Advice on Photographing MNSSHP!

[mom2rtk]

I posted a while back on the problems I had with MVMCP and got some great advice on my problems using the flash during parade. I got some great suggestions and have decided to try the 50mm f1.8 lens and go flashless for the Halloween parade.

It occurred to me that I should find out what other suggestions everyone else had in photograping the Halloween party (night-time meet & Greets, villains stage show, fireworks and parade)

I would also love to see the great shots you've gotten during the party in prior years!

 

[ukcatfan]

For the parade and shows, I say go with the prime. For the fireworks, go with a tripod, shutter release, and just a standard zoom. For the character meets, I suggest using an external flash and your standard zoom.

 

[Chikabowa]

My biggest suggestion...
When you are shooting the parade, make sure you situate yourself on the parade route so that you have a big spotlight behind you shining directly in the way that you plan on shooting the parade. Don't shoot INTO the light (you can... but it take a whole other level of skill and it has a totally different effect), use the lights that Disney sets up all over in order to light the park anyway.

For fireworks.... Keep your ISO low (so you get little noise) and use a tripod. You'll be glad you did. And don't sweat having that "postcard perfect" location. Sometimes it's fun to mix up your location - it gives an entirely different effect.

As for character meet and greets... definitely have an external flash, but also try to use as much ambient light as possible. It's really quite amazing how much light Disney provides... you just have to use it the right way!

 

[handicap18]

My biggest suggestion...
When you are shooting the parade, make sure you situate yourself on the parade route so that you have a big spotlight behind you shining directly in the way that you plan on shooting the parade. Don't shoot INTO the light (you can... but it take a whole other level of skill and it has a totally different effect), use the lights that Disney sets up all over in order to light the park anyway.

A good spot for this is in Frontierland right in front of the Diamond Horseshoe. There was a nice light coming off the building and you can also get up on the stairs and shoot easier over peoples heads.