Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Those Magical Nikon MOMents

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It’s always a game-day decision whether I’ll bring my DSLR camera with me to Walt Disney World. On one hand, it’s never a bad idea to capture gorgeous, high quality memories while on vacation with the family – especially when one is surrounded by the magic, colour and splendour of Disney. However, it can be cumbersome to tote a larger camera around, especially while juggling a double stroller, a packed tote bag, and a handful of Disney-centric food (insert churro, Dole Whip, or barbecued turkey leg here).

Nevertheless, after finding so many stolen moments during our Mayan Riviera vacation last year, I decided I once again wanted to capture the memories that are often relegated to “B roll”; the moments when the boys don’t know I’m about to take a photo; the opportunities to capture a sweet smile or a friendly snicker; the landscapes I want to preserve in my mind for years to come.
DSC_0954So, beyond fabulous vacation photos, the ability to enlarge memories and take crisp scenic shots – why else should you release your inner shutterbug? It’s simple! The Nikon 3300 makes it fun and easy to preserve those moments in the lifelike beauty they deserve: stunning 24.2-megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD videos with tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds.

(Plus, if you love sharing photos like I do, D3300 photos can appear instantly on your compatible smartphone or tablet for easy sharing with the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter.)

Today, I’d love to share with you the stolen moments from our recent vacation at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

Stolen MOMent #845: This View. How often do you consider the potential view when booking a hotel room? For years, I reasoned that we were in our room to sleep, and therefore, a balcony view was an unnecessary upgrade that I could live without. Until I had a family, of course. Then I realized the importance of slowing down, and how a few moments simply sitting in quiet and enjoying the scenery goes a long way to rejuvenate the body and mind. And now, I insist on stunning views when I travel – like this lagoon view at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
DSC_0845aIt was a sunny day (no vacay rain, thank goodness!) so I chose to shoot in Landscape mode with no flash. I’m particularly impressed by the amount of detail captured on the boardwalk across the lagoon – it was a good kilometre away!

Stolen MOMent #851: That View. Did you know that the shared pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach clubs is classified as a water park? Make a splash at Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre water wonderland! Climb the mast of a life-size shipwreck to breeze down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents in the lazy circular river, relax in one of 3 whirlpool spas and soak up the sun on the elevated tanning deck. Children can enjoy the gently sloping, beach entry and have a blast in the kiddie pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.DSC_0851aThe above photo was taken in Aperture-Priority mode, followed by some In-Camera Image Editing including colour balance and straighten.

Stolen MOMent #851: Palm Trees. There was an old meme that said, “When a child hands you a toy phone, you answer it.” Similarly, for Canadians – no matter where you are in the world, when you see palm trees, you take a picture. God knows when you’ll see them again.
DSC_0852Stolen MOMent #856: Twilight. Ten minutes on my balcony with my stunning view is all I needed to recharge; after a day of water fun, Magic Kingdom rides and the best 30-minute power nap I’ve ever had, it was time for the welcome ceremony at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.
DSC_0856Stolen MOMent #901: EPCOT in a Maxi Dress. What should you do in between a welcome dinner and a fireworks spectacular? Hit the park for a few rides, of course! Riding the Chevy Test Track in my conference garb was a hoot! It’s not often you see an on-ride photo with hair, makeup and wardrobe on point. However, being decked out makes for gorgeous family photos – especially at night.
DSC_0901The lovely Disney Photopass photographer took this picture in Automatic mode with flash. Don’t forget to hand your phone or camera over to Photopass photographers! They’re always willing to snap a pic with your camera if you ask nicely.

Stolen MOMent #906: The Lobster, Shrimp and Scallop Roll. Seafood on Parker House Bread with Citrus Mayonnaise. Find it at Hurricane Hanna’s Grill by the pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Do I really need to say more?
DSC_0906aStolen MOMent #911: Adventureland. One of our favourite sections of Magic Kingdom; it’s part jungle, part tropical island and even has a desert oasis thrown in for good measure. Adventureland provides a 1950s view of exotic adventure, capitalizing on the post-war Tiki craze. It’s home to Indiana Jones Adventure, the Jungle Cruise, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Tarzan’s Treehouse, among other attractions and restaurants.
DSC_0911Stolen MOMent #915: Too Much Sass. Every little boy reaches a point where he simply does NOT want mom’s camera in his face – even if mom has a super-awesome Nikon D3300. I’m thinking of adding a watercolour effect to this picture so I can immortalize the attitude.
DSC_0917Stolen MOMent #917: All Hail the Churro. I was turned on to the mighty churro during my first visit to Walt Disney World in 2012. Then, I sampled the cinnamon sugar-encrusted goodness and was hooked. Now, I limit myself to one churro per day when I visit the parks, because trust me, I can eat more than one. These Mexican fritters are the way to my heart – obviously, my husband knows this.
DSC_0919Stolen MOMent #936: The Ride Called Nope. I was challenged on Twitter. I was chastised at the park. I was bribed, heckled and eventually released from the expectation that I would ride Splash Mountain. You see, I just can’t deal with drops. Especially super speed water drops. It’s like voluntarily barreling to your own death. Nope.
DSC_0939Of course, I was happy to capture someone else’s attempt at bravery. Shot in Sports mode from a FAR distance (translation: not on the ride). My husband is convinced that next time will be time I ride Splash Mountain. I suppose I just need the right motivation – care to ante up a designer handbag in exchange, dear husband? I could be convinced, you know.

