Balancing family time with photo time

[sharona]

Heading to WDW in December for a short and busy 5 day trip with my DD12, DM73, SIL and nephew13. Curious how some of you balance your time. On the one hand I want to be in the moment and enjoy the family time and all that WDW has to offer but on the other, I need to have time for my hobby, especially during the golden hour and at night! Disney is a photographer's heaven after all.

It's our first Christmas trip. I'm willing to sacrifice sleep for photo time. Thinking of getting up super early a few mornings to get some shots of the Boardwalk area (we're at the Dolphin) before heading to the parks. Also maybe going to head to the TTC for a fireworks shoot on one of our non MK nights.

How do you Disney with both your family and your photography addiction along for the trip?

 

[goopysolelady]

I make it known upfront that I'm taking "me time" everyday. With your SIL's help, you could both agree to accommodate one another for the free time and, honestly, DD & nephew could be trusted for some "teenage time"....or let Mom tag along. They're probably the age where they enjoy more of the "thrill rides" than their Mom's and DGM. Give them time to ride Space Mountain and BTMRR and Splash Mountain alone giving adults some time away from them. Cell phones are wonderful in this situation! Your Mom may be willing to tag along and wait for them by the exits of these rides. You and you alone know your children and you know if they can "handle the freedom". Our last trip was with DGD's soccer team...fifteen 11-12 & 13 year olds...and they were allowed to venture off in groups provided they had a cell phone available for immediate contact. If they wanted to go to ride Rock'N'Rollercoaster, we'd hang out in the shops on Sunset and Hollywood...close enough yet they had their freedom. If that's not an option...stay later in the parks...let Mom go back to the resort with them; "park" them in a restaurant for a sit-down meal, skip the meal and you'll have an hour to yourself. Early morning resort pictures are perfect for you. Share your time with your SIL and you shouldn't have a problem going off to take pictures a few hours a day. I'm headed to "the World" in 10 days; DD's already know I'm taking one afternoon for TOTAL alone time (I plan on visiting Disney Springs) and I've even grabbed a few different fastpasses while they're enjoying EE or RnR or Space Mountain. Get creative and good luck!

 

[mom2rtk]

I honestly don't take much photography time. I have learned to shoot as I go. Sometimes I tell the others to go ahead and I'll catch up, but that's just usually just for a quick shot. The bottom line is that I'm sure you'll be back at Disney with your daughter again, but you won't be back with her at this age. Make the time with your daughter in the park a priority, and fit whatever shooting you can in around that.

I love your idea of going out early. I always have trouble sleeping at Disney anyway and hate trying to stick around the room to be quiet.

Maybe if the family gets tired and wants to sleep in one morning you go on ahead to the parks.

It's a delicate balance. There will be time for artsy shots later. Do what you can now, but do whatever you can to enjoy this time with your daughter.

 

[havoc315]

Honestly, I think it's nearly impossible to truly balance. There are always times I feel my family getting frustrated as I pause for a shot. And there are always shots I know I'm missing, as I'm keeping up with my family.

The best one can do, is shoot when it doesn't take time away from family. Shoot on the rides. Shoot shows and parades. Can shoot fireworks, but hard to talk the family into early arrival just to get a good tripod spot.

It's mostly landscapes I miss out on..... But I try to take them on the run. Key is minimizing lens changes. I hate superzooms, but will try to anticipate which lens I want to use, and limit myself to it. If I'm shooting dark rides, I'd have my 45/1.8, and I'll just have to pass on ultra wide landscapes for a while. If I want to focus a half day on great landscapes, I'll keep my 14/2.8 or 18-35 on the camera.... Meaning I'm passing on dark ride photography for that period (unless I change quickly while on the dark ride).

To the extent I can, I try to head out a little by myself, very early in the morning usually. But that's pointless if it leaves me too tired to enjoy the rest of the day with family.

 

[mom2rtk]

Honestly, I think it's nearly impossible to truly balance. There are always times I feel my family getting frustrated as I pause for a shot. And there are always shots I know I'm missing, as I'm keeping up with my family.

The best one can do, is shoot when it doesn't take time away from family. Shoot on the rides. Shoot shows and parades. Can shoot fireworks, but hard to talk the family into early arrival just to get a good tripod spot.

