Asking a stranger to take a photo for you?

[Princess/es19]

DH and I like taking Disney trips just the two of us. Unfortunately, we don't get great 'couple' pictures because I feel SOOO awkward asking a stranger (who I feel should be enjoying their trip, and not be flagged down like a taxi to do something for a complete stranger) to take a picture of us. I generally then only get pictures when i see a family matriarch/patriarch taking photos of their family at like say, a kodak spot, and i get brave enough to ask "would you like me to take your picture so you can be in it?" and then usually they offer to take our picture.

But we are taking out first trip ever to the world in Jan, and I want a few couple pictures of us near attraction signs and other photo opportunities where there is no Cast Member to hand my camera to.

I know its months away, but I would have to practice to the mirror and my dog, but I can't think of anything more than "Hey....can you take our picture"

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Lees3rwe]

I would say exactly that... I really don't mind when people ask me if I can take their picture. You just have to look for someone that looks approachable and kind... not a grumpalumpagus with a scowl on their face.
Good luck.

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

My wife and I ask folks all the time. The trick is just a big smile, asking nicely. I usually make a joke when I ask. At WDW, everyone is there for to have a good time. Helping other couples isn't an intrusion, it's an opportunity to share your fun and add fun to someone else's trip.

 

[momtoltl74]

look for photo pass photographer that is the only way I usually get into any of our pics since I'm usually the one taking the pictures. They are more than happy to take a picture with your own camera too.

 

[Rhonna]

DH and I like taking Disney trips just the two of us. Unfortunately, we don't get great 'couple' pictures because I feel SOOO awkward asking a stranger (who I feel should be enjoying their trip, and not be flagged down like a taxi to do something for a complete stranger) to take a picture of us. I generally then only get pictures when i see a family matriarch/patriarch taking photos of their family at like say, a kodak spot, and i get brave enough to ask "would you like me to take your picture so you can be in it?" and then usually they offer to take our picture.

But we are taking out first trip ever to the world in Jan, and I want a few couple pictures of us near attraction signs and other photo opportunities where there is no Cast Member to hand my camera to.

I know its months away, but I would have to practice to the mirror and my dog, but I can't think of anything more than "Hey....can you take our picture"

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Can you afford to do Photopass?

Otherwise, I have no problem asking (or being asked) to take photos. Just pick someone who does not look like they are in commando mode. If someone says they aren't a good photographer, thank them and move on to someone else. Pick the person in a family or group that already has their camera around their neck and that person probably is the best in their group.

 

[pdxJolene]

I'm sure most people wouldn't mind at all! I would just say "Excuse me, could I trouble you to take a quick picture of my Fiancé and I?" Then offer to take theirs as well. Have your camera on & ready to go so you aren't wasting time adjusting settings or anything.

Approaching a family already taking pictures would work well too, and may be less awkward.

You could also look into photopass (possibly a photopass share to cut costs) and photopass photographers will take pictures with your camera too!

 

[Princess/es19]

look for photo pass photographer that is the only way I usually get into any of our pics since I'm usually the one taking the pictures. They are more than happy to take a picture with your own camera too.

ooooh thats an awesome tip! I thought they only did that as a courtesy for character meals. I bought a few of the photopass pictures for our Disneymoon because I basically had to, so I could have pictures of the both of us on our honeymoon. I wouldn't have bought them if it was not that reason. I bought the cd and ordered pictures from costco, because I wanted to put those pictures on Facebook and also have some to hang up.

DH said never again because it was way too expensive for us.

I'll try and scout out happy people, My friend said look for adults that are wearing disney ears, because they are more "disney friendly" than others. (posted same question on facebook)

And I will look for passerby's with cameras! thanks for that tip.

 

[castmember19]

When we go, we always have people offering to take photos for us. I think a lot of people will offer if you seem to have one missing party member taking the photo.

Nothing wrong with asking, especially if you offer to take theirs as well afterwards.

 

[Noel22]

Don't worry. On our last trip we asked so many people to take a photo. Everyone we asked was very friendly and took the picture.
And we had to take a lot of pictures of other couples, too. It's daily routine in WDW

 

[dolphindan1]

You do not have to purchase photopass and its definately not just at character locations...any photopass photographer you see will take pics with your camera...you can also start a photopass card and decide later if you want to purchase...that way, you get your own personal pics and then another pic taken by the photopass person...they are free to look at for so many days...we usually end up with about 4 photopass cards each trip for some reason but only bought the photopass cd 1 time...I think you can by individual prints too, not sure

 

[pdxJolene]

DH and I like taking Disney trips just the two of us. Unfortunately, we don't get great 'couple' pictures because I feel SOOO awkward asking a stranger (who I feel should be enjoying their trip, and not be flagged down like a taxi to do something for a complete stranger) to take a picture of us. I generally then only get pictures when i see a family matriarch/patriarch taking photos of their family at like say, a kodak spot, and i get brave enough to ask "would you like me to take your picture so you can be in it?" and then usually they offer to take our picture.

