Disney Photo Session PART II

[3pletprincesses]

We had our hour long photoshoot on August 25. We were schedule for the 24 at 5pm but it was pooring and they called us to change the date which turned out to be the next morning at 9am. We have Jim and he was awesome. We took so many pictures. We even went over the 1 hour and hadn't noticed. We took pictures inside, outside byt the beach and by the main building at the Poly and I loved it. I saw a few pictures as they were taken and they seemed really nice. We were a party of 8 and we had individual pictures and group pictures taken. In all I would say we have about 30 different poses if not more. I was told I would be getting the album with the enhance 6X6 photos and the cd ( as we purchased the cd) 3 weeks later. We are week 2 and still nothing. I was told we would get a website address to see the photos ahead of time but when I called yesterday about it, they told me I would be getting an email with all the info 3 weeks after the photoshoot too. I asked about the resolution of the cd and was told it was high res. which would be great for up to 8X12 photos. Once I get the actually album and cd, I will upodate you on the quality of it.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I am so confused ...I currently have the 20 min. session booked for my DD's senior pictures in October and starting to wonder if that's not going to be enough time. She's now saying she may want to change outfits and wants some pics on the beach and maybe inside (we switched the location from the GF to the BC). I really didn't want to shell out $400 for the hour session (we need the CD) but am now wondering if I should just book two 20min. sessions instead... I'd get more time and still save $100 as each 20 min. session includes the CD... any thoughts?

 

[2Tiggies]

I am so confused ...I currently have the 20 min. session booked for my DD's senior pictures in October and starting to wonder if that's not going to be enough time. She's now saying she may want to change outfits and wants some pics on the beach and maybe inside (we switched the location from the GF to the BC). I really didn't want to shell out $400 for the hour session (we need the CD) but am now wondering if I should just book two 20min. sessions instead... I'd get more time and still save $100 as each 20 min. session includes the CD... any thoughts?

If she wants to change clothes this may be your best bet. I would not want to pay £400 for a session and have 20 minutes wasted for changing outfits. I suspect the photographers won't make that 'changing time' up for you as they would have to work around other bookings.

Does she want a complete change of outfits? Is it possible for her to have layers on to remove something, or throw a wrap over the top to change the 'look' which she could do while strolling to the next spot for the photos so as not to waste time? I don't have a teen (yet) so not sure how helpful I can be but those were my thoughts. It's a lot of money otherwise

 

[basketlacey]

I think I want to book the $150 session for my family in November. Does anyone know if AKL will be decorated for Christmas by the 13th? I don't really want Christmas decor in my pics.

Also, I bought white dresses for myself and my daughters for pics this summer that we never had taken. Would it be crazy to wear those in November at AKL? I would put dh and ds in jeans and white shirts.

 

[mommyrosa2]

If she wants to change clothes this may be your best bet. I would not want to pay £400 for a session and have 20 minutes wasted for changing outfits. I suspect the photographers won't make that 'changing time' up for you as they would have to work around other bookings.

Does she want a complete change of outfits? Is it possible for her to have layers on to remove something, or throw a wrap over the top to change the 'look' which she could do while strolling to the next spot for the photos so as not to waste time? I don't have a teen (yet) so not sure how helpful I can be but those were my thoughts. It's a lot of money otherwise

She's thinking of changing into a completely different outfit - jeans a nice top for some pics and a summer dress for others. She's just worried that 20 min won't be enough time to capture enough shots going from one location to another. Yet, last year (before the photoshoot changes) I believe we only had 30 min. or so for our family photoshoot and we got so many pics at different spots at the GF and it was more than enough time. Not sure why I'm struggling with this. I think I'm going to just book one extra 20 min. session, this way I won't make myself nuts.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I think I want to book the $150 session for my family in November. Does anyone know if AKL will be decorated for Christmas by the 13th? I don't really want Christmas decor in my pics.

Also, I bought white dresses for myself and my daughters for pics this summer that we never had taken. Would it be crazy to wear those in November at AKL? I would put dh and ds in jeans and white shirts.