It's mostly landscapes I miss out on..... But I try to take them on the run. Key is minimizing lens changes. I hate superzooms, but will try to anticipate which lens I want to use, and limit myself to it. If I'm shooting dark rides, I'd have my 45/1.8, and I'll just have to pass on ultra wide landscapes for a while. If I want to focus a half day on great landscapes, I'll keep my 14/2.8 or 18-35 on the camera.... Meaning I'm passing on dark ride photography for that period (unless I change quickly while on the dark ride).

To the extent I can, I try to head out a little by myself, very early in the morning usually. But that's pointless if it leaves me too tired to enjoy the rest of the day with family.

Yes, to all of that.

And now you know why I shoot so many rides, shows and parades!

My daughter used to enjoy our time sitting and waiting for parades. It usually came after a long day in the park, and she was ready to sit and chat and have a hot dog. She's less interested in waiting with me now, but thankfully is finally old enough to run off and do a couple rides single rider while I wait in our spot. That was a new balance I was happy to experience this year.

On the lens issue, I'm becoming the same way. Just this last trip, I stopped carrying my fast prime for dark rides. I decided to go with my f/4 kit lens and crank the ISO up to 25K. I was actually pretty happy with that (plus I liked having the wider shooting angle that lens provided).

I figure the landscapes, night shots and cool wide angle exterior shots aren't going anywhere. Our daughter eventually is. Maybe when we drop her off at college in (gulp) 4 years we'll head for Disney and I'll distract myself photographing a bunch of "things".

 

[sharona]

I make it known upfront that I'm taking "me time" everyday. With your SIL's help, you could both agree to accommodate one another for the free time and, honestly, DD & nephew could be trusted for some "teenage time"....or let Mom tag along. They're probably the age where they enjoy more of the "thrill rides" than their Mom's and DGM. Give them time to ride Space Mountain and BTMRR and Splash Mountain alone giving adults some time away from them. Cell phones are wonderful in this situation! Your Mom may be willing to tag along and wait for them by the exits of these rides. You and you alone know your children and you know if they can "handle the freedom". Our last trip was with DGD's soccer team...fifteen 11-12 & 13 year olds...and they were allowed to venture off in groups provided they had a cell phone available for immediate contact. If they wanted to go to ride Rock'N'Rollercoaster, we'd hang out in the shops on Sunset and Hollywood...close enough yet they had their freedom. If that's not an option...stay later in the parks...let Mom go back to the resort with them; "park" them in a restaurant for a sit-down meal, skip the meal and you'll have an hour to yourself. Early morning resort pictures are perfect for you. Share your time with your SIL and you shouldn't have a problem going off to take pictures a few hours a day. I'm headed to "the World" in 10 days; DD's already know I'm taking one afternoon for TOTAL alone time (I plan on visiting Disney Springs) and I've even grabbed a few different fastpasses while they're enjoying EE or RnR or Space Mountain. Get creative and good luck!

Good tips on getting some photo time without it negatively impacting the rest of the family, thanks!

I honestly don't take much photography time. I have learned to shoot as I go. Sometimes I tell the others to go ahead and I'll catch up, but that's just usually just for a quick shot. The bottom line is that I'm sure you'll be back at Disney with your daughter again, but you won't be back with her at this age. Make the time with your daughter in the park a priority, and fit whatever shooting you can in around that.

I love your idea of going out early. I always have trouble sleeping at Disney anyway and hate trying to stick around the room to be quiet.

Maybe if the family gets tired and wants to sleep in one morning you go on ahead to the parks.

It's a delicate balance. There will be time for artsy shots later. Do what you can now, but do whatever you can to enjoy this time with your daughter.

Great point and one that I try to remind myself of in our everyday lives as well.

Honestly, I think it's nearly impossible to truly balance. There are always times I feel my family getting frustrated as I pause for a shot. And there are always shots I know I'm missing, as I'm keeping up with my family.

The best one can do, is shoot when it doesn't take time away from family. Shoot on the rides. Shoot shows and parades. Can shoot fireworks, but hard to talk the family into early arrival just to get a good tripod spot.

It's mostly landscapes I miss out on..... But I try to take them on the run. Key is minimizing lens changes. I hate superzooms, but will try to anticipate which lens I want to use, and limit myself to it. If I'm shooting dark rides, I'd have my 45/1.8, and I'll just have to pass on ultra wide landscapes for a while. If I want to focus a half day on great landscapes, I'll keep my 14/2.8 or 18-35 on the camera.... Meaning I'm passing on dark ride photography for that period (unless I change quickly while on the dark ride).

