View 328: Finger Lakes Wedding

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Scott Thomas Photography
A bride and groom take their vows at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York on Friday, May 30, 2014.

A bride and groom take their vows at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York on Friday, May 30, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/400s, f/10, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 24mm focal length.

My niece go married last week at the Bristol Harbour Resort near Canandaigua, New York. The view from the back of the ceremony show a beautiful landscape looking down the length of Canandaigua Lake, the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes in New York state. The clouds even added to the scene.

Later, guests of the resort hung out at the fire pit area in comfortable Adirondack chairs as they awaited the cool evening air after sunset.

Guests at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York sit around the fire pit in late afternoon.

Guests at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York sit around the fire pit in late afternoon.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 560, EV -0.3, 53mm focal length.

I spied another young couple checking out the location.  Wonder if there will be another wedding in the future.  I would suggest October.  Can you imagine these views with the trees in their colorful Autumn foliage?

A young couple check out the wedding setup at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York.

A young couple check out the wedding setup at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua, New York.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 2800, EV 0, 120mm focal length.

I have made a note to myself to re-visit here this Autumn.  Then, you will not have to imagine. 🙂

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View 327: Championship Day at the Carrier Dome

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Scott Thomas Photography

For the first time I was a credentialed photographer inside the famous Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus covering the NYSPHSAA Section III Boys Lacrosse Championship games for Classes A, B and C high school teams.  Being credentialed allowed me to photograph the games from the sidelines.

Photographing from the sidelines at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York before the start of the NYSPHSAA Section III Boys Lacrosse Championship games.

Photographing from the sidelines at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York before the start of the NYSPHSAA Section III Boys Lacrosse Championship games on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 1000, EV +0.6, 31mm focal length.

While the games were played in a different sequence, I am going to present them in reverse alphabetical order. The numbers in parenthesis were each team’s tournament seeding.

Class C: Homer Trojans (7) vs. Cazenovia Lakers (1)

You last saw the Cazenovia Lakers back in early April when an early Spring snow made for some unique photos.  As then as it was on Saturday, any team facing the Lakers have to contend with PJ Brown and Henry Mann who are the number 1 and 2 players in Class C Lacrosse in goals and assists.  Additionally, Henry Mann is one of the best at face-offs, a vital part in winning.

Cazenovia Lakers players Henry Mann (2) and PJ Brown (10) in action against the Homer Trojans during the NYSPHSAA Section III Class C Boys Lacrosse Championship game at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Cazenovia Lakers players Henry Mann (2) and PJ Brown (10) in action against the Homer Trojans during the NYSPHSAA Section III Class C Boys Lacrosse Championship game at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

This game was no different.  The Homer Trojans took an early lead but were down by one goal after the first period.  The Lakers went on to post a 12-8 win with PJ Brown scoring 5 goals and Henry Mann adding another 4 goals.

Cazenovia Lakers pose for a team championship photo after defeating the Homer Trojans in the Class C Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Cazenovia won 12-8.

Cazenovia Lakers pose for a team championship photo after defeating the Homer Trojans in the Class C Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Cazenovia won 12-8.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 900, EV +1.0, 24mm focal length.

Class B: East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans (2) vs. Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams (1)

The ESM Spartans never got a chance in the game as the J-D Red Rams,  six time defending champions for Class B, started out strong and had a 14-6 halftime lead.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams Ben Wipper (6) sets up for a shot against the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams Ben Wipper (6) sets up for a shot against the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D7100/70-200VR, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 4500, EV +0.3, 105mm (204mm DX 1.3x) focal length.

The Red Rams never relented and posted a 23-13 victory to move on to the New York State regionals.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams pose for a team championship photo after defeating the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams pose for a team championship photo after defeating the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 1250, EV +0.6, 24mm focal length.

 

Class A: West Genesee Wildcats (2) vs. Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets (1)

The West Genesee Wildcats are the historical power of Class A Lacrosse not only in Section III with over thirty titles but in New York State with fifteen State Championships. In contrast, the Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets have not won a Section III title in 21 years.