We stayed at the AKL in November of last year from 11/6-11/13 and it was not decorated for Christmas yet. This resort is beautiful and there are so many nice spots you can get your portraits taken. As for the white dresses, you are definitely NOT crazy to take them. That time of year is perfect weather and some days can still be warm in the upper 70's, low 80's. I think the look your going for will come out beautiful. Have a wonderful time!

 

[basketlacey]

We stayed at the AKL in November of last year from 11/6-11/13 and it was not decorated for Christmas yet. This resort is beautiful and there are so many nice spots you can get your portraits taken. As for the white dresses, you are definitely NOT crazy to take them. That time of year is perfect weather and some days can still be warm in the upper 70's, low 80's. I think the look your going for will come out beautiful. Have a wonderful time!

Thank you! I might just have to do this! Now to lose 15 pounds before we go.....

 

[2Tiggies]

S I think I'm going to just book one extra 20 min. session, this way I won't make myself nuts.

I think I would do the same in your situation. $300 will get her a whole lot more from 2 x 20 minute sessions than she would get out of the hour long one for slightly more, if she were to go and change halfway through. The good thing with the 2 separate sessions is that she will be able to take her time getting ready for each one with no pressure. And if you have the time to book 2 different locations she should have a great mix. Have fun!

All this thread needs now are some new pics

 

[rjvose17]

Hi guys, quick post.

We did our photo session today with Mike and Pedro. We had the hour long session, and I hope the pics are spectacular because I have to say I am NOT impressed. When I called I asked them what would be a good time they told me 11 cause the clouds would have burned off, so we booked it. Mike said it was too hot to go out and would have rather done it earlier. He was slow, had to sit a lot and didn't want to go outside at all. I told him we picked beach club for the outside variety and beauty. So we did some in and some out. Mike was sweating so bad he had to keep wiping his face down with a towel. I don't think he works with Pedro much because they didn't communicate well and Pedro constantly talked about what him and Ty do. ( I am thinking that I wouldve been better off with TY) Anyways, I will say my DD 4 didn't want to cooperate much after the first 20 mins or so but I think it was cause she was bored. OH and first off he and Pedro were both LATE so we didn't get off to a good start and we we ended early because DD4 was so done with basically not doing anything in the heat. So our 1 hr session was probably only about 40 mins but actually only about 25 in picture time because Mike walked sooooo slow! I dont know...I guess I was expecting more and maybe I won't feel this way once the photos come back. Also I need to call them because I paid my initial 25 deposit....then paid the balance with Disney Gift Cards. I told them I wanted the CD too. Therefore after our DVC Discount and our deposit is should've been 305.00 I paid 300.00 in giftcards so I don't know if I owe money or if they owe me money! I haven't recieved a reciept or invoice or anything. So far I am thinking that it was a BIG waste of vacation time and money. This was our first ever attempt at family photos. We do the girls pics often so I know they can stand to have pics taken for long periods of time it's just that it took so long in between shots! Good luck to everyone else. I hope that you have better luck than we did.

*Quick edit....I feel really bad complaining about Mike because he was nice and tried to have fun with the girls but it was more awkward than anything and I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting...maybe not totally Mike's fault..IDK.

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh no!! Not what you need at all! About the cost, when I called them they explained to me that the $25 deposit was part of the cost but you also have to add tax. I asked her to give me the figures so I had a note of them anyways. You need to add 6.5% to the $300, deduct the $25 you paid as deposit and then deduct the $300 you paid in gift cards.

When do you get to view the proofs of your session? I didn't book the hour session so I think the basic ones may work differently but we get to collect our CD xx number of hours later and I will be sure to ask them to let me see the images. The reason I ask this is that, for this very reason, I have booked our session early-ish in our trip so that if I am not happy, I can try get it sorted while we are there as it is so much more time consuming and complicated later on. Do you still have time left? I would be more than just a little upset if I paid that money and wasn't happy - especially since it sounds like you got little more than half your booked session. Please let us know how it works out for you. I hope the rest of your trip is extra special

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hi guys, quick post.