Stolen MOMent #941: Mini Me. I’m not often treated to photographs with my Mini Me, partly because we can never nail him down long enough to pose for the camera. On this day, however, we were lucky. He’s the spitting image of my father! Every little thing from his large, expressive eyes to his slight grumpiness and dimpled cheeks.
DSC_0977Stolen MOMent #952: The Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage. Trust me: Disney does not do things half-assed. The Seven Dwarf’s Cottage is replicated from the film to exacting detail by Walt Disney Imagineers. Forget Cinderella’s castle; THIS is where I’d want to spend a night. Intricate details can be seen in and around the Cottage, including owls carved into the ends of the beams and stairs, and handmade musical instruments played by the Dwarfs (including Grumpy’s pipe organ).
DSC_0957aCan I also just say, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train may be my favourite Walt Disney Ride ever! It’s not a roller coaster; it’s a full story coaster and I absolutely love everything about it, from the smooth on-ride experience to the jewel-laden mine. Worth a visit to Magic Kingdom for this attraction alone – just be sure to schedule a Fast Pass+, as wait times for stand-by can be 120 minutes or more!

Stolen MOMent #967: Disney Wasted. Definition: A consequence of having so much fun at Disney, you pass right out. Expect a photo to be taken by smug parents who are used to staying up past 10:00pm. I think I’ll frame this one!
DSC_0996

I am part of the Nikon MOMents program with Mom Central Canada, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Judy Cowan

    All great photos! Would love to get a Nikon camera at some point! Looks like you had a great trip!

  3. Lynda Cook

    All amazing photos, I love the ferocious looking picture..Rawr!!! the family picture is awesome!!

  5. Marissa

    I love all your awesome pictures Lena! My favourite is the Mini Me. Looks like you guys had a real blast and thanks for sharing.

  11. mrdisco

    invest in some solid lenses. They’ll outlast your camera body and retain their value quite well.

  12. Debbie S.

    These pictures are incredibly clear and amazing! Looks like a fun time was had. Beautiful family. someday I am taking my grandson to Disney World, absolutely! But first i will be sure to get myself a camera such as a Nikon DSLR camera.

    • Lena

      Debbie, the Nikon DSLR camera is the best camera I’ve ever owned. I hope you invest in this camera before you take your grandson to Disney World.

  13. JaimeeM

    Love all the pictures. I have a Nikon and absolutely love it! Your pictures look great!

  14. mrdisco

    a great accessory to carry is a UV filter. if anything it will provide a bit of protection for the face of your lens

  16. Stephanie LaPlante

    Looks like one awesome vacation. Beautiful pictures. I think I want to live in The Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage. lol…permanently.

  18. JaimeeM

    I would love to travel to adventureland, looks like such a blast. Id also like to go into the dwarfs’ cottage.. looks cozy

  19. Corry L.

    I’ve never had a Caribbean vacation and find it daunting to even decide where to go! This place looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

  20. Melinda L.

    So many awesome shots. Looks like another wonderful family moment created and treasured

  25. Jessie Coffey

    I’m tempted to upgrade. My favourite digital camera was a Nikon (I’m working with a different brand at the moment).

  34. Lynda Cook

    Still love the family picture, you all take a good picture and I love your picture taking skills, beautiful pictures!!

  39. kristen visser

    LOVE that first and last photo lol. Their faces are priceless on the first photo and that last one, well you know 100% they had the time of their life. Cant wait till my girls get old enough so we can go. and p.s- LOVE the picture quality

  40. Cheryl P

    The clarity of the pictures is amazing.Looks like a good time had by all and lots of memories in print to cherish

  44. Jared S Denison

    I went to Disney World in 2000, and I had a blast. I didn’t get around to riding It’s A Small World, but when I go back I will make that a priority.