To the extent I can, I try to head out a little by myself, very early in the morning usually. But that's pointless if it leaves me too tired to enjoy the rest of the day with family.

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one whose family gets annoyed with them over the photography thing! My daughter rolls her eyes and gets annoyed with me every time I take out my camera these days. If my tripod makes an appearance on a vacation there is all kinds of sighing...

Good idea about limiting equipment changes. Last trip I stuck to my Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 and it was pretty versatile. I do have a Tokina 11-16 that I plan to bring to MK at least once but we have 3 visits to MK planned including the party so maybe I'll just pick one.

Yes, to all of that.

And now you know why I shoot so many rides, shows and parades!

My daughter used to enjoy our time sitting and waiting for parades. It usually came after a long day in the park, and she was ready to sit and chat and have a hot dog. She's less interested in waiting with me now, but thankfully is finally old enough to run off and do a couple rides single rider while I wait in our spot. That was a new balance I was happy to experience this year.

On the lens issue, I'm becoming the same way. Just this last trip, I stopped carrying my fast prime for dark rides. I decided to go with my f/4 kit lens and crank the ISO up to 25K. I was actually pretty happy with that (plus I liked having the wider shooting angle that lens provided).

I figure the landscapes, night shots and cool wide angle exterior shots aren't going anywhere. Our daughter eventually is. Maybe when we drop her off at college in (gulp) 4 years we'll head for Disney and I'll distract myself photographing a bunch of "things".

It happens so fast doesn't it? Love your idea of a Disney photo safari for a distraction! Mentally pinning that one, lol.


Thanks all for your input!

 

[bob100]

I honestly don't take much photography time. I have learned to shoot as I go. Sometimes I tell the others to go ahead and I'll catch up, but that's just usually just for a quick shot. The bottom line is that I'm sure you'll be back at Disney with your daughter again, but you won't be back with her at this age. Make the time with your daughter in the park a priority, and fit whatever shooting you can in around that.

It's a delicate balance. There will be time for artsy shots later. Do what you can now, but do whatever you can to enjoy this time with your daughter.

^^ that would be my shooting strategy with children, first priority would be the family pics

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

First, everyone knows I will be shooting. None of them like to pose, so for the most part, nice family photos are literally out of the picture. I start with an informal plan of what I want to concentrate on for the trip. Then I take what comes. I will take candids of the family doing whatever. When everyone wants to sleep in, I will get up and wander around the resort or head out to a park. As several have said, cell phones are great for hooking up. When everyone is tired at night and want to head back to the resort, I will hang back and shoot my park night shots. When back at the resort and everyone is tucked-in for the night, I will go out shoot my night resort pics. What allows me to accomplish my goals is that I am a pack mule when it comes to equipment. I have everything with me which allows a quick response to whatever presents itself. Typically, I will have 28-70 f2.8 as my walkaround lens. In my bag will be a 30mm f1.4 (dark rides), 17-50 f2.8 (wider angle), 70-200 f2.8 (length), external flash, extra camera body (sometimes) and a tripod (lightweight travel) strapped to the bag. Since we go to WDW only every couple of years, I don't have the luxury of waiting for next time for a particular shot. I do not recommend this for everyone, because I really do need a vacation from my vacation when I get home! However, I thoroughly enjoy what I do, so its me!!

 

[DSLRuser]

it is always a challenge for me. Everyone expects me to take 1,000's of photos, but I would rather take a few hundred of the "right" ones.

Problem is, to slow down and take less photos means taking more time to set up the shot vs spray and pray. The family doesn't like to wait, so usually I am not happy with what I walk away with.

There are some attractions I just dont like to go on, like barn stormer, or dumbo for example. so I send the wife and kids on those rides, and that gives me some time to go do my thing, especially at night.

I do like going out to the resort early in the morning and late at night but you can only go so far.

 

[DSLRuser]

Key is minimizing lens changes. I hate superzooms, but will try to anticipate which lens I want to use, and limit myself to it. If I'm shooting dark rides, I'd have my 45/1.8, and I'll just have to pass on ultra wide landscapes for a while. If I want to focus a half day on great landscapes, I'll keep my 14/2.8 or 18-35 on the camera.... Meaning I'm passing on dark ride photography for that period (unless I change quickly while on the dark ride).
.