We did our photo session today with Mike and Pedro. We had the hour long session, and I hope the pics are spectacular because I have to say I am NOT impressed. When I called I asked them what would be a good time they told me 11 cause the clouds would have burned off, so we booked it. Mike said it was too hot to go out and would have rather done it earlier. He was slow, had to sit a lot and didn't want to go outside at all. I told him we picked beach club for the outside variety and beauty. So we did some in and some out. Mike was sweating so bad he had to keep wiping his face down with a towel. I don't think he works with Pedro much because they didn't communicate well and Pedro constantly talked about what him and Ty do. ( I am thinking that I wouldve been better off with TY) Anyways, I will say my DD 4 didn't want to cooperate much after the first 20 mins or so but I think it was cause she was bored. OH and first off he and Pedro were both LATE so we didn't get off to a good start and we we ended early because DD4 was so done with basically not doing anything in the heat. So our 1 hr session was probably only about 40 mins but actually only about 25 in picture time because Mike walked sooooo slow! I dont know...I guess I was expecting more and maybe I won't feel this way once the photos come back. Also I need to call them because I paid my initial 25 deposit....then paid the balance with Disney Gift Cards. I told them I wanted the CD too. Therefore after our DVC Discount and our deposit is should've been 305.00 I paid 300.00 in giftcards so I don't know if I owe money or if they owe me money! I haven't recieved a reciept or invoice or anything. So far I am thinking that it was a BIG waste of vacation time and money. This was our first ever attempt at family photos. We do the girls pics often so I know they can stand to have pics taken for long periods of time it's just that it took so long in between shots! Good luck to everyone else. I hope that you have better luck than we did.

*Quick edit....I feel really bad complaining about Mike because he was nice and tried to have fun with the girls but it was more awkward than anything and I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting...maybe not totally Mike's fault..IDK.

YIKES! Now I'm really glad I didn't switch to the 1 hour session. Here's hoping you're pictures come out fantastic!

 

[yrdlyprincess]

does anyone know if they still have the photo things set up in the resorts? they had a photographer set at a certain location in the evening @ WL and Poly....I'm sure at others but we got them taken there...it was free and they were only there at night...still happening?????

 

[4orm]

I'm interested in the above question too

 

[jenseib]

I "think" they only do it during holiday times or slow times when the photographers aren't doing anything else. But things could change

 

[yrdlyprincess]

Ok just called the photopass line and the CM said that they discontinued that in Feb, having the photographers set up at the deluxe resort for lobby pictures...which stinks!!! And I also asked him where (besides the water parks) can I get a wrist photopass card....he said that they only have them at the waterparks and that at this time of the year they dont have photographers other there. theres 2 for 2 (and not in a good way!)

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Just wanted to stop in to share our experience with the hour long session on 9/11 @ 8:45 a.m. in World Showcase.

We were up early to get all gussied-up. Fun stuff. We were staying at the WL so we drove our own car over to BC to park as we were instructed. We valeted the car (as we always do). The heat/humidity was already a killer even that early in the morning but what can you do. I know my hair was frizzing and looking pitiful but it is what it is. The show had to go on. Were standing at the International Gateway at 8:35. When our photographer and his assistant were within sight at 8:45 we were allowed to proceed thru the turnstiles by the gatekeeper CMs. They were super nice to us, too, BTW.

So we met our photographer, Dean, and his assistant, Tina, just inside the gate. Super nice! Dean asked what we were looking for which hubby immediately pointed to me and said, "She's the boss." I explained that we had a sitting in the MK in Dec. 2007. From that experience I knew I wanted less posed shots, more candids, stuff with just the DH & me (since it's our 18th anniversary), a few family shots, stuff with just our boys, and an individual here & there of the boys since we homeschool and don't get the annual school pictures. My only big requirement of the sitting was at least 1 shot that had SSE in the background to go along with our classic castle shot from our last sitting. Dean was awesome! He asked a few questions as we walked back towards Italy about our classic castle shot so he could be sure to capture something that would sit well next to it. Fabulous!