  45. Amy Stackhouse

    Adorable photos! I’m a Canon girl, myself, but I’ve looked into Nikons more than a few times!

  55. ginette4

    Great pics..your boys are so cute!! Reminds me of my nephews every time I wanted a pic the goofy faces came out..lol

  57. Mary D

    O boy, have times every changed. Technology now is so advanced. Beautiful memories for beautiful people.

  58. loriag

    The Nikon 3300 takes amazing pictures, but I think the photographer has allot to do with it!

  60. Meg A

    I’ve never been to Disneyland but, I’d take a DSLR like what you did if it happens. I’m considering upgradintg to a DSLR since my first point and shoot in 2003. My phone can only do so much so, a DSLR is a must to capture and recall those moments. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your family vacation with pictures. I often wonder how women manage to have a vacation, capture it and write about it in a blog. I’d want to laze after the trip before getting back to everyday life. Aside from that, I don’t take pictures anymore when the fantastic sights of my trip overwhelms me. The camera settings are useful reference, thank you for including it. DSLRs intimidates me but, your experience assures me that it performs well in various light conditions without having to be a photograph expert. I’m just wondering how long is the warranty for it and if there’s an extended plan you can purchase. A good camera is still an investment as they are precision made, much like a Swiss watch. I’m happy to be introduced to the Nikon D3300 via your picturesque trip to Disney World. The boys’ picture outside the dwarfs cottage captures the magic of this trip!

  64. Maria McLachlan

    Great photos! You need an amazing camera for those amazing trips, world of difference I’m sure.

  65. Brandee H

    These types of photos remind me that it is time to invest in a good camera. (And not just the iphone call the time! :-)

  66. Brad Kinchen

    Even with the cameras that have improved so much in phones there is still nothing quite like a a quality camera.

  67. Silvia D

    Such amazing pictures! Great moments captured! I love my Nikon DSLR! The one I have now has a battery in it since I bought it 8 years ago!And I take many many pictures! i have also had many Nikon point and shoots! Thanks for sharing all the great family moments! Great pics!

  76. Treen Goodwin

    what a great place , the The Lobster, Shrimp and Scallop Roll looks amazing , i love The Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage super cute place , thanks for sharing :)

  79. Angela Massis

    So many beautiful moments captured of great picturesque views and adorable kiddies (good genes!)Sometimes you need to just bring a great camera to get those shots.

  80. JaimeeM

    That lobster sandwich, so yummy looking! You get to travel to the most amazing places, and eat such great food!

  83. Soozle

    Wonderful photos! I think Disney is a place everyone should visit at least once in their life – it truly is magical :)

  89. Tricia Cooper

    You’ve got a lot of great pictures and some treasured family memories! I wish I had a ‘magical’ Nikon camera too.

  90. mousecat

    I love vacation pictures! Its just so darn hard for me to remember to take them though!! Yours turned out great!

  91. Shelley Nelson

    Those shots look great Lena. Nice memories. I am sure you are happy that you brought your camera. You are so right about having to take a photo of palm trees as Canadians. It is almost the first photo I snap when I am somewhere tropical or semi-tropical (sadly that sort of trip has been many years ago now)

  92. Nicky

    great photos! i love the last one with the kiddos sleeping and the parents still going! fun times!

  93. Krista M

    Wow, what a gorgeous family! Looks like you guys conquered Disney! The Dwarf’s cottage looks like an awesome place to go.

  96. Mandy

    Wow! Those are really great photos! I wish my vacation photos looked that good. I always feel I didn’t take enough when I start scrapbooking our vacations.

  99. beth young

    Wow! I love photography and have always loved Florida and Disney. I went as a kid, but would love to take my own kids

  103. Tara Gauthier

    Amazing photos, that lobster sandwich looks SO good! A nice view is definitely worth it. We lucked out when we stayed in Niagara Falls, as they upgraded us to a fallsview room from a city view in the non-smoking area of the hotel with a jetted tub. My dad stayed in smoking area and had a view of the parking lot!

  105. DianeG

    That’s a great camera to take on vacation. The Lobster, shrimp and scallop roll jumped right out at me. Wish I was there.

  110. Debbie W

    I am happy to see you take pictures with a real camera. This is something not many people do.

  111. Jeannie Lam

    Amazing pictures! Sometimes its important to splurge on a nice camera because the kids grows up and memories might fade a bit, but the pictures will bring those memories right back.

  114. Debbie White Beattie

    The place you stayed at is beautiful and the food looks so delicious. I wish I could go!