Asking a stranger to take a photo for you?

[aceys_h0ney]

I think at WDW that is a common courtesy and most people will never hesitate to help you out.

As a public service though I should post a pic of my DH so everyone knows not to ask him. He is the nicest guy you will ever meet, but he can't take a picture to save his life. Most pictures we have that he took look like we have had an unfortunate run in with the Queen of Hearts -"Off with their heads"

This had me seriously LOLing. Sounds like the poor lady that offered to take pics of me and my girls when we were walking around our resort and she didn't actually push the button down. We were there for a few minutes she kept posing us and moving around to get good angles. It was like a little mini photo shoot only to find out she didn't take a single picture.

 

[khertz]

I know it is sometimes awkward to ask, but I honestly doubt that anyone would tell you no unless they had a legitimate reason for not being able to! I know we always try to ask other couples because we had the same problem when it is just DH and I traveling. We always stop for the Photopass photographers and have them take pictures with our camera also. That way if we decide not to buy the CD, we still have the shots.

One of my favorite photos ever from a vacation is when we went to Hawaii and went to a luau one night and had to work up the nerve to ask the lady across the table from us to take our picture. It came out so great!! If someone tells you no, just shrug it off and ask someone else. The most important thing is having those wonderful memories with your DH captured!

 

[Bullseye]

when I see couples or families taking pictures of one another I ask quite often if they want me to take a picture of them so they can be included as well. I hate having my picture taken so I'm just taking photos of my view...its fun to help!!!

Yeah same here, I volunteer sometimes as well. I know I hate when theres one person missing from all of the pics. If I see someone in that situation I will ask if they want me to get all/both of them in the pic. It fun capturing the moment!!

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

I often offer to take pics for others b/c we are in the same boat.

I would also recommend buying a gorilla pod before your trip.

http://www.barefeats.com/gorilla.html

This little gadget helped us take so many family phots last trip that when i was scrapbooking last weekend my friend commented on how many shots we had together. I have a simple little point and shoot camers. I would wrap it around a fence or position it somewhere, get my family positioned, and then set the timer and hop in the picture. It is very light and compact and worked really well. It is on my "must have" list whenever we go somehwere now and will have the opportunity to take family photos.

 

[bytheblood]

We kindly ask people who are standing around to take a picture of us and we also offer to take pictures for others often. We have never had anybody refuse or act in an ill-mannered way when asking them to take our picture.I have had a few people be rude when offering to take their family photos. I guess they thought I wanted to steal their camera.

 

[Kelblum]

Most people I think would love to help you out! Also definately take advantage of the photo pass photographers!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I don't mind either, I think you are just over-thinking it. BTDT, lol. Just look for people that are stopped and probably not arguing. 8)

 

[Lewisc]

Look around. You'll always find a family member taking a picture of the rest of their family. Half a couple taking a picture of the other person with XXX in the background.

Ask if they'd like you take a picture of their entire group/both of you. The person will almost always accept and offer to reciprocate.

I agree with the PP. You can just ask and most people will say yes. The OP is nervous about asking. Plus my way you have a slightly better shot of getting a person who might take a decent picture or will take a few extra pictures so one is good.

 

[MHSweb79]

Asking someone to take your picture has become socially accepted.

I get asked all the time (I must have a friendly face or something) and I always cheerfully do it.

Also, if I see someone taking their family's picture, I always ask if they want me to do it so they can all get in. THEN it's a perfect opportunity to ask them to take OUR picture. Since you're shy about asking, this would be a great approach. Offer first, THEN ask.

 

[mmafan]

to most people it wont be a hassle....just ask ive done it a millon times on both sides taken pics for people and asked someone to take our pic..noone ever said no or even had an attude....

 

[mishkamushka]

What my husband and I used to do (for places where photo pass wasn't an option) was look for another couple and ask them to take one of us and we would take one of them. One day it became a joke at Epcot -- we obviously had the same touring schedule as this other couple and took each other's pix all day!

(Now we just travel with my best friend and her family! )

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Ask a photopass photographer for it or just get over your fear and ask a stranger. Even though we have kids DH and I travel 2-3 times a year alone and if we didn't ask strangers for our pictures we would have none of us together. In hundreds of cities, thousands of pictures we have never had anyone tell us no, steal our camera & run off, or cuss us out. In many, many places we have had people even offer before I could ask, we of course always return the favor.

 

[marie1203]

We have the same problem we always get photopass and there is usually more than one couple around with the same problem that could take the picture for you.

 

[W.E.D.]

Don't be afraid. Most folks are more than willing to help out.

 

[disnut8]

Whenever someone asks me to take their picture, I gladly do it. Although they usually will ask my husband first because he's one of those people that look so trustworthy that he's constantly asked for help (it never failed to go into Washington DC on the Metro - someone would ask for his help in getting passes). And I'm (or he) is approached with a "would you mind taking our picture?" And that's it. Sometimes I'm told that the person asking would repay us by doing the same but since my husband doesn't like to have his picture taken, we always decline.

I've also offered to take pictures for people without being asked. My dear father-in-law recently passed and we were watching some videos he recorded. While it was nice to hear his voice, we never saw him because he was always behind the camera. How I wish we could have gotten more photos and videos with him in them.

So don't be shy - ask. And I'm sure there will be people to help you out.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

This thread reminded me of the time during our last trip when a group of 6 college students asked me if I could take a picture of them trying to squeeze into one of the red phone booths at UK/EPCOT. How could I refuse? I was laughing so much watching them trying to get everyone in, I had to make an effort to make sure the camera wasn't shaking.

 

[Kaarup]

to Piper Pizzazz:
we had just had breakfast at the Beach Club NYE morning and were outside to take a family photo. The only people in site were 2 young ladies and a young man having a "discussion". But when I asked them to take a picture they all smiled and said "certainly!!" So it's a good way to help remember the magic, too!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

Another good way to get someone to take a pic is approaching another couple. They are in the same boat you are. You politely ask, maybe joke with them about the difficulties in getting both of you in the same pic, then offer up to take each other's pics. I find older couples are the most friendly, as they have encountered the problem before. Also look for couples who's body language is saying that they are having a good time. Generally anyone wearing a Disney shirt in the parks is a safe bet for being willing to help out, as they have been in the Disney state of mind since they got dressed that morning.

 

[k5thbeatle]

Nike...Just Do It

 

[copper0426]

I always ask people if they want to get in the picture I will take their picture. It is something that I do every trip. My family thinks nothing of turning around and seeing me taking pictures of other peoples families for them. It is sorta a joke with us. My son will say mom those people need their picture taken. I just know what it is like to go and not have any pictures of yourself because you are always the one taking the pictures. At times people will ask if they can take my families picture at which point they have alreay mosied(sp?) down the road a bit. I just tell them no that that is ok and wish them a great day.

Nothing like bringing a little magic to somebodies day.

Don't be afraid to ask. It also make that person feel good to be able to help.