Announcing Pixelmania! 2009

After hosting several highly successful meets at MouseFest over the years, Tim Devine decided it was time to expand and create an entire multi-day event revolving around the sharing of photography knowledge.

So, on December 3 – 6, 2009, all people who have the shutter bug are invited to come to Walt Disney World and participate.

This event is open to all people who love to take pictures. Whether you are a person who is getting great daylight shots from their Point & Shoot and wants to learn how to squeeze the most out it even when the lights go down or you just got a new Digital SLR (dSLR) and wants to learn how to use it better and leave the infamous “Green Box Zone”, this event is for you.

Those of you who are more confident with their photographic prowess are encouraged to attend as well.

There always something new we can learn, but that knowledge should be shared. The exchange of ideas and knowledge is what this event is about. A little side benefit is that we’ll get to make some new friends and have loads of fun while doing it.

The planning committee is working hard coming up with events and activities that will use the Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks as the subject matter.

Tim has provided a FAQ on his website:

Announcing Pixelmania!

If you are interested, and not a member of Tim’s forums, I strongly encourage you to join in on the discussions and photographic games over there.

We also have a forum setup explicitly for Pixelmania! We want this event to be the best for all who are coming, so feel free to add your input on what you’d like to do and learn about.

We’ve also setup an event page on Facebook for all of you that live over there. Many of the people who are in the Disney Community have already been sent an invite by me. If you were one of the people who declined (we understand), but you know someone who might be interested please forward them the information.

This event isn’t just for those of us in the Disney Community. We would love to add to our “family” some new members. So, if you also know someone who likes photography, might want to learn more and it wouldn’t require twisting their arm to take a trip to Walt Disney World in December, send them our way!

Technorati Tags: Pixelmania!, The Magic in Pixels, Tim Devine

Devine Inspiration #10: TMIP to Donate Portion of Sales to Dream Team

Padawan Grumpwurst is back......

In case you didn't read the article Pat Whitson wrote on the Disneyworld Trivia website about 2008's Dream Team Auction, I am here to tell you that Tim Devine (owner of The Magic in Pixels) has decided to go one step further with his involvement with the Dream Team.

Tim has announced, via the Dream Team, that in addition to donating a fabulous photo of Cinderalla's Castle printed on canvas, he will also donate a portion of his sales from his table at MagicMeets 2008.

Tim knows first hand how the Disney Magic can bring a smile to the faces of ill children.  He was sitting next to me when I took this picture (left) of Collin on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland back in June 2006.

After meeting Collin, Tim and his wife, Karen, has given multiple times to charities that are important to Collin's mom because they are charities that support Collin.

In addition, he has created a slideshow of Disney's Electric Parade for Collin (he loves it) and sent a few pictures and buttons (Collin has a huge collection of buttons from the parks on the shade of his wheelchair).

Collin has gotten countless amounts of magic and solace from those gifts from Tim.  Tim may not have seen these pictures Julie put on her blog of Collin enjoying his gifts, so I have included them here.

The team up between Fred Block's MagicMeets and Lou Mongello's Dream Team Charity Auction just seemed like a good opportunity for Tim to be able to continue to "give back" to those who are not as fortunate as his family.

How do I know this?  A Padawan knows his Jedi Master.

So, if you are one of the 550 people who are going to be invading MagicMeets in July and are even remotely interested in acquiring one of the Tim's fantastic prints, then make sure you stop by his table.  He's going to have a variety of 16x20 and 8x10 prints, plus Wallpaper CDs for sale. 

If you so choose, you may also place 16x20 prints in advance by e-mailing sales@themagicinpixels.com and Tim will work out the details with you.

At the end of the Auction, Tim will,on-the-spot, donate of a percentage of his sales from that day.

So, if you've been thinking of purchasing a print, MagicMeets may be your best opportunity to not only acquire a lovely adornment for your wall, but also give a little to charity.

Below I have pasted the original announcement from Pat Whitson:

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Tim Devine, photographer and owner of TheMagicInPixels.com, has announced that he will donate a portion of his sales at Fred Block's 2008 MagicMeets to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project. 

"As a father of a very healthy two year old, I know first hand the magic and thrill of a Disney vacation, as seen through my son's eyes and mine," says Tim. "I have also seen how the Disney magic can bring a smile to the faces of ill children as well and that really inspires me to want to do what I can to help. I just think it's the right thing to do to try to give that magic to someone else who may not be as fortunate."

The Magic In Pixels will have a large selection of matted 8 x 10" prints, 16 x 20" prints, and photo CDs. Additionally, orders for 16 x 20" prints may be placed in advance through TheMagicInPixels.com or at the table at MagicMeets. He will donate on-the-spot a percentage of the sales that are made at his table by the end of the Auction that day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for MagicMeets attendees to purchase some beautiful art for their homes that will also help a worthy cause!

The Dream Team Project thanks Tim Devine for his generous contribution! 

Technorati Tags: Tim Devine, The Magic in Pixels, Dream Team Auction, MagicMeets, Devine Inspiration

Never Underestimate the Disney Online Community

While sitting in my hotel room miles away from "The Hollow", I got a called from the lovely Enchanted Rose telling me that her sister Julie got an exciting package from Tim Devine.

Tim had decided to send a couple gifts to her children Regan and Collin.  Tim and his family met Julie and her kids at Disneyland when she was there to meet my wife and I last June.

Tim sent them each a print from his photo collection.  In a way, you could say that Tim sent a some Magic in Pixels to my sister-in-law's kids.

She blogged about it and included some pictures.  Go check it out and don't be afraid to show her what we like to call Disney Geek Love (aka comments)

Technorati Tags: Announcement, The Magic in Pixels

Space Ship Earth: A side-by-side comparison

Were you one of the many people who got to enjoy the sneak peek of the newly re-imagineered Space Ship Earth? 

Were you like me and not able to remember with great clarity the way it looked before?

Then go on over to The Magic in Pixels and read Tim Devine's latest photography article.

It appears that he has dusted off the ole quill and produced an excellent article with tons of great dark-ride photography.

The article is a comparison of the old Space Ship Earth with the newly unveiled attraction.

Go over and take a read.

I figured I should mention the article because many people may not realize that The Magic in Pixels provides more than great eye candy (aka photographs) and a great forum community.  Tim has also written some articles about photography and is in the process of working on new content to bring to his site.

As ImagiNerd George would call it, this is a Geek Link :)

Technorati Tags: Space Ship Earth, The Magic in Pixels

The Epcot Thing: More Fun than a Barrel full of Figments

What is the Epcot Thing?

I can hear that question all the way from this side of my monitor.

If you have been living under a rock or in a Disney-free zone, you may not realize that Walt Disney World's second child, EPCOT, will be celebrating it's 25th birthday this year.

"The Epcot Thing" is the brainchild of none other than Mr. Nathan Rose, founder of Magical Mountain, FlickDirect, and Magical Definition.  You may also know Nathan Rose as the Award-winning podcaster from the Magical Definition Podcast.

Being that Epcot has been a huge part of Nathan's life going back to when he was just a mere lad of eight, Nathan was anxiously awaiting an announcement from Disney in regards to a 25th Anniversary Celebration for Epcot.  Alas, in January 2007, Disney officially announced they would not being doing anything special for this wonderful park's 25th Birthday. 

Despite being extremely disappointed, Nathan decided that if Disney wasn't going to do anything, he would.  He knew that there are definitely other people who love Epcot as much as he does and would chomp at the bit for some kind of celebration, official or not.

So, in February 2007, Nathan tapped his MDP co-host and founder of The Magic in Pixels, Tim Devine, and his other team members from Magical Mountain and Magical Definition to put together a celebration like no other.

Thus was the birth of "The Epcot Thing".

What about those free T-Shirts I've been hearing about?

"The Epcot Thing" planning team has arranged for there to T-Shirts given away to the first 50 people who show up at the event.  These T-Shirts were made available due to the support and sponsorship of Maple Leaf Tickets and Orlando Vacations.com.

Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to purchase a T-shirt (thus guaranteeing the receipt of one) has closed in order to insure delivery in time for "The Epcot Thing".

So, what Disney Community Celebrities will I run into?

The following Disney community celebrities have committed to be a part of this celebration:

• Nathan Rose (Magical Mountain)
• Tim Devine (The Magic in Pixels)
• Jim Hill (Jim Hill Media)
• Jeff Lange (JeffLangeDVD)
• Kendra Trahan (President, NFFC)
• Ron Schneider (The Original Dreamfinder)
• Steve Barrett (Author, Hidden Mickeys: a Field Guide to Disney's Best Kept Secrets and webmaster, Hidden Mickeys Guide)
• Mike & Julie Neal (Authors, The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World)
• Michael Suhrbier (Explore the Magic)

Plus, you never know who else might wander into the festivities, since the Florida NFFC conference ends the day before "The Epcot Thing".

What Events are Planned?

Here is what is planned thus far:

September 30th, 2007 - Pre-Meet Schedule:

• 7:30 Raglan Road Shandy Gathering (RSVP Required) - Kick off the celebration at Nathan's favorite restaurant with Magical Mountain and Shandy, of course! Starting at 7:30pm Raglan Road will be closing off a section of their restaurant for us. The space can only hold about 40 people so RSVP is required.
  Door prizes donated by Surplus Kingdom. Including the Main door prize of an entire Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hotel room set including a bedspread, pillowcase, tables, chairs, chest of drawers, and more!

Monday Oct 1st, 2007

• 07:30 Boardwalk Inn - This meet is designed for those who need coffee before our 9 am meet. Join the gang at Epcot's World Showcase entrance hotel for some joe and to walk with us to Epcot.
• 09:00 Soarin' – get fast pass, after getting fast pass go to Coffee meet inside the Land Pavilion (co-hosted by MouseMom.com)
• 09:35 Living With The Land - Join the gang on this relaxing boat ride to see how Walt Disney World experiments daily with aquiculture and desert farming.
• 10:15 Beverlyfest - Join Nathan as he tests his gastric skills!!! Watch him attempt to take 25 shots of the infamous Italian drink, Beverly. If we can get 150 people to celebrate with us, Nathan will up the ante to 50 shots!!! This is one meet NOT to be missed!
• 11:00 Explore The Wonders of Epcot - Free time. This bit of a break in the day will give everyone the opportunity to go off on their own if they please to eat and explore the wonders of Epcot.
• 01:00 A Tour of Epcot's Past - Meet at Spaceship Earth as we begin our tour of Epcot's Past with Jeff Lange. Join Jeff as he guides us through the classic Epcot attractions that are still making a big impact on all those who experience them. Included in the tour will be attractions such as "Maelstrom" and "The American Adventure".
• 04:45 Rose & Crown Dinner Meet (RSVP Required. Wait list available) - Enjoy great English fare with us at Rose & Crown. Be sure to let us know in advance if you plan on attending!!! As of right now, we have ONLY wait-list available. Make sure you send us an email if you are interest just in case someone else can't make it!!
• 08:00 Illuminations - This is a spectacular show held daily at Epcot. Why not see this wonderful presentation with all of the Magical Mountaineers? Make sure to meet us the front entrance to the Rose & Crown Pub at 7pm sharp, so we can grab all go together to find a great spot.
• TBD Adventurers Club - For the late nighters (immediately following Illuminations) For all you night owls, join us at the Adventurer's Club for some fun and "winding down" time. You may even be picked to be part of the show!

Enchanted Rose and myself will unable to make it to this once-in-a-lifetime event (and we are very upset about it but it was either MouseFest or this).

But, if you are going to be staying at Walt Disney World on October 1, 2007, and you appreciate the value that Epcot brings to the table, then please attend "The Epcot Thing"

All Nathan requests is that you RSVP to him so that he can get an accurate headcount so as to not freak out the Epcot people when a sudden throng of people show up.

 

Technorati Tags: The Epcot Thing, Epcot, Magical Definition Podcast, Tim Devine, Nathan Rose, Epcot's 25th Birthday

The Grump's Opinion: Simply Devine and Rose-y

I just wanted to do a quick blog post and suggest that if you aren't in the habit of listening to the Magical Definition Podcast (or as it's fans like to call it the MDP), I suggest you download and listen.  If you were a former listener, I suggest you take another listen for the following reasons:

• A New content format is being rolled out
• Much more of that witty banter from our hosts.  After all, we all know that it's more than the quality of your content that makes the difference, it's the delivery.  This week we get to hear more of their opinions of the impending changes at Disney's MGM Hollywood Studios.
• Jim Hill is still there and is really starting to get into his groove as a MDP contributor.  He, as usual, entices us with lots of juicy details of "what might come to be" and "what almost came to be".
• Tim has brought back his sorely missed "Photo Tip of the Week" but with a new twist.  In addition to giving generic tips, he's giving instructions on how to attempt to reproduce a popular photo from his own forums, The Magic in Pixels (should be no secret who he is if you've been following my Devine Inspiration series).  This week they are keeping with the theme of the show and he's discussing "The Hat" (see left).  This just so happens to be one of my most favorite night-time shots Mr. Devine has on display.
• The blooper reel at the end of the show.  Some of the best comedic gold is after the closing credits have rolled.

Of course the most important reason to listen is that my lovely wife, Enchanted Rose and I have been named "Friends of the Show" along with my buddies George and Andrew (aka The Disney Geeks)

Photo used with permission from Tim Devine/The Magic in Pixels.  All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: Magical Definition Podcast, MDP, Tim Devine, Nathan Rose, Friend of the Show

Devine Inspiration #3

For today's Devine Inspiration, I'm taking us to Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade.  This is one of the few parades that I'll sit and watch.  It brings back a lot of good childhood memories from when my parents, brother and I would watch this parade when it was still on Main Street and Disney's California Adventure was still a parking lot.

This picture is extra special because I was standing next to Tim when he popped this shot off.  He found a sweet viewing spot and it apparently isn't very well thought of because a couple days later when I went back to watch the parade with my sister-in-law and her family (Hi Collin!), the same spot was still wide open.

Disney's Electrical Parade is one of those things that I feel would be really hard to get a decent amount of quality shots with a Point-and-Shoot camera.  I noticed this when I saw the pictures my sister-in-law attempted to make with her very nice Point-and-Shoot.  If the lights weren't blurry, they were streaked.

Even with a good dSLR camera, you still need to have your settings such that the individual lights glow in the picture and don't end up just pinpoints of light. 

But, even if you have your settings right and are in the right place, it's still not easy.  Take for example, this shot (to the right) taken while I was standing next to Tim of the same exact subject in Tim's picture I'm showcasing.  I need to note, that this was the best of the several shots I attempted to take of this particular subject.  I just love how Tim captured Dumbo winking and everything is nice and crisp and frozen in time. 

I pulled this picture from Tim's recently updated Photo Album on his The Magic in Pixels web site.  Tim recently added a bunch of new albums from his Disneyland Trip with Disney's Electrical Parade being just one of those new albums.  If you haven't been to Tim's site in awhile, I suggest you go see what new stuff he's uploaded for our viewing pleasure. 

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Pictures are used with permission of Tim Devine / The Magic in Pixels.

Technorati Tags: Tim Devine, The Magic in Pixels, Disney Photography

Devine Inspiration #1

I'm going to try a new weekly feature here at Grumpy's Hollow.  Tim Devine, from the Magic in Pixels, has done me a great favor on my Disneyland Trip.  I could never have gotten as many good shots as I did if he hadn't taken me under his wing, so to speak, and told me about what settings to try and lecture me sternly when I was changing my lenses like a ignorant git.

So, I thought it would be nice to try and showcase some of his photos that I, as a hobbyist, find impressive.  These photos may come from his photo album or from his store (some are contained in both places).

I have chosen this print because what better photo to start off with then something as iconic as Cinderella's Castle and the Partner Statue.  Tim has quite a few images of the "Castle" and the Partners Statue, but this one just seems to have all the elements just perfectly captured (in my humble opinion). 

Plus, he's hit the mother lode with no people tainting the shot.

This is the shot, that every man, woman, and child that goes to Disney and is starry eyed with Pixie Dust wants to walk away with.  I would have to say that this shot has to be higher on the list than the perfect shot of the nightly fireworks show.

This image just so happens to come out of Tim's store and is available for purchase and can be found here:

Cinderella Castle 16x20 Mounted Print

Cinderella Castle with Partners Statue 8x10 Matted

If this shot doesn't happen to be on your checklist of trophies you want to bag yourself on the greatest photographic safari in the world, then Mr. Devine has made it easy to get this beauty hanging on your wall.

As I said, not every picture I plan to showcase is going to come from his store, but this one just happened to be.  If I wasn't salivating to get this shot with my own equipment, I'd be severely tempted to drop some cold hard cash on this print. 

I have 3 words for you:

Pure Disney Gold

 

Pictures are used with permission of Tim Devine / The Magic in Pixels.

Technorati Tags: Tim Devine, The Magic in Pixels, Disney Photography