Another Photopass question - COVID related

[Dis_Dreamin]

We know we have to keep our masks on when taking Photopass photos...but will the Photopass photographer shoot a shot with your camera still, or has that gone out the window with COVID?

We used to get photopass with their camera, and then hand my own DLSR over to them to shoot a shot or two as well. It made for some nice backup photos where I knew the settings would work while sometimes their settings come out a little dark or over exposed.

 

[yulilin3]

At the beginning cm were told not to do this at all, now it's at their discretion, if a cm feels comfortable handling someone else's phone they can but they are allowed to say no to the guest

 

[tex1989]

Funny thing is we were in the park all of ten minutes on our first day 10/25 and my wife asked a CM to take a picture of us with her phone and the CM said she could'nt. My wife was shocked at first and I said to her "you know they can't do that". The light went off in my wife's eyes and she just said "oh yeah!"

 

[yulilin3]

Funny thing is we were in the park all of ten minutes on our first day 10/25 and my wife asked a CM to take a picture of us with her phone and the CM said she could'nt. My wife was shocked at first and I said to her "you know they can't do that". The light went off in my wife's eyes and she just said "oh yeah!"

I work at SWO an have said no, but if i have a chance to go to the restroom right after and wash my hands, I've done it

 

[Cynt]

Come on guys, no one wants to touch your phone/camera during covid. Please don't ask a CM to take a pic with your phone. Let's not put them in an awkward situation. Practice those "selfie" skills!

 

[disneygirlsng]

I traveled a decent amount this summer, including to Disney, and everywhere there were lots of strangers more than willing (even offering themselves) to take pics. I would have no problem taking someone else's pics, those people are out there for sure.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

Buy a set of cheap headphones that have a volume control switch on the cable, plug the earphones in and you can use the switch to take photos which, if you are like me and have hand issues or coordination trouble with button it makes taking selfies a bit easier.

 

[cgattis]

My family HATES when I do that, but I can see needing to do it when we go. I’m glad you mentioned it. Mental note to being extra lens wipes so I can wipe down my device before handing it off—hopefully that will help them feel more comfortable taking it. Depending on the heights of your party and the length of your arms, some folks can’t really get a selfie with any background in it—just a bunch of heads LOL

 

[GusGusTheMouse]

Bought a tripod for our iPhone for this reason. Those photos actually turned out better than the photo pass ones! Highly recommend!

I think it would put CMs and strangers in an awkward situation to ask to handle your personal items right now.

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

Cast Members are not allowed to handle guests camera, phones,etc.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We had better luck asking other guest.. a little hand sanitizer and we were good

 

[disneygirlsng]

We had better luck asking other guest.. a little hand sanitizer and we were good

Yep, always a good option. I'd have no problem taking someone's else's pics or having them take mine.

 

[MrsTski]

Bought a tripod for our iPhone for this reason. Those photos actually turned out better than the photo pass ones! Highly recommend!

I think it would put CMs and strangers in an awkward situation to ask to handle your personal items right now.

Do you wish you wouldn't have done Photopass?

 

[GusGusTheMouse]

Do you wish you wouldn't have done Photopass?

I had an annual pass at the time so it was included with my pass. Otherwise, knowing the photos we received, I would not have spent the money on the Photopass. The photos generally all looked the same, some ride photos did not appear afterwards (WDW deletes them if someone on the ride takes their mask off even if not in your party) and there were not as many photographers as normal so there just was simply not as many opportunities.

My suggestion, I would personally just buy one or two of the professional photos out of pocket after the trip and not buy the photopass as no one really needs hundreds of photos of yourself in a mask as they all look very similar. And then take photos on your own device (phone/camera). We got a few nice maskless photos this way when we were pulled to the side for water or food breaks.

 

[MrsTski]

I really appreciate this perspective! Any food break "spots" you would recommend to try for a maskless family photo?

 

[subtchr]

I really appreciate this perspective! Any food break "spots" you would recommend to try for a maskless family photo?

It's one thing to snap a pic of your child enjoying a Mickey bar, standing away from other folks. But to plan a family pic while everyone is eating is contrary to the intent of the current rule. Disney specifically says that masks may not be removed for photos.

I am sure I'll get grief for being "mask police", but my hope is that everyone does everything they can to follow the health and safety guidelines, with the hope of getting back to normal as soon as we can.

 

[GusGusTheMouse]

I really appreciate this perspective! Any food break "spots" you would recommend to try for a maskless family photo?

The dining area outside the Plaza restaurant is great. We took our Starbucks and ate/drank there every morning. I have some great photos of my husband with the castle in the background drinking his coffee. We also had some nice photos in the dining area behind Mr. Kamal’s while snacking on our seasoned fries. EPCOT is pretty easy since there are tables everywhere where you remain stationary to eat the festival food. Hollywood Studios we did not get any as we were incredibly uncomfortable taking our masks off there due to crowds.

 

[GusGusTheMouse]

It's one thing to snap a pic of your child enjoying a Mickey bar, standing away from other folks. But to plan a family pic while everyone is eating is contrary to the intent of the current rule. Disney specifically says that masks may not be removed for photos.

I am sure I'll get grief for being "mask police", but my hope is that everyone does everything they can to follow the health and safety guidelines, with the hope of getting back to normal as soon as we can.

While I understand where you are coming from, I think if you are creative you can get some incredible photos while also following the rules. We are from New England where mask compliance is equal to or greater than what Disney currently requires so took the rules very seriously. The “dining areas” are where you are allowed to take off your mask for a rest and snack so if you know the right places they are wonderful backgrounds. Nothing wrong with that! But I agree that you should not be planning on taking photos right next to someone else’s table so you can get the “perfect shot”. But if you are seated at your own table there is no reason to feel guilty about taking a photo at that time.

And honestly, there are way worse mask issues now than people taking maskless photos while properly seated at a table.

 

[MrsTski]

The dining area outside the Plaza restaurant is great. We took our Starbucks and ate/drank there every morning. I have some great photos of my husband with the castle in the background drinking his coffee. We also had some nice photos in the dining area behind Mr. Kamal’s while snacking on our seasoned fries. EPCOT is pretty easy since there are tables everywhere where you remain stationary to eat the festival food. Hollywood Studios we did not get any as we were incredibly uncomfortable taking our masks off there due to crowds.

This is exactly the feedback I was looking for! Thank you!

 

[MrsTski]

It's one thing to snap a pic of your child enjoying a Mickey bar, standing away from other folks. But to plan a family pic while everyone is eating is contrary to the intent of the current rule. Disney specifically says that masks may not be removed for photos.

I am sure I'll get grief for being "mask police", but my hope is that everyone does everything they can to follow the health and safety guidelines, with the hope of getting back to normal as soon as we can.

I was actually thinking we could set up our camera timer on a neighboring table and get some great candid photos of the family having fun, eating snacks and with the castle in the background. But I understand your thoughts and my intention is not to violate any guidelines!