Asking a stranger to take a photo for you?

[jmkjr72]

just ask nice
ive been asked a few times
and when i have my dslr with if who ever i have snaped pics for has a point and shoot i ask them if they want me to email one from my dslr

 

[MissionMouse]

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.

This is what we do, but I also consider they may be in a similar situation so I offer to take a group picture of them too...with their camera.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

One of DH's favorite things to do on vacation at WDW or anywhere is to offer to take photos of people obviously posing. "Would you all like to get in on that shot?" He's a good guy!

 

[JessiLynn015]

Smile and be polite! If I ask someone, I'll usually return the favor "Hey, want me to take a picture of you too?" One couple had said that it was the only picture of the two together from their whole trip! DH & I walked & talked with them a bit and I had them stop at a few places on the way so they would have more couple shots.

I think it's a great way to meet new people. Don't be shy!

 

[Heidifrances]

We find that if you offer to reciprocate, you will get a picture, and a magical moment as you make a happy connection. It's a great way to add a little friendly sparkle to your visit. Also, it's kind of amazing, that we find we keep bumping into our new "friends" everywhere we go.

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

My DW will often ask people if they would like her to take their pic, it's just the way she is...

 

[wintershawl]

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?

My husband and I have this problem all the time. One of the things I keep an eye out for is other couples who are taking a picture of each one another in great spots. I offer to take their picture together in exchange for taking our photo. That always seems to work great! You can also do the photopass photos. Even if you don't buy the photopass photos, always ask them to use your camera for a shot. They always will!!

At Disney, if you are in the right spot, I am sure some CMs will help you out. Or, just look for friendly people.

 

[JennyMP03]

When we were there as a couple, some people offered to take our picture without us asking. One woman nearby even jumped up and grabbed my camera off the table at Liberty Tree Tavern when a character came to our table... I thought for half-a-second she was swiping it, but she just thought it was essential that we have a picture of the two of us together at that moment!

 

[lovebug33]

I stand on my tippytoes and try to get a picture of the both of us with the camera held in front of my face (quite funny to try when DH is a full foot taller than me). That usually gets somebody to volunteer instead of me having to ask!

 

[ocalla]

Just remember if you ask someone, and they agree, THEN they ask you to take your shoes off and step into the water fountain.............Don't do it!!

 

[gibsontrio]

How about asking someone to take our picture with MY DSLR ? Do you think they will be comfortable with using it ? Its not confusing (to me anyway, Nikon D3100) but I had my teenage nephew take pictures with it during my dd Baptism and he pressed the button but never fully pressed down leaving me with no shots at all I guess he heard the beap but not the click!

Also, what about the photopass people before you enter a character meal? Think they would be willling to take a shot with my camera after they take one with theirs?

 

[chiamarie]

As a guest, if I am trying to get a photo, I find someone who isn't doing much (the last time I did it, in front of dinosaur, with someone who was just sitting on a bench, looked like they were waiting for someone to get off the ride) and just asked "Would you mind taking a picture of us, please?"

I also don't hesitate to ask CM's. That's what they're there for, to help guests out. I even had a photo pass photographer see my mom and I in the "self portrait pose" come up and say "here, I have a better idea" and took the camera from me and took a picture for us.

I also try and look for a swich-er-roo....ie..."here, I will take your family photo, if you'll take one for us!"

All of these ideas have worked on several occasions.

 

[TisBit]

How about asking someone to take our picture with MY DSLR ? Do you think they will be comfortable with using it ? Its not confusing (to me anyway, Nikon D3100) but I had my teenage nephew take pictures with it during my dd Baptism and he pressed the button but never fully pressed down leaving me with no shots at all I guess he heard the beap but not the click!

Also, what about the photopass people before you enter a character meal? Think they would be willling to take a shot with my camera after they take one with theirs?