This is what I do. Of all my lens choices, I take them all to the world, but I pick 1 lens a day in the beginning and focus on getting creative with that lens. If it is a day where I have the 70-300 mounted, that just means i get to enjoy some rides with my camera in the bag and not me trying to get a shot.

The last day or 2 I will take everything with me. My walk around go to lens is a 50mm 1.4 (fx) prime. It gets me 75% of the shots I want.

 

[sharona]

it is always a challenge for me. Everyone expects me to take 1,000's of photos, but I would rather take a few hundred of the "right" ones.

Problem is, to slow down and take less photos means taking more time to set up the shot vs spray and pray. The family doesn't like to wait, so usually I am not happy with what I walk away with.

There are some attractions I just dont like to go on, like barn stormer, or dumbo for example. so I send the wife and kids on those rides, and that gives me some time to go do my thing, especially at night.

I do like going out to the resort early in the morning and late at night but you can only go so far.

Yes, they all want photos after the trip but no one wants to stop to pose for one during the trip! Since we're going to be at the parks for rope drop on 3 out of 5 days, I'll use the other 2 "sleep in" days for photo time for me and when the family gets tired and wants to call it a day after being up and out early, I'll use that for some night time shooting. I can sleep when I get back to work!

 

[Sinders99]

I'm normally a Nikon D750 shooter, however, as we're travelling from Australia I wanted to travel smaller and lighter so I snapped up an Olympus OMD EM5 Mk II. Our trip is in September and I'm struggling to decide which prime to bring for dark rides. I have a 12-50mm (24-100mm 35mm equivalent) for my general walk around which also doubles as a macro lens and a 40-150mm (80-300mm 35mm equivalent). I can't decide on a 17mm 1.8 (35mm equivalent) or a 20mm 1.7 (40mm equivalent).

Any advice for focal lengths on dark rides and shows?

 

[elmoandzoey]

The last trip was the first trip I was alone with my DS11, DS7 and DD3. I came back with a lot less photos than usual but I attribute that more to the fact that I had to resort to a scooter - I wasn't as mobile. I shot as we went along. My kids have always known me like that. They get to be in the pictures and then they don't get to be in the pictures. It's to the point now where my sons will point out things for me and ask for the camera. My DS7 and I shot parades simultaneously with awesome results. My DS11 wanted to try dark ride photography as well but soon decided he'd rather enjoy the rides.

I wasn't really missing any me or photography time on this trip. We still stayed late for some nighttime photography until well after closing time. Going into the trip, I knew that my kids would dictate the pace and I knew if they were ready to leave the park, we'd leave the park, even if I hadn't gotten the shots I wanted to take. But if I had wanted this to be a photography trip, I could have left the kids at home. Going with my kids I may not have gotten all the WDW shots I may have wanted to take but I got so many more family shots that I find much more precious that I wouldn't have gotten if I had left the kids at home.

 

[photo_chick]

I don't balance anything. I'm at WDW to be with my family. I can take pictures after my kids are grown and I don't want to sacrifice my time with them. Whatever shots I get are as I'm spending time with my family. But then I feel like WDW is one of the most over photographed places on earth and shooting more of it is not that interesting to me unless my family is in the shots. So to those who do spend their time on photo trips and waiting for that perfect fireworks shot or the most amazing HM shot, thanks. Because I can enjoy your work and revisit those places through your images. And with my own images I revisit memories of my kids covered in ice cream and chocolate holding rapidly melting Mickey Bars.

I also keep one lens on the camera, 24-105 f/4 and a fast prime on me in the parks. That's it. I have other lenses I take on the trip but I never seem to use them. Last trip the prime barely got put on.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't balance anything. I'm at WDW to be with my family. I can take pictures after my kids are grown and I don't want to sacrifice my time with them. Whatever shots I get are as I'm spending time with my family. But then I feel like WDW is one of the most over photographed places on earth and shooting more of it is not that interesting to me unless my family is in the shots. So to those who do spend their time on photo trips and waiting for that perfect fireworks shot or the most amazing HM shot, thanks. Because I can enjoy your work and revisit those places through your images. And with my own images I revisit memories of my kids covered in ice cream and chocolate holding rapidly melting Mickey Bars.

I also keep one lens on the camera, 24-105 f/4 and a fast prime on me in the parks. That's it. I have other lenses I take on the trip but I never seem to use them. Last trip the prime barely got put on.

I have gone with the 24-105 lens more and more over time. Isn't it amazing what high usable ISO does for one's ability to scale back on lenses?