everything into printable versions...

I've gotten in a similar habit as you about waking up really early in the morning before my family does and walking around the resort taking pictures anytime we take a trip! It's so quiet and easy to take pics because nobody else is around.

The problem I have with taking food pictures is that I always forget to! The sight of food usually makes me think of just one thing - eat. By the time I remember that I should be taking some pictures, the plate is completely unpresentable!

It's my favourite thing to do now, wander the empty resort. So peaceful!
Hahaha I am the same about taking food pictures! Or if I do remember to take a pictures rush it so I can start eating sooner.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[SAT887]

Ok I had to laugh.... But what photo lesson isn't complete without a lesson in Food Porn....


So, I have a question, I have plenty of rope - can your horses come mow my lawn? It's organic, no fertilizer or pesticides... Plus Zoey has fallen in love with horses since her first Pony Ride in NC (my SIL had the great idea!) I too tend to wake up waaaay earlier than my family so I am looking forward to walking around AK in the wee hours taking pictures. Last year Olive and I did this one morning and it was so relaxing and wonderful.... Also, great day planned at Epcot!! I love illuminations from the Canada Pavilion however I have anew favorite up the steps of Japan, where you can frame the archway on the shots!

Can't wait to hear more... Even though I am slow at catching up - just way too busy!!

 

[abbybeth]

Ok, I'm caught up and subbing in! I love all of the GIFs you use
Yay for free dining - I didn't manage to get a pin this year and when it was released to the general public, I had to do some shuffling to make it work. The free dining dance is always an adventure, but definitely worth it.

We're on the same page with our BOG ressies! When I had to change resorts, I must've asked my TA a half dozen times if there was any chance it could affect our ADRs. I knew if I lost it, I'd never get it back!

Love the pictures of your side trips, I've spent a ton of time in Ontario, but haven't visited any of the other provinces as of yet. I'm a highland dancer, but have always wanted to learn Cape Breton step dancing ... maybe someday!

Your pets are adorable - what luck finding Oscar in the garbage can, he's a cutie! Do you hire your 'lawn maintenance team' out? They're adorable and clearly effective

 

[MrsJ Henry]

The days keep ticking by so fast... Soon ill be in the 80's and I still have no idea where days 102-179 went!
I think I'll be literally shivering with excitement when I walk up to the check in desk at AKL!



so glad to have you! I'm glad you're enjoying the camera tips
So glad to hear you love AKL, I'm so excited to stay there!
When are you going in November? Perhaps our paths will cross.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We are going Nov 18th - 25th

 

[natebenma]

Your horses are beautiful! And so helpful!!!

Love your day one plans. I am an early morning stroller like you- it is a great time to be out and about, no crowds. Just me, my coffee and my camera.

What a great day at EPCOT!!! Can't wait to see your Illuminations pictures.

And finally, thanks so much for the Food Porn tips. My friends make fun of me when they see pictures I take of my food, but I tell them "If I paid $150 for my meal, I'm d*mned well going to take a picture of it to remember it forever!!!"

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Wendy!! That was so cute that the horses got loose and became your lawn mower. They looked perfectly content to do that.

The Mara is on my list for trying for the first time. I love Via Napoli - I hope it stays on your short list!! Speaking of food, loved your food photography tips. It all makes perfect sense especially adding in some action/movement and have an uncluttered focal point. Sometimes I'm just to eager to dive in to care if my ketchup packet is in the shot. Honestly, great food photos Wendy!

 

[teekathepony]

Ok I had to laugh.... But what photo lesson isn't complete without a lesson in Food Porn....
Hehehe well it was a request, so I had to follow through!


So, I have a question, I have plenty of rope - can your horses come mow my lawn? It's organic, no fertilizer or pesticides... Plus Zoey has fallen in love with horses since her first Pony Ride in NC (my SIL had the great idea!) I too tend to wake up waaaay earlier than my family so I am looking forward to walking around AK in the wee hours taking pictures. Last year Olive and I did this one morning and it was so relaxing and wonderful.... Also, great day planned at Epcot!! I love illuminations from the Canada Pavilion however I have anew favorite up the steps of Japan, where you can frame the archway on the shots!
Hahaha I often thought about making up an ad for two self-propelled, organic fertilizing ride on lawn mowers for rent.
Oh it's so relaxing, sometimes later in the week I feel like I could use those 2-3 hours of sleep back, but it's always worth it.
I like the archway in Japan, but tend to prefer an unobstructed view for watching. I might try the steps in Canada this year though!

Can't wait to hear more... Even though I am slow at catching up - just way too busy!!

Totally understandable, I am too most of the time! The only reason I'm here now is because I know I can get ready for work in 10 minutes if I really have to!

Ok, I'm caught up and subbing in! I love all of the GIFs you use
Glad to have you along!

