Practicing for Japan!

Recently Eric and I purchased a Nikon D3200. We've always loved photography, but hadn't put down money on a higher end camera. I know there are more advanced models out there, but this was highly recommended for beginners. 

To get used to settings and learning from "trial and error", we decided to head to the local Disney parks. We arrived in mid-afternoon because our goal was to also try out night shots. 

I can't post this and pretend to give photo advice. I really just wanted to share what we attempted with the new camera. There are some nicely hidden corners in both Disneyland and CA Adventure. We also like the details in architecture and the color choices. But, that's not new right? I would think most people recognize at least those two traits. I'd add that if people don't pay attention to that, it's through no fault of their own. The parks really immerse the visitor in a time or place. The details can then become an after thought. 

One slight issue Eric and I may have in Japan is deciding who gets the camera. I found myself getting into Instagramming and almost forgetting about the new camera. I think I did this because it's obviously easier to get the iPhone into hard to reach places. I found the strap and having a certain grip on the Nikon slightly tedious. That's pretty much where the differences stop. I feel the photos the Nikon produce are beautiful, pending the setting. We took a few with the wrong setting, and the result wasn't ideal. But, sometimes the incorrect setting can make a photo interesting. Take the next....

Ursula is either being sucked away by a Dementor or Winifred Sanderson of the film Hocus Pocus! We were like "Whoa! She's being swept away!" It would be much better if at least her face was in focus. We are trying to perfect "dark ride" photography. The tips we have read haven't worked, but we will keep trying to learn. I'm glad we are messing up now and not in Tokyo Disneyland. 

I really liked that although the photo is straight at the sun, the sculpture of Grizzly Peak is still visible. 

I'm not claiming to find a hidden gem, but I had forgotten about this painted wall. It's an out of the way, dead-end, sitting area that I never think to visit.

We attempted to ride Radiator Springs Racers, but the ride shutdown while we rode. Our vehicle made it to the tractor tipping scene and came to a halt! Eric and I only waited about twenty minutes in the Single Rider queue so it wasn't a huge loss. In fact, we were given passes to return later. It worked out nicely. 

Walking through the wharf Eric got an appetite for the sourdough bread. It wasn't quite dinner time, but we went through the tour to grab a sample. I know most people grab the slice and run away. Eric and I aren't in a hurry, so we went through the Rosie O'Donnell narrated tour. The bakers seemed to be a little happy to see visitors pass through as they waved to us both. 

Our part of the world was starting to make its move away from the sun at a quick rate. We hoped to get a few sunset type shots. But, Eric and I also realized we were getting hungry. It was about 7:15 PM and we would be heading to Disneyland soon. 

It felt as though it had been too long since we ate at Paradise Garden Grill. I most likely mentioned it's our favorite place to eat at DCA. I haven't tried any other sauces on my tofu/veggie skewer, but next time should. Here I ordered it with the tzatziki sauce. I can't gush enough about the cucumber salad. The flavor for the salad has a slight tang and compliments the rest of the dish well. 

Heading out toward Disneyland you can see we have yet to perfect the "selfie" with this camera. It is a little awkward to hold. Eric wants to buy a small tripod and remote. We definitely don't want to forget to include ourselves in photos of Japan or the Disney Parks. 

Eric thinks he looks drunk here. He really wasn't. 

I saw these cans tipping and had to hold them up. 

And as I mentioned we were heading to Disneyland, but remembered that we had our fast pass for Racers. We couldn't pass that up. This time we rode without interruption and Eric attempted a few shots as we rode, no flash of course. 

They are still a little blurry. Luckily we still have time to get better at these sort of shots. In a big you'll see how the Southern CA weather really affects night photos. Once at Disneyland the clouds had rolled into the area and really added an awful backdrop to the scenery. 

I had attempted firework photos, but I hated them all. I always forget people feel the need to stick their arms up while holding cameras. A women in front of us filmed the entire show. And, I guess I don't blame her. Maybe this was her one trip here for her life? 