But we are taking out first trip ever to the world in Jan, and I want a few couple pictures of us near attraction signs and other photo opportunities where there is no Cast Member to hand my camera to.

I know its months away, but I would have to practice to the mirror and my dog, but I can't think of anything more than "Hey....can you take our picture"

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Sorry to post again, but I just realized you're a fellow Oregonian! Your trip is also right around ours, we'll be there Dec 11-18th. There is a Dec '11 planning group on facebook, PM me if you want the link! I'm sooo jealous you'll be celebrating your 21st at WDW... How cool! This will be my first disney trip over 21 and I'm looking forward to a few tasty beverages

 

[marybeth200]

This may be the weirdest answer, but practicing taking your own picture. I spent about an hour playing with my camera to figure out how to hold it to get a 2 person shot. It didn't take too long and I was getting good. Now my friends joke that I'm an expert. This way I get lots of pics without bugging people. This doesn't work to get background shots, like with Cinderella Castle behind you, but it will get you more pics of the two of you. And if you feel akward asking you won't have to do it as often and still get more pics of the two of you.

My only other suggestion is to take a second to see if a someone/a cople is alone or with a group. I once asked a lady that appeared to be by herself and she motioned to a group about 20 feet ahead and said she needed to keep up with her group. I felt bad to bug her and now I take an extra moment to make sure I'm not assuming something I shouldn't.

Honestly if you just ask polite with a smile most people would be happy to do it and if they say no smile say thanks and move on. You sould be fine. Have a great time!

 

[Ziggy_Stardust]

As a PP mentioned you could take pictures yourself using a camera extender. It takes a little practice getting the shot set up and you might even feel a little silly, but I think it works really well.

A friend has one of these extenders (it's a Pocket XShot), and we used it during a recent weekend getaway. It was nice having the whole group in all our pictures, and not have to constantly ask people to snap one for us.

 

[suemom2kay]

I am the photographer and at any given moment can be found with my camera slung; I've had several "strangers" ask me to take their picture and I'm always happy too. Most people carrying cameras enjoy photography.

And of course, utilize the photopass photographers. They are usually at nice locations like tree of life, everest, castle from main street, castle from tomorrowland, etc.

Have a great time in WDW!!!

 

[safetymom]

I can't tell you the number of times that I have taken pictures for people in the park. Look for someone with a big camera around their necks.

 

[DaniB]

OP --> Personally I have no problem taking someone's photo if they ask me. Don't be afraid to ask.

I was trying to take a photo in DHS by the hat. A nice person stopped and offered to take the photo for me so I could be in the picture with my family. I was so happy!

 

[sillylily]

My wife and I ask folks all the time. The trick is just a big smile, asking nicely. I usually make a joke when I ask. At WDW, everyone is there for to have a good time. Helping other couples isn't an intrusion, it's an opportunity to share your fun and add fun to someone else's trip.

Well said! I wouldn't hesitate to ask, most people are going to be kind and helpful, because it IS hard to work up the muster to approach a stranger in the real world. But it's not the real world in the parks to me!lol I don't know that I would choose a harried looking mother with three toddlers running around her feet and a baby in a sling, but anyone happy and smiling is likely a willing participant, because it does feel good to share the magic.

 

[Paradise18]

I think the vast majority of people at Disney would be more than willing to take a picture for you. Like others have said, pick someone who looks friendly and not in a rush. As well, I don't think any cast member would ever refuse to take a picture. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[teach22180]

I realized I returned home from my first solo trip without any pictures of me at the parks! So, I always ask these days. One of my favorite pictures is in Epcot on the bridge near France, and I asked a teenage boy who looked like he and his brother were waiting for others to join them. He looked really confused at first, but of course, did take the picture, and it was great! I don't do Photopass, but I do like to have a picture or two. The lady behind me in line at TSM took a great picture with a big playing card that I used on my last Christmas card!

 

[The Hendies]

As long as you don't flag down someone doing the TSM sprint, you'll be fine. If folks are lingering, taking their own family photos, they won't mind snapping one or two of you and your loved ones.