I'll tell ya, it was stiffling hot outside already even that early. We started back in Italy near the entrance to Via Nappoli. Dean & Tina worked well with the boys. Dean would look around at the settings, lighting, & surroundings then find a pose like leaning against something or propping up on something. He'd call to one of the boys and say, "Stand here and do this." Tina was excellent with having the external light/flash set up and coaching a bit with things like "Relax your shoulders...smile for the ladies!..." She was also super awesome in catching little details like if the clasp to my necklace had come around to the front or if my hair needed to move or looked weird. She'd adjust the guys' shirts or collars. Little things like that. Loved having a woman there to catch the little details!

We slowly worked our way forward thru Italy. Lots of gorgeous places to shoot there. We were open to whatever our photographer suggested for countries for the most part because they know the lighting and have shot in those settings before. They'll know what's best. Dean told us when he was setting up our 'signature' SSE shot. I thought he'd park us out in the sun on the isola or something but he totally did NOT. He explained how he set the shot. I think that's the one I'm most itching to see! It's going to be awesome-sauce like you wouldn't believe. Not at all traditional or posed. Love it.

We did ask to get at least a single shot with the American Adventure worked in considering it was 9/11 and all. On a normal day I tend to be a hot-blooded-all-American girl so it just seemed like the thing to do. I know setting that shot wasn't the easiest considering the sun, the sprinklers, the workers in the area, etc. but I have to commend Dean & Tina for their well-thought-out effort. Again, haven't seen the pics but I love that they didn't just snap something fast to appease me. They thought about it and really put forth effort.

We moved in Morroco. No, not where you'd think. We went way back there. Got some fun stuff. Still stiffling hot. I thought I was melting. But we did it and I'm glad we did.

We wrapped up in France. France has never been my favorite country in World Showcase but seeing it up close with nobody else there (except a few random CMs doing their jobs) allowed me to better appreciate the surroundings. Back in the arcade area it's truly beautiful. And quaint! We took a handful of pics back in the arcade, a few out by the fountains, and voila! We were done. And soaked in sweat.

We said our goodbyes to Dean & Tina. They walked backstage near the little shop by the International Gateway turnstiles. We headed back out of the park towards our late breakfast ADR at the Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club.

Overall, I'd say the hour long sitting experience was amazing. It's been just over 2 weeks and still I've not heard or seen anything in the way of our proofs. I'm not really all that alarmed. I'm hoping that means there were that many awesome shots to choose from and/or retouch to perfection. Goodness knows my frazzled hair can use all the help it can get from the Photoshop Gods. I know you're not supposed to be able to request photographers and all with these portrait sittings, but if you go to meet your photographer and you find that you got the Dean & Tina team you're in good hands. They were wonderful from beginning to end. What an awesome morning we had!

I'll be sure to report back once I get some pics to show. I'm so psyched! Sent an email to Dean just a little bit ago thanking him for the awesome time we had...

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Sweetpee - thanks for sharing your experience, sounds amazing! I hope you share some pics when you get them, I'd love to see. I hope we can do an in-park session one of these trips.

 

[daraddg]

Thanks for the info thats one thing I wont be doing and can cross off the list

 

[mommyrosa2]

Ok just called the photopass line and the CM said that they discontinued that in Feb, having the photographers set up at the deluxe resort for lobby pictures...which stinks!!! And I also asked him where (besides the water parks) can I get a wrist photopass card....he said that they only have them at the waterparks and that at this time of the year they dont have photographers other there. theres 2 for 2 (and not in a good way!)

That's odd. My girlfriend just got back last night from her stay at the AKL and she said the photopass photographer was there in the lobby and she had several shots taken of her family. I'll be anxious to see if they are at the BC when we go in 3 weeks.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Just wanted to stop in to share our experience with the hour long session on 9/11 @ 8:45 a.m. in World Showcase.

We were up early to get all gussied-up. Fun stuff. We were staying at the WL so we drove our own car over to BC to park as we were instructed. We valeted the car (as we always do). The heat/humidity was already a killer even that early in the morning but what can you do. I know my hair was frizzing and looking pitiful but it is what it is. The show had to go on. Were standing at the International Gateway at 8:35. When our photographer and his assistant were within sight at 8:45 we were allowed to proceed thru the turnstiles by the gatekeeper CMs. They were super nice to us, too, BTW.

