Disney Daytime Neutral Density Filter Photos
I was recently in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in the middle of the day with a few hours to kill while doing other things. It was unseasonably hot, so naturally, I decided to stand in the sun, set up my tripod, and fire off a bunch of 30 second exposure photos in a bunch of different locations. This “Scenes from the Park” photo post is the fruits of my sweat, sunburn, and tears.
That amount of effort for capturing a photo in the Florida heat may sound insane and, honestly, there’s nothing I can type to convince most people otherwise. If you’re serious about photography, there has to be a little crazy in you; in my case, make that a lot of crazy. I would, and will, do it again without hesitation.
Warning: photographer jargon ahead…
As for the logistics, the photos of this post are enabled by use of a neutral density filter and tripod. I’m a big fan of neutral density filters and the creative opportunities they provide–check out my Neutral Density Filters Guide for more on that. I’ve also done a post on using neutral density filters for fireworks photography previously, but I thought it’d be fun to share some of my results from daytime photos here.
In my case, that’s the 10 Stop B+W ND Filter paired with the MeFoto RoadTrip Tripod and Nikon D810 DSLR. If this type of photography interests you, tripod and camera aren’t all that important; the big thing is getting the right ND filter. While I suggest a cheap-o one for fireworks, you want quality when shooting during the day, as the range of light really exposes the weaknesses of cheaper ones.
Let’s visit the Magic Kingdom on this very “breezy” day (okay, it wasn’t breezy at all, but that’s the easiest way to explain cloud movement)…
I’ll start with my favorite of the bunch, by a very wide margin. If you’ve heard me talk about wide angle lenses, you’ve heard the term “converging lines.” Well, I never expected clouds to form those, nor did I expect them and sun flare to appear so perfectly behind Cinderella Castle. I know this shot may seem ordinary to those who aren’t photographers, but I was so excited to see the results in my viewfinder here, as it was basically the (photographic) stars aligning.
My next shot was actually my first, and it was about this time that the first guest came to give me a quick crash course in photography. I smiled politely and nodded, figuring it was an attempt to help me avoid using a tripod in the middle of the day (what kind of idiot does that?!). Still, I have never given unsolicited photography advice in the parks, and wouldn’t. (Well, unless you count saying something to some idiot repeatedly using flash in the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room. 😉 )
I have 3 photos of the Mark Twain in motion that I really like. I elected to edit this one, even though the boat is less distinct, because it’s so prominent in the frame. People may miss moving clouds in a photo, but there’s no missing a moving boat!
You learn a lot when taking long exposure photos–mostly unimportant stuff like just how many trashcans are on Main Street. Based on my night work, one thing I’ve learned is that Cast Members at work can be incredibly still. Trying to use that to my advantage for once, I tried this shot earlier in the day…and the balloon-selling Cast Member was like a jumping jellybean! Later in the day, the clouds weren’t moving as much, but the Cast Member did her part perfectly.
Like the Cinderella Castle shot, this is one that I really like because of the way the clouds are moving.
I’m curious as to whether anyone can spot what is “off” about this photo…
I struggled in New Fantasyland, trying 6 different spots, most of which were duds. My ideal location was in the queue for Little Mermaid, but I don’t like to disturb the guest experience. Instead, this was my best option, and is just a basic shot with some palm and cloud movement.
Honestly, I’m not one for daytime Haunted Mansion photos, especially those with gorgeous, puffy clouds. That’s just not the “right” ambiance of Haunted Mansion. However, if I’m taking a daytime photo, getting people as “ghosts” is about as good as it gets.
One of my biggest concerns when the Hub redevelopment was announced was the fate of the sea serpent topiary. Yeah, crazy, whatever. I am so glad this view is still as good, and serpent-friendly, as it is, and I really like the movement of the clouds and the tree here.
Want to learn more about photography to take great photos in the Disney theme parks and beyond? The best place to start is Tom’s Photography Guide, which covers a variety of topics from links to tutorials, tips, and tricks to recommendations for point & shoots, DSLRs, lenses, and more!
If you do want to purchase new photography equipment, we recommend the following trusted & authorized retailers. Buying from these retailers helps support this blog, and doesn’t cost you a thing:
Amazon
B&H Photo
Adorama
For other photography equipment recommendations or photography tips in general check out a few of my top photography blog posts:
Best Books for Improving Your Photography
5 Indispensable Tips for Better Vacation Photos
Choosing the Best Travel Tripod
Choosing the Best Camera Bag for Travel
YOUR THOUGHTS…
What do you think of these photos? Do you think it was worth the time and effort to use the neutral density filter, or would these have been just as good as quick snaps? Any favorites? Have any additional questions about how I captured these shots? Please ask or share below, and I’ll offer my feedback!
Pretty sure that balloon cast member is me hahaha. Sorry for jumping around in your first attempt!
I don’t know enough to give anyone photography tips, but I do know that flash is not gonna improve your fireworks photos. Stop doing that, people!
I think it was completely worth the effort to use a ND filter! I wish I remembered to buy one cause now in my new home I need one badly!!
