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Family Fun At The ROM: #NikonMOMents Part 5

April 7, 2015 by fabfrugalmama

From the age of two and a half, my son would ask me at least twice a week if we could visit the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) to visit the bat cave and dinosaurs.  It amazed me how interested he was at such a young age, and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to foster his love of learning.

So, I’d plan a few fun adventures with him each week, which usually included going to the ROM for his bat cave ‘fix’.  This planning was as much for him as it was for me; being a work-at-home Mom means that sometimes I lose track of time and, before I know it, we’ve stayed inside all day!

Needless to say, we have had a family membership ever since.

They still love them: my kids in the ROM bat cave πŸ™‚

Going to the ROM is something the whole family enjoys and it never gets old. But, despite having had my Nikon D3300 for almost a year now, I’ve never taken it along on any of our visits there.  I think I was scared that I would lose my youngest while trying to capture the perfect shot! Luckily, my husband came with us when we visited the museum recently, so I was free to snap as many pictures as I wanted. Here’s a glimpse into our trip…

We had so much fun learning about the new dinosaur that was just discovered.

We awaited the reveal of a new dinosaur species

Now that my daughter is old enough to read, the kids love checking out the interactive displays to find out more about the exhibits.

After many attempts at capturing images (especially of items behind glass) with my smartphone, I’m glad I had my Nikon D3300 camera with me this time. My favourite setting to shoot with is the aperture priority setting (“A” on the dial); this allows me to determine the amount of light that should be let in, and the camera determines the optimal shutter speed based on that setting. I find that the shots are brighter, and I’ve got greater control of shadows / highlights and depth of field, than when using Auto mode.

Butterflies in the biodiversity wing are breathtaking
Animals (sloth & macaw), dinosaur skeletons and fossils
Carvings from the Egypt wing

Despite the fact that this mummy tomb (below) is encased in glass, the Nikon D3300 took a pretty crisp shot. The only downside is the reflection on the right side of image, which was unavoidable due to the direct lighting in the gallery.  In contrast, the images of fish (further below) were all taken through thick glass as well, but in an area with more ambient/diffused lighting. The results are vastly different.

Mummy tomb

My son loves the fish in the biodiversity wing of the ROM;
he visits his special “fishy friend” (the yellow one) every time we go!

Beautiful mosaics

A mosaic ceiling inside the ROM; the Nikon D3300 handled the dim lighting with ease,
capturing every little detail

Stunning stained glass windows

True Canadiana – a totem pole

When visiting the ROM, be sure to inquire about the Earth Rangers show. My kids have seen it a few times and can’t get enough!
One of the stars of the Earth Rangers show

The special events are fascinating as well… the kids loved the Forbidden City, Franklin Expedition (see picture below) and #DinoHunt exhibits, and we’re looking forward to seeing the Douglas Coupland exhibit soon.

A replica bell from the recently discovered wreck of the Franklin Expedition’s HMS Erebus

The ROM is truly one of my family’s favourite places to go. If you haven’t been there before, check their website for hours and visiting information.

I’m thrilled to have been able to capture – and share – some of my family’s favourite moments this past year, thanks to Nikon and Influence Central Canada! I love my Nikon D3300 and recommend it to all of the DSLR newbies like me, who want a compact-body camera that is capable and full-featured, but still easy to learn on (guide mode is awesome) and grow with (lenses are the next frontier!).

Images of loved ones and special times are priceless and I hope you take every opportunity you get to capture yours. πŸ™‚

Disclosure: I am part of the Mom
Central Canada / Influence Central Canada Nikon MOMents team and I receive special perks as part of
my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #NikonMOMents, photography, ROM, Royal Ontario Museum

Comments

  1. Lynda Cook says

    April 8, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    You have captured great shots, looks like a great place to go!! you took some pretty amazing pictures, they are so clear and perfect!!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks, Lynda! Glad you like the photos. πŸ™‚ The ROM is super fun; kids of all ages love it!

  2. Multi-Testing Mommy says

    April 9, 2015 at 2:42 am

    Looks like you had a fun time at the ROM – LOVE your photos!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks so much… it was a lot of fun!

  3. Maya Fitzpatrick says

    April 9, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Wow. Those are some great shots. You really can't see the glass at all.
    It's so great that your kids enjoy going to the ROM. It's housed with so much information and history. Which reminds me… We are due for a trip there.

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks, Maya! Glad you like the photos. πŸ™‚ I had a lot of fun taking them! Have fun with your boys when you go…

  4. krisha44 says

    April 9, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    what an awesome family outing ! fun and educational. I have never been there before but would love to take my girls when they get a bit older. love the photos πŸ™‚

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      Thanks – glad you like the pics. πŸ™‚ I'm sure your girls will love it when they go!

  5. Tiffany M says

    April 12, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    The ROM looks fabulous- I've always wanted to visit! Also, so jelly of getting to go to the Douglas Coupland exhibition- I love his work!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      I haven't gone to Douglas Coupland's exhibit yet, Tiffany! LOL I hope I make it! Thanks for your comment. πŸ™‚

  6. Barbara Langley says

    April 12, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    That looks like so much fun! I have not been yet,but want to now!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:43 pm

      Glad to hear it, Barbara… you'd love it, I'm sure!

  7. Katie B says

    April 13, 2015 at 2:11 am

    Looks like your family had a great time!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      We did, thanks! The ROM never disappoints. πŸ™‚

  8. Tammy Mitchell says

    April 22, 2015 at 1:57 am

    I need to get back to the ROM so many amazing things to see and do. I too some days look down at the clock and realize we've done nothing but stay inside too. Yes somedays I feel guilty but at the same time I always look into his eyes are give him the love he needs. When outings are this fun I am sure your LO doesn't mind either.

    • fabfrugalmama says

      April 23, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      Thanks for the reassuring words, Tammy! Love the Mom support. πŸ™‚

  9. Cheryl says

    April 29, 2015 at 1:23 am

    LOVE the photos. The bird is so adorable. I would love to bring my family here.

  10. Caryn Salageanu says

    April 29, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    The ROM looks like a great place to take the kids and your pictures were amazing!

  11. Gene D says

    April 30, 2015 at 1:48 am

    Wow – my kids would be blown away by this. Looks like a great time!

  12. Debbie says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:00 am

    Nice. We were there 3 years ago and wouldn't allow cameras. It's time to return with camera in hand.
    (Debbie W)

  13. chris b says

    May 10, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    i love the ROM. haven't been there in years. Need to take my kids to see some dinosaurs!

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Welcome!

Fab Frugal Mama

I'm Lisa - a business owner, wife & Mom of two. I no longer contribute to this blog, but hope you enjoy the many articles I have written about my parenting adventures, products I can't live without, my love of The Happy Planner, and how to save a few bucks. It was a fun 10-year ride! πŸ™‚

For the past 12 years, I have worked in the social media and digital space. My passion is working with fellow female business owners to solve their biggest digital challenges and help them thrive online. Interested in working with me? Click here

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