Testing the 35mm F1.4 /  by Matt Pham

I recently acquired a Nikon 35mm F1.4 to help fill in a missing focal length gap. While I have the 50mm, it felt a bit too tight at times. You can only back up so far. So, I took my camera down with me to New Orleans to attend a wedding. I thought it was a perfect chance to give the new lens a go. Essentially becoming a tourist while walking about the French Quarter while on route to the wedding. I took a few snap shots before the wedding started, once it started I became a guest and put the camera away. The outcome of my quick test is was impressive, I look forward to using this lens more in the future.

A Magical Moment /  by Matt Pham

I recently found myself missing Disney and started going through my archives browsing for photos to edit again. I went through and found a few to touch up, but I ended up gravitating to my favorite image. 

Nikon D90 85mm F2.8 1/640 ISO200

I've been to Epcot a countless number of times and never have come across a moment like this. I was just passing through while on my way to Japan for dinner. They were doing their usual poses,nothing really out the norm. Then Aladdin planted a kiss right on Jasmine's cheek! Talk about some serious fan service! It was truly magical, something that embodies what Disney is all about. The sad thing is that something like this may never happen again. Since Jasmine and Aladdin have been moved indoors. It's sad that they were moved inside, I always enjoyed seeing the characters while walking through the countries.

Photographing Disney: Animal Kingdom /  by Matt Pham

The reason I started with Animal Kingdom is because it requires the most patience. Having to deal with animals, you have to go on their terms. They aren't on a certain schedule to make an appearance at a set location on a set time. Like they say on the Kilimanjaro Safari, "no safari is ever the same". So getting an ideal image will take some time and patience, but the results will be worth it. With that being said, let's get packed for this safari and head on an adventure!

70mm F2.8 1/60 ISO400

You'll hear it time and time again, hit the Kilimanjaro Safari early especially in the warmer months. Plus the animals will be getting their breakfast and in prime locations. The "colder" months, I find the animals active regardless of the time of day. With the animals being off in the distance, you'll need a lens with some reach like the 55-200mm,70-300mm, and 70-200mm. Prices for these lenses vary, so find one in your budget. If buying a lens isn't an option at the time, look places that offer lens rental.

Shutter speed is important, the ride is bumpy and they tend to move quickly. You'll want to freeze the action with a quick shutter speed like 1/200th of a second or faster. Any slower and you risk getting some motion blur. 

120mm F5.6 1/250 ISO400

200mm F5 1/250 ISO100

200mm F3.2 1/640 ISO400

The walking trails are a bit easier since you can take your time. The settings shouldn't change much here except for ISO. Once you enter the area with the birds, the trees block out light. So you may have to crank up the ISO level to get your image. There are so many things to see on both trails. Take your time and take it all in, too many people rush and miss out on the details.

175mm F2.8 1/200 ISO1250

70mm F5.6 !/200th ISO320

155mm F2.8 1/200 ISO400

To recap everything, you'll need a long focal length and fast shutter speeds. A tripod isn't needed here unless you plan on taking some long exposures. Fothe shows, I recommend having the camera on Auto ISO and having a lens with a constant aperture. It gets too dark and flash is prohibited, so it might not be worthwhile to photograph. 

Bonus: If you want to experience the animals at a slower pace. I highly recommend signing up for the Wild Africa Trek. It's something worth the money and the food is amazing. It is something I look forward to doing again in the future. It was worth every penny!