I would try to find someone who has a DSLR and ask them, just to be on the safe side. Most people will not want to mess with a DSLR or take the extra time to understand it. Point and shoot camera's are best when asking for photo's, its simple for someone to understand just push the button.

As a guest, if I am trying to get a photo, I find someone who isn't doing much (the last time I did it, in front of dinosaur, with someone who was just sitting on a bench, looked like they were waiting for someone to get off the ride) and just asked "Would you mind taking a picture of us, please?"

I am more leary of single people taking my photo's. Someone running off with a camera still happens. I try to find a family that will take my picture (if you run with my camera, I still have your wife and kids )

 

[heart]

I've been asked to take pictures of many people when we've travelled. I always say yes and then hand the camera to my teenage DS. He's the tech guy. I suggest out in the real world picking other tourists. (Probably why we are so often picked, we are CLEARLY tourists.)

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

I agree with all the people who say that the overwhelming majority of guests won't have any problem at all with being asked to take your photo, and also echo the suggestion to look for people who appear to be really "into the fun".

I assume it has something with how I look (I've been told in other contexts that I look "approachable and friendly," which makes sense since both are essential to my career), but I am always asked to take pictures for people; on our last trip I was probably asked 20 times in 8 days, and I always did it happily.

Don't be shy, don't feel awkward, and more than anything, remember that you'll almost certainly never see these people again in your life, but if you ask for your picture to be taken, you WILL have that tangible memory for as long as you want it, so the tradeoff is worth it!!!

 

[wdvak]

How about asking someone to take our picture with MY DSLR ? Do you think they will be comfortable with using it ? Its not confusing (to me anyway, Nikon D3100) but I had my teenage nephew take pictures with it during my dd Baptism and he pressed the button but never fully pressed down leaving me with no shots at all I guess he heard the beap but not the click!

Also, what about the photopass people before you enter a character meal? Think they would be willling to take a shot with my camera after they take one with theirs?

I use my DSLR and have people offer to take our picture with no problem as long as you have it ready to go. At DLR last summer a couple of young women offered to take a picture of DD and me, which was wonderful, and I did have to explain the view finder to her as she had never used one. Did I feel old! people are very nice about this, and I make sure to ask if I can reciprocate.

The photo pass photographers are very nice and will use your camera for you. I was getting the photopass cd this past trip, but still had them use my camera as well so that if either picture came out poorly or was lost I had what we wanted.

 

[t_catt11]

We frequently offer to take pics for other people, so I don't really feel odd asking for someone to do it for us (if they seem willing). As others have surely mentioned, photopass photographers will be happy to shoot with your camera, as well - and there's no need to feel strange for asking them.... it's their job!

 

[Wadecool]

How about asking someone to take our picture with MY DSLR ? Do you think they will be comfortable with using it ? Its not confusing (to me anyway, Nikon D3100) but I had my teenage nephew take pictures with it during my dd Baptism and he pressed the button but never fully pressed down leaving me with no shots at all I guess he heard the beap but not the click!

Also, what about the photopass people before you enter a character meal? Think they would be willling to take a shot with my camera after they take one with theirs?

We have the same camera! I had the same problem at a recent family gathering when I asked my mom to take a photo of us. I kept telling her to push the button down halfway, listen for the beep, and push it the rest of the way down, but she couldn't figure it out.

Gibsontrio, let us know how the weather & traffic are during your trip. Hardin County residents have to stick together.

 

[Princess/es19]

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.

Wow I have never heard of this. I will definitely be buying this for our trip! Thanks!

 

[Princess/es19]

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

I love it here! It is so pretty and smells good and its just such an upgrade from California IMHO.
DH and I just moved here from the Bay Area, its probably one of the reasons we can afford the trip LOL! No Sales Tax and much lower cost of living. Not to mention no crazy commute times! I could be on Interstate 5 at 5 and not have to spend an hour driving 20 miles.

My favorite part about it is the local commercials.
*monotone voice* "come see _enter store here_. we sell great stuff (points to inventory)" I love it!