Anyone Hire Their Own Photographer?

[larryz]

Just wondering if anyone has hired their own photographer to accompany them in the parks and take genuinely professional photographs of them enjoying their time at WDW...?

Is Didney OK with that? I know they offer their in-house photography service, but my read on these boards is that they don't always offer professional-quality results...

And, obviously, this is not the time of year to try it... but I'm looking for responses from anyone who's tried it or anyone who knows why it wouldn't work.

 

[Raenstoirm]

I have no actual knowledge here, but I would assume as a general rule Disney frowns upon it since they offer similar services (despite any quality issues). That said, there are a lot of regular tourists with high end cameras running around, so how's disney to know that the person taking all the photos isn't a member of your family and not a paid photographer?

 

[goodmorningirl]

While getting married in Disney this past August, we flew our photographer down from NJ for our wedding events. We also had him join us in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on two days. We didn't have any issues or problems with this. I would say that as long as the photographer just has his camera, you'll be okay. It's when you bring in extra lenses, lights, and other "professional" things that Disney would crack down. And as long as you are not disturbing other guests, I don't see an issue with it. We got some amazing pictures too.

 

[momof2cutegirls]

I have always wanted to do this! I think it's a great idea!

 

[Itinkso]

We also flew in a photographer from CA to shoot our DD's wedding and then the reception at GF along with their post-reception visit to MK.

The photographer carried additional lenses in a small backpack and didn't encounter any problems at all at GF and MK. He was able to shoot outdoor photos throughout MK and indoors in a few attractions.

 

[Hopefully]

I find these replies intriquing. Since I didn't know for sure when I read this post early this AM I did not respond. But I was pretty sure that I have read here on the DIS of folks - usually brides - being restricted from having their own photographers on WDW property - especially in the MK.
Maybe it is the fact that they look like tourists.
But I bet if you asked ........

 

[glvsav37]

With no official knowledge, I would say as long a he/she has a ticket, you can get them in the park to do whatever.

But unless they start setting up light rigs, or having you hoping over railings to stand in off limits areas, Disney shouldn't care who you bring with you.

 

[Alesia]

Disney definitely does not allow outside professional photographers to take pictures inside the parks. If you're looking for better quality than what photopass offers, you should contact Disney Fine Art Photography.

 

[famy27]

Disney definitely does not allow outside professional photographers to take pictures inside the parks. If you're looking for better quality than what photopass offers, you should contact Disney Fine Art Photography.

I would probably pay a ridiculous amount of money to be able to do that shot in the grass in front of the castle. Breathtaking!

We did the mini portrait session at the Polynesian four or five years ago. They were running a special for $75. We loved it and would happily do it again. Our photographer did a great job of making our DD feel comfortable and happy, and it really shows in our photos. He also spent way longer than 20 minutes with us. I think it ended up being over an hour. I'd highly recommend the service.

 

[nancipants]

My fiance and I had a friend of ours take engagement pictures at Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. Nobody said anything to us--apparently we just looked like normal tourists taking pictures.

I wasn't worried though, because she's not a professional photographer and we paid her in food.

 

[AmyB2006]

How on earth would they know? I'm an amateur photog and I always carry my big pack with my DSLR, my flash, tripod, and at least 1 or 2 other lenses. I've never been asked or had anything said to me about it.

If you pay the photogs ticket to get in the park, I don't see how it would even be known. Maybe you just have a friend with you that loves photography (like me!!).

Obviously, like pp mentioned, setting up external lights and a whole photo shoot might not be possible, but having a photog trail along behind you or with you to snap some shots shouldn't be an issue.

 

[hipporina]

I would love someone to follow us around and take photos and videos throughout our day. I am a photographer, but I have a hard time taking the pictures and being the mom, especially with a toddler. I actually came home with fewer pictures than I would have liked this trip.

 

[scdisfan]

We hired a photographer who lived in the Orlando area to photograph our family when we took our DD for her first visit. The photographer performed this service regularly for folks. She even had an AP. She entered the park just like everyone else. She did have a photo bag with her but no other equipment We had no problem what so ever. She had special places that she liked to use. The pictures were fabulous! The reason we did this is that DH is a photographer. On this very special day, he didn't want to be behind the lens. It was a wonderful experience for us and took nothing away from Disney. We still used their photo pass photographers and purchased the photo pass CD.

 

[disneylover1980]

How on earth would/could they crack down on something like that. The only way they can manage it is to not allow anything other then a point and shoot camera in the park. Although, with all the changes with Disney it would not surprise me in the least...

 

[NYDisneyKid]

How on earth would/could they crack down on something like that. The only way they can manage it is to not allow anything other then a point and shoot camera in the park. Although, with all the changes with Disney it would not surprise me in the least...

I totally agree with you. And like you said someday it will come to that.

 

[AmyB2006]

I totally agree with you. And like you said someday it will come to that.

I seriously doubt it. Besides, even with P & S, you can still get good pictures if using in manual and you know what you're doing.

Of all the things Disney has to worry about, this should be about 1,923,490 on their list.

 

[Skylarr29]

Official policy on this is that it isn't allowed. You may be able to find someone to do it but any local pro photographer that is familiar with Disney's policies won't risk it.

Having photographs at a resort is fine.

 

[photo_chick]

Whether Disney technically allows it or not, there are a number of professional photographers in that area who shadow families on their trips and Disney does not stop them. Like so many things I've found at WDW, stated policy and what they actually do are two different things.


Edited to add... BTW.. the prices for the Disney Fine Art Photography sessions are actually a little less than what a pro would charge in the market I work in. Something to keep in mind, anyway.

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

I'm a videographer...I am pretty sure my dream job would be to make edited videos of families Disney vacations! It would be a nice break from filming weddings

 

[MagicJourney]

Great idea. I guess we will hire a local photographer during dd's first Disney trip.