Both Eric and I worked "it's a small world" for quite a while in our earlier Disney career. It's actually where we met. Anyway, the lighting on the facade is very interesting these days. Even as the train passes, the colors change as it moves across the front of the facade. I was a total nerd, all giddy. 

I did my best to not breath during this one. 

Have you been noticing the sky in these night shots? I blame the desert for drawing in all this upper moisture.

Clearly I am getting carried away with this post! Eric and I have a lot to work on, but I am pleased with some of other shots. Our worst ones will hopefully improve. 

People might think it odd we are so worried about how well our photos will turn out, and to enjoy the moment. I'm sure many can agree that it's very enjoyable to takes pictures and get the best you can. Even though Japan is 3.5 months away, we are having some nice bonding time as we practice. 

Photo Fun at the Disney Parks

I can't say I call myself a photographer at all but I do love snapping pics! I most definitely know when I dislike a photo. I try to make all the subjects involved look as best as they can. If I notice I've accidentally given someone two chins, DELETE! As I walk through city sights or theme parks I can see bad photos being taken all over. You know, it is when the subject/persons are right up against a monument or signage I want to correct them. I definitely don't do that because it is just too odd. 

Anyway, Eric and I were at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland yesterday, and I messed around a bit with my iPhone 5. (Below, what is that shadow in the bottom, right corner?)

It was a warmer day than we anticipated. We almost wore shorts, but it was pretty breezy at home. I was sorry that I changed my mind. There wasn't a breeze at the park. But, I'm not complaining because regardless of what the groundhog said back in February, it's been cold for too long. 

We headed straight for the Paradise Pier area to the Paradise Garden Grill. Since I've recently gone back to being a vegetarian, I had the Veggie skewer. There were two chunks of tofu on my skewer plus veggies. I haven't had tofu in a while and found the texture mushy. It's one of those things you just accept if you're choosing to give up meat. The sauce is amazing and added great flavor!

We then waited a quick 8 minutes for Goofy's Sky School. There was a woman in our vehicle that was freaking out. It's a small coaster, but those turns really make one feel as though you'll fly off the track. She kept shouting, "This is too scary! Scarier than the big coaster!" Eric and I just laughed away at her. We ended up seeing that couple everywhere after that ride. See if you notice this happening to you next time you're at the parks. 

I could say we only took a trip to Cars Land with a plan to ride Radiator Springs Racers, but that would be a lie. Without a lot of convincing I told Eric we should grab a mud pie from Flo's V8 Cafe. Neither of us had eaten one in a while. It was as scrumptious as always!

Eric suggested we take the route of the single rider queue. We hadn't used it before because riders are split up. Luckily we ended up in the same vehicle, but separate rows. It's a little awkward when the rest of the car's riders are laughing and interacting with one another.....cut to me, laughing with my reflection in the car's rear view mirror (nice touch since it is suppose to be a race car).

We jumped parks and had a stroll through Fantasyland. This visit then confirmed to me that the area music was still being used. About a month ago Eric and I noticed that there is an orchestration playing along with the carousel calliope music. The new or once lost music is impressive as it is a counter melody to the calliope's feed. If you haven't noticed it heard this, check it out. 

At one point we wanted to ride the Matterhorn, but that ride broke down as we waited. "Let's try Alice in Wonderland" suggested Eric. 

Well, that ride had also been experiencing some issues. We also took a few steps toward Storybook Land and saw that the attraction had closed off the queue for the parade. 

So it was going to be a road trip through the English countryside! I wonder if our motor car will get us to a pal of ours in Poulton Le Fylde, England? As usual, we passed a crumbling bridge and a dynamite factory! It always ends with a trip to Hell. It seems J. Thaddeus Toad made a few bad decisions.  

It would seem that Eric and I were one of the last few to visit the Iron Man display at Innoventions. This is a building we never enter, but we now had a reason. There's no question that the suits were cool. It just seems that the long queues that once existed for the exhibit weren't necessary. 

With that promising look at tomorrow, we decided to end our Disney day. There's a Greek celebration this weekend that we might attend. I know there are a few few items, that don't have meat, that I'd like to try. Plus, Hercules will be walking around with his muscles exposed! I know Eric and I will be all over that!