So we met our photographer, Dean, and his assistant, Tina, just inside the gate. Super nice! Dean asked what we were looking for which hubby immediately pointed to me and said, "She's the boss." I explained that we had a sitting in the MK in Dec. 2007. From that experience I knew I wanted less posed shots, more candids, stuff with just the DH & me (since it's our 18th anniversary), a few family shots, stuff with just our boys, and an individual here & there of the boys since we homeschool and don't get the annual school pictures. My only big requirement of the sitting was at least 1 shot that had SSE in the background to go along with our classic castle shot from our last sitting. Dean was awesome! He asked a few questions as we walked back towards Italy about our classic castle shot so he could be sure to capture something that would sit well next to it. Fabulous!

I'll tell ya, it was stiffling hot outside already even that early. We started back in Italy near the entrance to Via Nappoli. Dean & Tina worked well with the boys. Dean would look around at the settings, lighting, & surroundings then find a pose like leaning against something or propping up on something. He'd call to one of the boys and say, "Stand here and do this." Tina was excellent with having the external light/flash set up and coaching a bit with things like "Relax your shoulders...smile for the ladies!..." She was also super awesome in catching little details like if the clasp to my necklace had come around to the front or if my hair needed to move or looked weird. She'd adjust the guys' shirts or collars. Little things like that. Loved having a woman there to catch the little details!

We slowly worked our way forward thru Italy. Lots of gorgeous places to shoot there. We were open to whatever our photographer suggested for countries for the most part because they know the lighting and have shot in those settings before. They'll know what's best. Dean told us when he was setting up our 'signature' SSE shot. I thought he'd park us out in the sun on the isola or something but he totally did NOT. He explained how he set the shot. I think that's the one I'm most itching to see! It's going to be awesome-sauce like you wouldn't believe. Not at all traditional or posed. Love it.

We did ask to get at least a single shot with the American Adventure worked in considering it was 9/11 and all. On a normal day I tend to be a hot-blooded-all-American girl so it just seemed like the thing to do. I know setting that shot wasn't the easiest considering the sun, the sprinklers, the workers in the area, etc. but I have to commend Dean & Tina for their well-thought-out effort. Again, haven't seen the pics but I love that they didn't just snap something fast to appease me. They thought about it and really put forth effort.

We moved in Morroco. No, not where you'd think. We went way back there. Got some fun stuff. Still stiffling hot. I thought I was melting. But we did it and I'm glad we did.

We wrapped up in France. France has never been my favorite country in World Showcase but seeing it up close with nobody else there (except a few random CMs doing their jobs) allowed me to better appreciate the surroundings. Back in the arcade area it's truly beautiful. And quaint! We took a handful of pics back in the arcade, a few out by the fountains, and voila! We were done. And soaked in sweat.

We said our goodbyes to Dean & Tina. They walked backstage near the little shop by the International Gateway turnstiles. We headed back out of the park towards our late breakfast ADR at the Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club.

Overall, I'd say the hour long sitting experience was amazing. It's been just over 2 weeks and still I've not heard or seen anything in the way of our proofs. I'm not really all that alarmed. I'm hoping that means there were that many awesome shots to choose from and/or retouch to perfection. Goodness knows my frazzled hair can use all the help it can get from the Photoshop Gods. I know you're not supposed to be able to request photographers and all with these portrait sittings, but if you go to meet your photographer and you find that you got the Dean & Tina team you're in good hands. They were wonderful from beginning to end. What an awesome morning we had!

I'll be sure to report back once I get some pics to show. I'm so psyched! Sent an email to Dean just a little bit ago thanking him for the awesome time we had...

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I'd love to see some pics when you get them. My DD is so nervous about getting her senior pics taken in 3 weeks but listening to your experience should put her more at ease. We didn't end up booking the one hour session as we need the CD with the jpegs right away in order to turn her yearbook picture in as soon as we get back from vacation but instead booked two (20 min) sessions back-to-back with a 15 min. window in between as we were afraid one wouldn't give her enough time to change her outfits. She's having her pics taken at the BC so I'm hoping all goes well.