CHRISTMAS VACATION (The Trip, Not the Movie): 12/19 - We're back, TR link on p. 25

[khertz]

Trust me, I know how hard it is to keep a secret when you are absolutely bursting to tell them! BUT...I think you should definitely try to keep it a secret. It's so much more exciting to surprise someone!

[annnewjerz]

Well, after going out shopping tonight---I came with another something that will come in handy on our trip.

I had previously purchased the Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home for our trip to Washington DC in early April. After carrying it around for one day while we walked through the city, I decided it was just TOO BIG for everyday use. I felt obligated to load it up, I didn't want all of that extra space just sitting there empty!! Plus, I had ordered it in black and while this is fine---it'll match everything after all---it was just a littttle boring. Now, the 6 MDH will be reserved for storing my gear when we travel and also keeping all of my stuff in while we are home.

So today, I went out to the local camera store to spend a gift card I had received and picked up the Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home in pretty purple and orange like I had originally wanted. I haven't loaded the stuff I plan to bring to WDW with me into it yet (D90 with attached lens and two additional lenses, as well as a bunch of doo-dads), but it looks like it'll be the perfect size. I think I'm in love

Here it is:



For now, my the shopping beast within has been satisfied, but I have a feeling that this weekend will be spent at Bed, Bath & Beyond getting a travel kit for liquids that I saw mentioned in another TR

[Angrypenguin]

Great report! That is a fantastic bag, I have one myself in red

[annnewjerz]

Originally Posted by Angrypenguin

Great report! That is a fantastic bag, I have one myself in red

I'm a little iffy on it right now---I got it home and literally, everything I have that is photography related (D90, 18-200, nifty fifty, macro lens, Sigma 30, SB-600, lens pens, memory cards, rocket blaster, charger, etc.) ALL fits in my 6MDH. I went to test out the 5MDH and while I like the height of it better---I'm thinking I'd like it a little wider?

I put the D90 w/ attached 18-200 lens in the center and then tried to put the Sigma 30 and Nikon 60 macro on either side, and they don't all fit (or if they do---it's a VERY snug fit). When we go to WDW, I'll be renting a wide angle lens and I can only imagine that'll be bigger than the macrco---so I'm starting to question whether I'll be able to fit all of it in my bag.

We'll see. For now, I have it and I love the color. I have 7 days to decide whether or not it's a keeper and knowing me, it will be.

[WDWRocksMySocks]

No, I don't have that one unfortunately. Bummer! Glad to hear you found all but one of them, though. Very cool!

I vote for giving your Mom the voucher you designed for her birthday. That way, you're still surprising her in a fun way but you don't have to wait and risk spoiling it.

[Angrypenguin]

Originally Posted by annnewjerz

I'm a little iffy on it right now---I got it home and literally, everything I have that is photography related (D90, 18-200, nifty fifty, macro lens, Sigma 30, SB-600, lens pens, memory cards, rocket blaster, charger, etc.) ALL fits in my 6MDH. I went to test out the 5MDH and while I like the height of it better---I'm thinking I'd like it a little wider?

I put the D90 w/ attached 18-200 lens in the center and then tried to put the Sigma 30 and Nikon 60 macro on either side, and they don't all fit (or if they do---it's a VERY snug fit). When we go to WDW, I'll be renting a wide angle lens and I can only imagine that'll be bigger than the macrco---so I'm starting to question whether I'll be able to fit all of it in my bag.

We'll see. For now, I have it and I love the color. I have 7 days to decide whether or not it's a keeper and knowing me, it will be.

It's funny, I've actually been thinking of a 6MDH; the 5 used to fit everything fine, but I upgraded to a Canon 50D, 24-105L, and just that with my nifty fifty and blower/cards/cloths is very, um, "tight". I'll probably be picking up a wide angle and/or a telephoto as well, so I know there's no way it'll all fit.

How does the 6MDH compare to the 5MDH in surface area? I'm just concerned about having this enormous bag slung over my shoulder.

[annnewjerz]

Originally Posted by Angrypenguin

How does the 6MDH compare to the 5MDH in surface area? I'm just concerned about having this enormous bag slung over my shoulder.

It's definitely bigger, like I said, I can fit every last bit of stuff that I own in it when I'm storing it at home. I'd say it's probably about 2-3 inches deeper (from front to back of the bag), maybe 2 inches wider and another two inches or so taller??

When I was wearing it around in DC, I didn't feel like it was so huge and cumbersome that it made me uncomfortable in crowded situations---but it is definitely a step up from the 5MDH.

For WDW or any other trip that requires a bit of traveling, I will probably store everything in my 6MDH for the plane ride, etc. (my guess is that it's still plenty small enough to fit under the seat in front of you as a carry-on) and then pack the 5MDH for everyday use around the parks, etc.