The game started in the Hornets favor with F-M taking a quick 3-0 lead.  West Genesee was patient and was up 4-3 after the first period.  The game stayed close with F-M tying the game numerous times and WG regaining the lead until the last two minutes. With F-M down 11-10, they tied the game late in the last quarter and then this happened…

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets Casey Green (1) scores the game-winning goal past West Genesee's Matt Koziol (19) with 2 seconds remaining in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets Casey Green (1) scores the game-winning goal past West Genesee’s Matt Koziol (19) with 2 seconds remaining in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D7100/70-200VR, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 2200, EV +1.0, 125mm (250mm DX 1.3x) focal length.

F-M Hornets Casey Green, all 5 foot, 6 inches of him, finally got past the stingy West Genesee Wildcats defense which had kept him from scoring all day and put in the game winner with 2 seconds left in the game.  The Hornets, who had lost to the Wildcats in double overtime last year, finally got to celebrate a Section III title.

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets pose for a team championship photo after defeating the West Genesee Wildcats in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets pose for a team championship photo after defeating the West Genesee Wildcats in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 800, EV +1.0, 24mm focal length.

I had a great time photographing all the games and wish the champs luck as they continue playing towards a state championship.

 

 

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View 326: Steampunk Dragon

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Scott Thomas Photography

A new parade has come to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World this Spring.  The Festival of Fantasy is both colorful and big!  Every float has movements incorporated into its design.  Things and characters swing, spin and expand as they follow the parade route through the themepark.  All are impressive but none more than the Sleeping Beauty float.

Sleeping Beauty float in the Festival of Fantasy parade at the Magic Kingdom features a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. The float measures 53 feet (16m) in length and 26 feet (8m) tall when the dragon is breathing fire.

Sleeping Beauty float in the Festival of Fantasy parade at the Magic Kingdom features a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. The float measures 53 feet (16m) in length and 26 feet (8m) tall when the dragon is breathing fire.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 50mm focal length.

When the dragon reaches its full height and opens its mouth, fire comes out of it much to the delight of all the guests packed up and down the parade route.

Sleeping Beauty float fire breathing dragon sequence during the Festival of Fantasy parade in the Magic Kingdom.

Sleeping Beauty float fire breathing dragon sequence during the Festival of Fantasy parade in the Magic Kingdom.

To make sure I got eye-to-eye with the metal beast, I photographed the parade from the Main Street Railroad platform at the beginning of Main Street USA.

Steampunk Maleficent Fire-Breathing Dragon in the Festival of Fantasy Parade on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.

Steampunk Maleficent Fire-Breathing Dragon in the Festival of Fantasy Parade on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 82mm focal length.

This float alone is worth the time to catch this new parade but it also has six other floats themed after the movies: The Little Mermaid, Brave, Tangled, Peter Pan, Princesses (included the newest ones from Frozen, Anna and Elsa) and, of course, those famous Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto.

To see more from photos of my recent trip to Walt Disney World, click here to go to my Disney Vacation Photography blog.

 

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Going on a Jolly Holiday

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Scott Thomas Photography
A guest on holiday poses with Mary Poppins and her umbrella at the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

A guest on holiday poses with Mary Poppins and her umbrella at the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/60s, f/11, ISO 6400, EV 0, 28mm focal length.

Adults are only kids grown up, anyway. — Walt Disney

I know it seems funny to talk about the magic of a place like Walt Disney World. It is, after all, a theme park filled with rides, shows, restaurants and people.  Lots and lots of people. Yet, when I visit there, I see it all around me.  Adults remembering what it was like to be a kid again.  Like the gentleman with Mary Poppins you see in my photo.  He had walked right up to her and grabbed her umbrella and hand and struck a pose.  To her credit, she went right along with it.