Beautiful! Thanks for this post. The colors and the light on the buildings in the Main Street photo especially are just gorgeous.
I chuckled at the thought of someone giving you unsolicited photography advice.
I love the photo with the cast member with the balloons on main street. It looks like a postcard (they all do, really). But that photo seems like such a good reminder to occasionally slow down and smell the roses (or smell the Main Street Confectionery as the case may be).
Note that I said this was the *first* guest to give advice. Later that day in New Fantasyland, I received more advice. The following day (or 2 days later) in Hollywood Studios, I was given more tips.
I must look *really* inept! 😉
Love these photos. I didn’t even realize this sort of thing was possible; now you’ve opened my eyes to the possibilities of ND filters (and probably solved my husband’s frustration with trying to take fireworks shots, with no success.)
I have to say, since I’ve started reading your blog, I have learned soooo much more about how to use my camera. it’s an entry level DSLR, but I still struggled with understanding it… your articles, photos, examples, reviews, have made the information “click” for me in a way that my past research didn’t. I can’t thank you enough for that!
For the first few years I was into photography, I used an entry level (Nikon D40) DSLR. It was extremely capable, and I probably could have just as easily taken some of these shots (albeit at not *quite* the same level) with that camera. It’s all about learning to use what you have.
Hopefully more and more will “click” as you read more about photography! 🙂
I notice that each picture has a different f stop selected for the picture. Did you let the camera decide that or did you have a reason behind that? Really awesome shots- I so need to get a neutral filter to start taking daytime photos of moving water. Any chance do you have any good filter photos of old faithful at the wilderness lodge?
Also with the mine train is that two seperate photos combined as one. That way you have the train stopped up top and moving on the track below?
I shot these all in full manual mode. Aperture was dictated by the intensity of light and length of shutter speed I wanted to use to get the appropriate amount of cloud movement (which is based on how quickly the clouds are moving).
You are correct about the Mine Train shot. Good eye!
Haha- I thought the train on top was stuck and that is what was off. A breakdown photo!
Tom,
I would love to see a “before-and-after” comparison of some of your photos, showing the effects of how you edit. The more photo-geeky the better (software used, adjustments made, etc.). I don’t normally go for the intense colors you use, but I like what you do, and I’m sure that some people wonder what it takes.
And, please dispel the rumor that Disney is banning tripods. I hadn’t heard that before, but it would be a major disappointment if true.
Thanks.
I have a few posts like that over on TravelCaffeine.com. I think that type of content is too “advanced” for this blog.
We will be in magic kingdom for Christmas Day 2015. I was somehow able to get my daughter a princess makeover at the Disney Springs Bibbidi boutique at 1:30. And have dinner reservations at 5 back at MK. Should I be concerned with being able to get back in the park after we leave for her pampering?
There’s always the possibility of a phased closure that time of year. If you’re staying on-site, it shouldn’t be a problem.
But shouldn’t they be okay with the ADR, unless it’s a full phase 4 closure?
Ahh, good point. You are correct! 🙂
This might sound strange, but I’m pretty sure I actually walked by and witnessed you taking that very photo from behind the castle. I was leaving the Magic Kingdom one day at the very end of September and thought to myself “hmm, is that guy with the tripod Tom from Disney Tourist Blog?” I figured I’d keep walking and avoid a potentially awkward encounter if it was just a Tom-lookalike, and also figured I’d never know for sure!
Well…now you know for sure! 🙂
Love this post. Great photos as always. I’ve been looked at like I am crazy by many people in the parks while in some odd positions trying to get a shot I can see in my mind.
The sacrifices we make for good photos… 😉
The first castle one is pure awesome. The movement of the clouds adds to the fantasy.
Tom,
Great photos!
Question. How recently we’re these taken? I have seen recent reports of Disney security not allowing Guests to take tripods into the parks anymore.
I have a Manfroto in a shoulder case that I have taken into the parks for long exposure photos like Wishes and Illuminations at night.
I would be disappointed if I could not do those or daytime photos with ND filters, which I want to do.
Thanks!
The rules on tripods at Walt Disney World remain unchanged–that is, that a tripod that would fit inside a standard sized backpack is allowed. I’ve heard some reports of people having issues at bag check due to the ban on selfie sticks. If you politely explain it’s not handheld, it’s a tripod that sits on the ground, that should clear things up pretty quickly.
I did not have any issues in Sept. or Oct. during our trip.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your reply. Just for reference, the bag that my tripod fits in is this one:
http://www.manfrotto.us/tripod-bag-padded-80cm
which has a shoulder strap and as noted, has not been an issue on prior trips, most recent being Sept of 2014.
Regards,
Marc
Whoa, that’s huge. If the tripod is large enough to necessitate use of that bag, it’s only a matter of time before you run into issues. I’m surprised you haven’t had any in the past.
I’d recommend downsizing.
The Big Thunder pic has “magically” stopped the motion in one car and has the zooming by effect of another. Nice little trick.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train 😉
( Pssst… it’s 7 Dwarfs Mine Train… )
Just gorgeous