Like I said, when it's not fully loaded, it's definitely not horrible in terms of the weight, but I felt like I had to keep it loaded because when it wasn't, there was just so much extra room. Why carry a bag that big if you just plan to leave 2 lenses in your hotel room---right??

[disneyaddicted]

Ok, I say wait for the Birthday, you'll be glad you did. I love that bag, it looks like it could do the job.
I want that same travel kit from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I work there and every time I walk by it I have to pick it up and check it out and figure in my mind what I will put in each container. I love containers and doo dads!

[annnewjerz]

This isn't Disney related---I have been coming up with stuff recently to keep myself busy and my mind off of the countdown clock in my signature. Today, I did the photography for a co-worker's daughter's bridal shower. It was a challenge, very dark room, vaulted ceilings, a whole wall of windows that caused everything against them to be in silhouette, etc.

Here are a few of the shots I processed when I got home today. I probably took about 750 in 7 hours, which is probably a lot but I wanted to overshoot to up my odds of better pictures because of the challenging location.

[annnewjerz]

So today I got my Reef Flip Flops in the mail. I tried one on while I am at work and they feel like they're going to be super comfy.

They are rubber and feel squishy when you step on them, unlike the hard foam ones. This could work out really well or really badly. Either A. the squishiness keeps my feet feeling like I'm walking on clouds, or B. the squishiness wears thin so quickly that I feel like I'm walking bare-foot. With my luck, it will be option B, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The color is exactly like the picture that I posted earlier looks. HOT HOT HOT pink and another pair of black. I have off of work on Thursday and am going to try them out. If all goes well, I think I may order another 2-pack from Zappos while they've got them---at only $12(ish) per pair, why not??

Hopefully I'll have updates about more interesting stuff soon---like how my DM liked her Mother's Day gift (KTTK tour voucher) etc.

For now though, thanks for reading!!

[Angrypenguin]

Originally Posted by annnewjerz

This isn't Disney related---I have been coming up with stuff recently to keep myself busy and my mind off of the countdown clock in my signature. Today, I did the photography for a co-worker's daughter's bridal shower. It was a challenge, very dark room, vaulted ceilings, a whole wall of windows that caused everything against them to be in silhouette, etc.

Here are a few of the shots I processed when I got home today. I probably took about 750 in 7 hours, which is probably a lot but I wanted to overshoot to up my odds of better pictures because of the challenging location.

Great processing! I love the modern/metallic punch you add to them. Do you use lightroom or PS, and what methods? I'm trying to expand my processing techniques so I figured I'd ask .

[annnewjerz]

Originally Posted by Angrypenguin

Great processing! I love the modern/metallic punch you add to them. Do you use lightroom or PS, and what methods? I'm trying to expand my processing techniques so I figured I'd ask .

Thanks! I use Photoshop Elements 6, I'm looking into getting Lightroom because I figured it might be better for processing my RAW files---but probably won't make that jump for quite a while since I'm reasonably satisfied with my software right now.

I downloaded some free actions a while back and just started using them. The one I have been using on the people pictures is called Creamy Toffee Latte--it warms up the skin and also gives the people less harsh lines, sort of like a blur effect.

Some other actions that I use are "Color Pop" which sort of makes the colors more vivid "Decaf Pop" that makes the blacks in the photo darker and the colors lighter---I guess providing more contrast.

Basically, for more pictures my rule of thumb recently has been to up the contrast (most times to almost 100%) and just do some general edits like a little color saturation, etc.

For now, I like the way the photos are looking---but there are times when I feel like I wish a certain photo had a less processed look and I'll go back and do something different with it. Here is an example of one of those situations:

With "Color Pop" applied:


Without "Color Pop" applied, but with some other small tweaks:

[Todd_H]

Originally Posted by annnewjerz

Thanks! I use Photoshop Elements 6, I'm looking into getting Lightroom because I figured it might be better for processing my RAW files---but probably won't make that jump for quite a while since I'm reasonably satisfied with my software right now.

LOL... very entertaining thread, Anne. In addition to having a great photographic eye, you're a good writer as well.

If you decide to go with Lightroom 2 or CS4, try to hook up directly with Adobe and get a student discount (almost any creative school credential will work, so if you know a student somewhere ). I was able to pick up both CS4 Extended and Lightroom 2 for $300 ($199 for CS4 and $99 for LR2).

[Angrypenguin]

I love lightroom; it makes editing photos en masse very quick. Might branch out to photoshop though just for kicks .

Todd_H, you're everywhere recently! I seem to see you in all the threads I post in

[Todd_H]

Originally Posted by Angrypenguin

I love lightroom; it makes editing photos en masse very quick. Might branch out to photoshop though just for kicks .

Todd_H, you're everywhere recently! I seem to see you in all the threads I post in

LOL... I guess I have too much time on my hands ! Actually, we have a family trip coming up in September so as it gets closer, I'll probably spend more and more time on the DIS. There's so much info on this website and I've met a lot of really great people on here that make it a fun community to be a part of.