What's Your Best NIGHT SHOT in the MK???

[zackiedawg]

If you don't want to be standing in the thick crowd right up the middle for the fireworks shows, a wonderful spot is at the Tomorrowland Terrace. If you get there reasonably early (45min or so), you can get yourself a table and chair - likely one right on the water with noone in front of you - where you can set up a tripod and take shots of the show while relaxing in a nice chair with a drink at your side! The angle is not bad, and nothing blocks your way:

 

[YEKCIM]

 

[bostran1]

Beautiful.........

Thanks. Of the 30 or so pictures I took up there that night, this was about the only one that worked. I didn't have my tripod with me so I was very excited when I saw this one!

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks. Of the 30 or so pictures I took up there that night, this was about the only one that worked. I didn't have my tripod with me so I was very excited when I saw this one!

A definite keeper! The colors are amazing.

I'd never get that shot in low light without a tripod. I have very unstable hands to start with, so the tripod is my best friend!

 

[handicap18]

So what is your favorite spot to shoot fireworks?
I won't be out in front of the castle on this trip, but am going back in September and will be looking for a spot to shoot during MNSSHP.

Anyone want to give me some advice on camera settings? Remember, I'm not very advanced, but am using a Rebel Xti and can learn!

I like just up from Casey's Corner. There is usually a trash can right near the Info board. You can set up a small table top tripod on the trash can and you've got a nice shot of the castle in front of you.

Typically you'll want a low ISO. 200 or 100, but I've used 400 and 800 in the past (it will depend on how well your camera handles noise).

Tripod is the best bet, though with some skill and patience you can get some nice shots handheld.

With a tripod I use Manual. Usually right around f/10 (if your using a PnS camera, then probably f/5.6 or f/8). And for a shutter speed it will be between 2 and 12 seconds depending on the fireworks themselves. Use a remote shutter release to prevent camera shake from pressing the shutter button yourself. Time your shutter release just after you hear the pfffft of the fireworks being shot off. Recently for shots like these I've been using BULB. This allows me to open the shutter then close it when I want. But you'll need to pay attention to your timing even if you have to count to yourself.

I hope to have some more shots in about 3 weeks.

 

[lizet313]

Great shots subbing

 

[GrillMouster]

I'm going to have to go with this photo I took from outside the California Grille. I love it.

Ben, I like that view. I really like the depth you captured in the image (layers of trees back to the horizon).

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm going to have to go with this photo I took from outside the California Grille. I love it.

So do you have to be dining at the California Grill to be able to go up and take a few pictures????

 

[GrillMouster]

So do you have to be dining at the California Grill to be able to go up and take a few pictures????

I've heard that you have to be dining there if you want to see or photograph Wishes from there.

 

[zackiedawg]

No, you don't have to dine there for the view. The roof viewing area is public access, though depending on the time, you may have more issues getting there from the elevator guards at the Cali Grill elevator checkin.

Two ways I know to get up there: One - go to Cali checkin, and as long as you are dressed properly, you can go up during non-busy hours during the day, and sometimes at night if you have a nice desk person. They don't want t-shirts and flip flops walking through the restaurant at prime-time dinner hours, so that would be the hardest time. And yes, during shows at the MK like Wishes, it may be close to impossible.

The other way is to go up to the highest guest room floor, walk to the west side and head all the way to the north end stairway door (it's actually partially ajar much of the time from folks that stick something in the door so it doesn't lock on them)...head up the stairs and you come up on the roof overlook. Enjoy! The only potential downside is if you forget to wedge the door open down below, you have no way to open the doors from the outside, so it's down 13 flights of stairs for you to get out (or at least 9 flights, as you can pull off at the 4th floor). The view from up there almost always gives you those layered trees and smog/fog look:

And sunsets up there can't be beat:

 

[mom2rtk]

I've heard that you have to be dining there if you want to see or photograph Wishes from there.

I assumed that was probably the case for Wishes. I was just asking about going up to photograph the castle (not during the fireworks).

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

This was a hard choice....

Wishes from in from of the crystal palace. Right at the railing near the canal.

 

[boBQuincy]

For photos of Cindy's castle the 11th floor landing (the highest we can go without a concierge pass) is about as good as the deck at California Grill. If not, it is only a short walk to a higher floor.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Some beautiful shots here...

This was taken from the CR 4th floor Concourse balcony.

 

[KarenAylwood]

For photos of Cindy's castle the 11th floor landing (the highest we can go without a concierge pass) is about as good as the deck at California Grill. If not, it is only a short walk to a higher floor.

THIS is absolutely amazing!!!! The composition is beautiful.

Now I definitely need to take some time to go over there for pics!!

 

[Golf4food]

Just something a little different from the normal fireworks or Tomorrowland shots. Not as good since it was handheld, but not many options for something like that.

 

[praline3001]

Have a great trip!! On a side note...Shouldn't you be sewing??

I was going to say the same thing

BUT I got MY ..err.. I mean my DD's stuff in the mail the other day so she can have a break now LOL

Great as always and my DD couldn't be happier with her new outfits!

 

[praline3001]

I'm going to have to go with this photo I took from outside the California Grille. I love it.

I LOVE this shot ~ most likely my fav on this thread!
There are way too many good in park castle shots but this one stands out because its a different view

 

[Gdad]

Excellent shots all. Here are a few of mine.

 

[mom2rtk]

I was going to say the same thing

BUT I got MY ..err.. I mean my DD's stuff in the mail the other day so she can have a break now LOL

Great as always and my DD couldn't be happier with her new outfits!

Praline, you know I could do that Tink costume in an adult size, if you really want!

Thanks for the pictures everyone! You're really inspriring me through the last of my work before heading out of town!