MonkeyPants Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 So, I recently moved back to LA, so I was excited when I read about Termination Day.I thought it would be a fun event and a chance to meet TPR peeps. Unfortunately, a few days before the event, I received some really bad news… A tragedy in the family. It wasn't someone I was closely related to and I didn't know him well, but the circumstances around the situation were such that it had a significant impact on me. Needless to say, I wasn't sure I'd be up for the event. The night before the event came and after basically having six of the most emotionally draining weeks of my life (for the above reason and for others), I felt I needed to have some fun, so I got up early and headed out to Magic Mountain. I arrived at the park, registered, then stuck my camera gear in a lock-er near the front, because I didn't know what the lock-er situation would be out back by the ride. Started walking for Terminator, and was directed by security that that pathway was closed and to 'go that way.' I knew 'that way' meant all the way around the park, so I wasn't sure if there was some secret short-cut I didn't know about. So around the park I go. Despite quite a long walk, it was cool to see the park almost completely empty. Finally arrive the the ERT. Terminator is a pretty cool looking coaster, especially the big fan curve near the entrance. It doesn't have a big wow-factor, but it does look cool. The ride itself, however, is excellent! The theming was decent, albeit a bit too loud in that last holding room. The trains are fairly bad-a$$ looking. They reminded me of big, old-fashioned, heavy-duty locomotives. Not that it looks like a locomotive, but the trains are imposing and strong looking. And black. The first drop is super-fun. The whole ride is fun. It's Out-of-control crazy with a relentless pace, but smooth and comfortable. Definitely a thumbs up ride. But as the ERT was ending I, and other folks, were walking back around the park, I started to realize I just wasn't feeling great and not really having fun. I decided to head home around 11:30, but on the way out, I took some pics of Scream and X2. The Scream shots were lame, but the X2 ones are pretty good, so I thought I'd at least post these. Anyway, hope you enjoy 'em. Mark ---------------- Aka macevhicz Does it count as hands-up if your hands are actually going down? The blonde lady is thinking "Did I turn off the iron?" Two words: Fire. Good. Caution – You may get incinerated on this ride. This one neither. I can't think of any witty remarks for this one. Whheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I guess this counts as being upside down. It only does downhill from here. (get it?) And here, they know they did. Right about here, the riders are wondering if they made a mistake getting on. Fire-breathing X2! X2 gets all flippy
atem122 Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 You have one damn fine camera there, those were some great X2 shots, you should enter them into that photo contest, that picture of the train behind the flames was dynamite
CreditCrazy Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 Those are some awesome X2 shots, actually, probably the greatest I've seen. Glad you enjoyed Terminator, too bad you weren't able to ride it at night.
MonkeyPants Posted July 15, 2009 Author Posted July 15, 2009 Thanks for the idea, atem, I went ahead and entered it in the contest. Yea, Credit, sounds like the night rides were awesome! Maybe someday, I'll get there in the evening and ride... Wont' be the same as TPR ERT....
dewthedew Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I have to ask what kind of camera you have, these are AWESOME photos.
Sir Clinksalot Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 Those are some really sweet X2 shots. Thanks for sharing.
metrock Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 This is why I want a new camera. Those pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing. What kind of camera and glass to you have?
X2coasterfreak Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 Wow these are AMAZING pictures! It really shows how awesome X2 is. Thank you very much for sharing
MonkeyPants Posted July 16, 2009 Author Posted July 16, 2009 Haha Metrock! No, it's hard to capture the bumpiness on a still photo! For those who asked, it's a Canon Rebel Xsi (a stunningly adept camera, especially considering it's a 'consumer level' model.) And I was using a Canon 100-400 L lens (this one http://tinyurl.com/ogzhbj ). But you also must know how to use it... I'm still astonished how hard it is to get a sharp image. There are a lot of factors to consider.
metrock Posted July 16, 2009 Posted July 16, 2009 ^ Thanks for that info. One of these day's I'll get around to buying a dSLR. Though, I have been quite lucky with my point and shoot. But it's frustrating when you know what kind of shot you want to take, but can't because of the limitations of your camera. I settle for what I can get. Oh, and yeah, the only way you can capture bumpiness in a still photo is if there is blood streaming from the riders ears.
MonkeyPants Posted July 16, 2009 Author Posted July 16, 2009 Sometimes, you can get a point and shoot to do pretty well. You won't be able to zoom like these X2 shots, but if you can set it to sport mode, or if it has any manual capabilities, you could prioritize a fast shutter, and you still be able to get good shots. Another easy tip that some point and shoots can do is to purposely under expose the image a bit. One of the more common 'faults' with photos is areas blasted out white (from too much light hitting the sensor). If you underexpose a little, often you can instead get detail and color where it would otherwise be white. Sometimes that whiteness is what you want, but more often than not, it just detracts from the image. Plus the sky will almost always appear more blue (bluer?) if underexposed a little.
ajinaz Posted July 16, 2009 Posted July 16, 2009 I have to admit that when I read your opening paragraph I thought, "Great! More of the same shots of X2 from the entrance driveway." Boy was I wrong. Simply stunning shots. However, now I'm left to wonder what your photos of Terminator would have looked like.
MonkeyPants Posted July 16, 2009 Author Posted July 16, 2009 Hey wow, thanks for the compliments... It's nice to hear! Thank you.
Cyber.Fiber Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Simply amazing photo's as always. Just as good, if not better quality than your Cedar Point trip report from 2 years ago. Excellent Job.
dino Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Beautiful shots! Love the ones of the trains behind the flames. It almost looks like watercolors.
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