Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Railroad tracks twist and turn between the spires of Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, as seen during our December 2016 visit.
This is perhaps a slightly different view than what you usually see of Big Thunder Mountain in photographs (such as this typical photo, for example). Instead of the normal view from the exit area of the ride, this photo was actually taken from the runaway mine train as we were going up one of the lift hills. I had my camera out to try to get some photos from the ride, and this view from the hill turned out to be a great one.
I like how in addition to the mountain itself, you can also see Cinderella Castle right at the center of the photo. You can also see another mine train on the tracks below and to the right of Cinderella Castle. Click on the photo to get a larger view, especially if you are looking at this on a desktop monitor. It was fun to get a different perspective on things. Looking back now, I am glad that I took a photo, too, because the view went by much too quickly to take it all in very well at the time. You can’t stop time, but you can often freeze it in a photo.
But that wasn’t the only photo I took on the ride.
A few years ago, I had taken a photo on the ride, and I thought I would try it again, which is why I had my camera out in the first place. I took several versions, but this one above is the one that I like the best. The fisheye lens really helped to get more of the ride in the frame. And I have no idea who any of those people are with their hands up in the air. Okay, so maybe I do. I am actually a little surprised that Laura and Jaylin right in front of me didn’t have their hands up. But Zach and Katie (who were also in front of me in the earlier photo) had theirs up, as did Brant in the car in front of them. I had thought about getting my camera out already, but once I realized I would be sitting behind everyone else in our group, I knew what I wanted to do. And I didn’t even have to coach them to act like they were having a good time.
We also took a more standard group photo after the ride ended. Minus me, of course, since I was behind the camera. As you can see, we all survived the wild ride on the runaway mine train.
And a good time was had by all.
Without revelation people run wild, but one who listens to instruction will be happy. - Proverbs 29:18
About the Photos
As you can see, the skies were very overcast for much of our day at the Magic Kingdom, and these photos started looking out ordinary. Instead of looking extra ordinary, I wanted them to look extraordinary (funny how much of a difference putting those two words together makes). So I played around with the processing a bit, ending up with something that very much looks like old film photos, thanks to the Google Nik Filters. I especially like how it transformed the second photo really bringing out the color and the contrast, making it a much more exciting photo than the original version.
I know that some people strongly believe in only posting photos straight out of the camera, but I like to do all that I can to make them look better and more interesting. That is more art than photojournalism, and that is okay with me.
Photo: Each photo is a single Raw exposure, processed in Photoshop. Read more about photography tips, photo software, camera gear, and more at Steve’s Photography Tips.
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10
Lens: Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens
Date: December 21, 2016
Location: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida
