Tis The Season

I heard on the news last Sunday morning that they were installing the Christmas Star on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. I quickly grabbed some breakfast and headed out the door with my camera to take some shots of the star hanging procedure. I thought I might get some good people shots, etc. I also expected a small crowd of spectators. Turned out, there were three of us down there. One guy was taking cell phone pictures and I was talking pictures with my DSLR.

Veterans Day Parade and Swan Round-Up

This was my first time attending the Orlando Veteran's Day Parade. I thought it would be a good chance to do some people pics. During events people don't seem to be very upset when their picture is taken so I wasn't as intimadated approaching stangers. Most of the time I just snapped the picture and then if they noticed I would smile and wave. Usually they smiled back. As for the parade, it lasted for two hours. Most of the local high schools had either bands or their ROTC members marching. UCF had their band there also. The photography was challenging since the parade started at 11 AM and the light was very contrasty. I tried to find a shady spot but in the background were several light colored buildings that were very bright with the sunlight. Due to the lighting I didn't want to chance my exposures so I bracketed most of the shots. I also pushed the ISO up so I could get the faster shutter speed. As a bonus on the way over to the parade (I walked there from home) the Swan Roundup at Lake Eola was taking place. This is an annual event where they corral the swans for check ups, microchips and even shots! It was fun to watch and see how they pick up the swans. First time I have seen a swan fly across the lake after their release.

Swan Round Up at Lake Eola