My wife, Betty, and her family, visited Disney World two months after it opened in 1971. As a Christmas and birthday gift, I gave her a week-long trip to allow her the opportunity to mark the 50th Anniversary celebration of this mammoth entertainment complex in central Florida.
It was a memorable trip for both of us, not only for the nature of her history with the park but to have the week to ourselves. While the family is the center of our life, as we approach our 46th anniversary, we loved having the time together without having to please anyone but ourselves.
Betty is an outstanding photographer. Actually, I and several others believe she could market and sell a lot of what she has shot and edited over the past several decades. With smartphone cameras being so high in quality, she no longer needs to lug her Nikon around. What she photographs and then photoshops is every bit as good.
Because you were so gracious a week or so ago in making favorable comments of my attempts to paint, I thought you deserved to see something really first-rate.
She took over 2,100 photos while at Disney about her expected output. Though impossible to present all the ones I think she could sell on Etsy or somewhere, I have picked a few that really grabbed me, and hopefully you.
Enjoy a handful from the nighttime fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom.
The nighttime fireworks display at both Disney World and Disneyland are legendary. But for the 50th anniversary celebration, the Florida version takes the event to a whole new level.
And, finally a sampling of her work over the past several years:
The End!
Betty, these are lovely, and I admire your mastery of nighttime photography. That's something I've never managed to accomplish. The statue of Walt and Mickey has always been a favorite of mine; it never fails to tug at my heartstrings. If you're hesitant to sell your photos because you don't want to share ownership of an image with anyone else since those images are your personal treasures, I completely understand and respect that. If you're reluctant because you're not sure they would sell, maybe you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Thank you for allowing Bob to share these pics with us - it was a delightful way to start the day!
ReplyDeleteI think Betty's hesitancy toward selling her photographs is really not knowing how to proceed in that venture, and with all her projects for the house and herself, finding the time.
DeleteThere are literally hundreds of photos over the years that are as good as anything I have seen for sale on all sorts of platforms.
Thanks Mary for your kind words.
Oh my Mary,thank you for such a supportive reply! I would love to share and sell my photographs someday. Bob is right that I have nevered really looked into selling. It's quite daunting looking over 200,000 pictures and picking ones to edit, then willing to put myself "out there". You know, Artists have fragile egos! Thanks again for your encouragement!
DeleteReally wonderful pictures! Betty has real talent. Wow! (Also, I thought I took a lot of pictures during our travels. 2100!)
ReplyDeleteI was back in the hotel room watching the Super Bowl game while she was taking the Magic Kingdom photos. Shows you who is more dedicated to her art!
DeleteBeautiful photos. We went to Florida's Disney World on our honeymoon in 1984. We then took our kids there in 1996. Now, it is time to take our grandkids!
ReplyDeletewww.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Yes, it is a place made to generate memories for every generation. Your grandkids would love it, just like you and your kids did. The Magic Kingdom is constantly reinventing itself.
DeleteHi Bob and Betty! Glad to hear you had a great time at DisneyWorld and what a memorable chance to celebrate your anniversary. GREAT photos and yes they are as good as other professional shots. Have you ever put some of them on canvas or even pillows, calendars or other items? We have a couple of our favorites hanging around our house. And yes, when they are in other forms they are also salable. Lots of ways to share our creativity...especially when it's good! `Kathy
ReplyDeleteWe do have a few on canvases hanging in the house and have used a few for caldendars.
DeleteThis post and the comments may have pushed her off the marketing fence.
Very colorful, very dramatic, very inspiring. Those Disney photos make me want to go back to the Magic Kingdom (I was last there circa 1995 when my kids were 10 and 12.
ReplyDeleteExpensive, but worth it for the memories.
DeleteAmazed, as always, by Betty's incredible talent. I agree with you that her photography is first rate, and highly marketable should she ever want to pursue that. Some of those nature photographs look like paintings.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Now we just have to figure out the how and try to find the time to do it.
DeleteYes, that's the part about retirement that no one warns you about -- STILL not enough time to do all the things you want to!
DeleteThank you Galen! I've thought about selling every once in a while. I think I'd rather paint more, or take more pictures, rather than put in the time for marketing, printing etc... I tried to give that job to my son in law but there's just too much stuff!
DeleteI understand, Betty! My new book just came out, and I already want to start working on something else rather than get out there and market. I'm just grateful I get to see some of your beautiful work on Bob's blog.
DeleteVery Nice Bob...my parents lived in Orlando at the time and were invited to the Disney World Grand Opening along with my little brother. I remember photographs of the Polynesian and Contemporary Hotels and the monorail ride to the park.
ReplyDeleteThe monorail continues to operate and remains a real symbol of the park. You, your brother and parents were part of a special select group.
DeleteBeautiful photos that will become cherished memories for many years. Disney sure knows how to create magical moments.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see some of these photos as jigsaw puzzles. Has your wife ever considered that avenue?
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea! We have never considered such an approach.
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