As this post title implies, I am currently back down at Walt Disney World on holiday or vacation as us, Americans, call it.  As many times as I have visited The World (as all Disney fanatics call it) there are still new experiences to see and do.  For instance, I have never ridden on the Astro Orbiter in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Here is a long exposure photo of it. Maybe this will be the trip I do.

Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 6s, f/16, ISO 200, EV 0, 55mm focal length, tripod.

Throughout the year, Walt Disney World hosts special events and festivals.  Star Wars Weekends runs for a few weeks every May and June. This will be my second time enjoying characters from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.  Back in 2012, I photographed the Wookie, Chewbacca, taking part in the Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade.  Not sure how to describe a Wookie’s roar.

Chewbacca (Chewie) takes part in the Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade during Star Wars Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios back in 2012.

Chewbacca (Chewie) takes part in the Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade during Star Wars Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios back in 2012.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/160s, f/5.3, ISO 200, EV 0, 112mm focal length.

You can be sure I will be doing more night photography around the parks this week.  It takes a little effort and planning to use a tripod but find the results well worth it. I even get good hand-held ones. As I was waiting for Cinderella to come out of the castle as it was getting close to midnight, I used Da Grip to photograph the castle in classic Disney living colors.

Cinderella Castle under colored lights in the Magic Kingdom close to midnight at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

Cinderella Castle under colored lights in the Magic Kingdom close to midnight at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/25s, f/4.8, ISO 6400, EV 0, 62mm focal length.

As my kids and wife will attest, I am a big kid at heart, anyway.  I know you will all be excited when I come back and share all my vacation photos with you. Right? As my favorite Disney character, Mickey Mouse, says, “See You Real Soon!”.

For those interested, you can follow me along via my Disney Twitter feed at Scottwdw (click to see and/or follow).

If you are interested in more information on a Walt Disney World vacation, contact my wife at merrie@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com 

(just click her email address above)

She has been booking and planning Disney trips for satisfied travelers exclusively for over 18 years.

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View 325: Riding the Skywheel

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Scott Thomas Photography

Niagara SkyWheel is a 175-foot (53.3 m) tall Ferris wheel in the middle of Clifton Hill’s world famous Street of Fun by the Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The SkyWheel is a Ronald Bussink Professional Rides designed R60 Giant Wheel, manufactured by Chance Rides and supplied by Chance Morgan. It opened on June 17, 2006 at a cost of $10 million (Source: Wikipedia).

Niagara Skywheel gondolas hold up to 8 people and are climate controlled (left). The Skywheel is 175 feet (53m) tall and rises above the Dinosaur Park Miniature Golf in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Niagara Skywheel gondolas hold up to 8 people and are climate controlled (left). The Skywheel is 175 feet (53m) tall and rises above the Dinosaur Park Miniature Golf in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Websites and brochures claim each of the Skywheel’s gondolas holds up to eight people. After being in one, I would say it would hold up to six people comfortably. Admission is quite reasonable for the twelve to fifteen minute ride at $10.99CDN for Adults and $6.99CDN for children aged twelve and under. The Skywheel is open year around with the gondolas climate controlled for comfort.

Looking towards the center of the Niagara Skywheel while riding it in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Looking towards the center of the Niagara Skywheel while riding it in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/160s, f/16, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 24mm focal length.

The ride is smooth and rotates at a leisurely pace giving riders ample time to take in the sights both natural and Man-made in the Niagara Falls area.

From top left: American Falls, Skylon Tower and Fallsview Casino Resort, Horseshoe Falls and Clifton Hill attractions and Casino Niagara as seen from the Niagara Skywheel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

From top left: American Falls, Skylon Tower and Fallsview Casino Resort, Horseshoe Falls and Clifton Hill attractions and Casino Niagara as seen from the Niagara Skywheel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Photographing from a Skywheel gondola is easy.  The slow, smooth motion and stops as people get on and off the Skywheel give lots of opportunities to photograph both American and Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding attractions.  Be aware the glass is tinted to help keep them cool on sunny days which will take a little extra time in processing the photos.

 

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