Yay for free dining - I didn't manage to get a pin this year and when it was released to the general public, I had to do some shuffling to make it work. The free dining dance is always an adventure, but definitely worth it.
Definitely worth it indeed, we had to do a little shuffling too with our Pin (though as it turns out we would have had to do the same with the general!)

We're on the same page with our BOG ressies! When I had to change resorts, I must've asked my TA a half dozen times if there was any chance it could affect our ADRs. I knew if I lost it, I'd never get it back!
Oh man, a few times I logged onto the Disney site to find it had lost all my ressies... I panicked over BOG! But thankfully it was just not showing up, still in there!

Love the pictures of your side trips, I've spent a ton of time in Ontario, but haven't visited any of the other provinces as of yet. I'm a highland dancer, but have always wanted to learn Cape Breton step dancing ... maybe someday!
Highland dancing is really big here in Cape Breton too! My cousin is a highland dancing instructor. You would fit right in here! I used to step dance when I was a kid and remember exactly two steps.

Your pets are adorable - what luck finding Oscar in the garbage can, he's a cutie! Do you hire your 'lawn maintenance team' out? They're adorable and clearly effective

Aww thanks! Poor Oscar, little two pound kitten keeping himself alive in an airport. He's lucky my softie DH found him!
Hehehe I've often thought of rending out the lawn maintenance team! I've even had a few people who wanted them for a day.


I'm so late for work right now hahaha so I'll be back with more replies later, hopefully work won't be too busy!!

 

[abbybeth]

oooh! I get so excited when someone actually knows what highland is and/or knows someone involved. I teach as well as compete

So far nothing has disappeared from MDE, but nothing has appeared on its own, I've had to manually link everything. I'm still not sure if I think the MDE app on my phone will be of any help when we're down there, but at least it's fun to log on to the website to look around.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Aww Wendy you have mad lawn mowing skills!! Too cute!

Early morning resort wandering is so wonderful and peaceful. Love it!

And those photos... GHAAADDDDD, so amazing!

And I just had to share this with you for obvious reasons!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faubuIlB2CM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhN44wQLjpg

 

[teekathepony]

We are going Nov 18th - 25th

Oh cool!! We only overlap one day, maybe I'll see you in the airport!

Your horses are beautiful! And so helpful!!!
Thank you, and yes they earn their keep!

Love your day one plans. I am an early morning stroller like you- it is a great time to be out and about, no crowds. Just me, my coffee and my camera.
I really love early morning wandering, it makes me feel like the resort is all mine for a short time!


What a great day at EPCOT!!! Can't wait to see your Illuminations pictures.
I'm excited to try some new techniques for the fireworks! I had a plan in my head to be at either MK or Epcot every single night to see the fireworks! (I doubt it will work out!)

And finally, thanks so much for the Food Porn tips. My friends make fun of me when they see pictures I take of my food, but I tell them "If I paid $150 for my meal, I'm d*mned well going to take a picture of it to remember it forever!!!"
That is a great way to look at it! Immortalize the beautiful food!

Hi Wendy!! That was so cute that the horses got loose and became your lawn mower. They looked perfectly content to do that.
OH yes, they were quite happy to mow my lawn for me! The grass in their pasture is not nearly so nice

The Mara is on my list for trying for the first time. I love Via Napoli - I hope it stays on your short list!! Speaking of food, loved your food photography tips. It all makes perfect sense especially adding in some action/movement and have an uncluttered focal point. Sometimes I'm just to eager to dive in to care if my ketchup packet is in the shot. Honestly, great food photos Wendy!
Via Napoli is a definite for this year (you know, unless something happens while I'm there... knock on wood!) Glad you enjoyed the food photo tips, I'm thinking I'm going to try them myself some more this year!

oooh! I get so excited when someone actually knows what highland is and/or knows someone involved. I teach as well as compete
Oh cool! My cousin is away at University now so she doesn't do much at the moment. I've always wanted to get back into step, actually!

So far nothing has disappeared from MDE, but nothing has appeared on its own, I've had to manually link everything. I'm still not sure if I think the MDE app on my phone will be of any help when we're down there, but at least it's fun to log on to the website to look around.

Hmm so far it worked for me populating my ressies!



I'll be back for your reply, Rob!

 

[teekathepony]

Aww Wendy you have mad lawn mowing skills!! Too cute!

Early morning resort wandering is so wonderful and peaceful. Love it!

And those photos... GHAAADDDDD, so amazing!

And I just had to share this with you for obvious reasons!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faubuIlB2CM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhN44wQLjpg

Hey Rob! You get your own reply. Special!
Mad lawn mowing skills is right! I am so talented.
I usually take some time in the early morning resort wanderings to just rest on a bench and take it all in, it's so nice!
Thanks
AAAAAAARGGGG! I can't believe I couldn't make it to the NS Dismeet! It looks amazing! But thanks for sharing the videos. Were you there? I want to make it to the next one!