Breaking NEWS PHOTO SESSIONS!!!!!! :-)

[ToyotaKitten]

ToyotaKitten, just a thought ... maybe it's not such a good idea to be naming your co-workers here, esp. when people are indicating they weren't happy with the job they did ....

well the people i named are all great! some are better at certain situations than others. same with me. i have had some trouble getting my apperture correct with a SUPER BRIGHT SUN. so that's why i take several shots till i get it right. =)

 

[mom2zandjsquared]

ToyotaKitten, just a thought ... maybe it's not such a good idea to be naming your co-workers here, esp. when people are indicating they weren't happy with the job they did ....

A PP mentioned the two names she mentioned and since anyone can find out who the CM's are just by having a photo session done I don't think its a big deal.

 

[Kiki Lime]

ToyotaKitten,

Okay, from what I understood by reading this thread, is that the photographers at the resorts are NOT professionals, as you state. We've all seen the photos that have lots of nonprofessional touches - shadows, squinting eyes from the sun, lack of back lighting, dark photos, etc. Some have even stated their photographers didn't seem to know much more about taking photos then they did!

That's why we aren't doing it. That's why I cancelled my appointment - because the price TRIPLED for nonprofessional photos. My DH is not a photographer, but he works in the film industry and takes fairly decent photos himself, and he was NOT impressed when I showed him the photos in this thread. But for $25, we thought "why not?" I would have even paid $50. But I did not like finding out when I called on 8/25 to schedule GF pics for 9/24 that the price had tripled. It was rediculous. We will not be doing the photo session and that is why.

I understand about inflation and stuff, but come on. This is a huge price hike over night. It doesn't seem fair that I missed out by one day. I would have scheduled a while ago if I didn't have to wait until 30 days out. Sorry, Disney lost out on my money for this one.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Are people really cancelling b/c the prices went up? why? b/c if you end up not being happy with your session you can DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT - that's what guest services are for. but if you are 100% happy then you lost nothing.

-Cheryl

Yes, people are really cancelling. You're asking why -- have you not read our reasons? We spelled them out clearly. Have you not looked at some of the disappointing pictures that have been posted? I guess I don't understand why you don't understand.

Please, please don't view this as a personal attack -- it's not. I'm addressing the whole situation, and you're the only one brave enough to come here and try to explain things to us (and for this we're grateful!). But it's clear that you still don't see the difference between a PhotoPass photographer charging the equivalent of $150/hour and a true, trained, experienced professional who rightfully can command that rate.

You linked to professional photographers' sites, but that's comparing apples to oranges. The quality guests are receiving at Disney is not of studio caliber. That's it. Some hours of training on a camera doesn't make a person a professional photographer.

I used to manage an Olan Mills portrait studio. Our photographers received training, but there were only one or two I ever would've considered professional caliber. Likewise, I used to work in the fine jewelry department at Kohl's. I had training in gems, but that training didn't make me a professional jeweler or gemologist.

No one is mad at the photographers for the price increase ... it's the "Disney money machine" that is frustrating. For the $25 price, we felt it was worth taking time out of our park touring to try and get one or two good pictures (which is all most people get from these resort sessions). For triple that, it's not worth it.

Only time will tell how the price increase effects the business.

 

[DiznEeyore]

A PP mentioned the two names she mentioned and since anyone can find out who the CM's are just by having a photo session done I don't think its a big deal.

I was talking specifically about the bad experience momsavealot had, and the fact that ToyotaKitten was trying to figure out what the photog looked like and naming the other "new" photographer (see below). I wasn't trying to scold her ... I just felt like if her bosses saw that post, they might object to her being open like that with a dissatisfied guest and I'd hate to see her put in that position. That's all.

Hi guys! I just got back from the Poly and did the portrait session. Unfortunately, my dd who is 2 and a half years old did not cooperate. Also, because of Fay, we had to switch things around and I ended up canceling my 7pm appt. for a 9am appt. the next day. As I feared, the sun was in our eyes. The photographer, a woman, don't remember her name, was not that good. I had to tell her where we wanted shots and she seemed confused by the lighting in the main house near the waterfall which is basically the big shot. I made her take a picture of us near a palm tree and she basically said there were NO volcano shots which I know to be untrue. Out of the whole 15 minute session, I got about 5 good photos of various members of our group. No good group shot and certainly nothing worth using as our Christmas card. HOWEVER, I would have still recommended it UNTIL I came back and heard about this price increase. Are you kidding me? For $25, it's worth it. For $75 and no enhancements, it's a personal choice but would not be worth it to me. In general, I was disappointed with the scarcity of photopass photographers throughout the parks. I had preordered the cd. In the end, the best pictures are my own but I would still preorder the cd if you are going to be there for several parks and several days. However, IMHO, the portrait sessions at the hotels need better photographers. I felt like I knew more than my photographer and I'm an amateur! Like I said, at the original price, it's worth it to take the chance you will get one good shot. But at the higher price, I wouldn't do it again. Like a pp said, wander around the resort yourself, find the best spots and then bring a tripod and set the timer. Once I get my cd, I'll post some of my "sun in the eyes" photos.

yea we have no control of the weather... but it sure does control us....

what did the photographer at poly look like? what day was that? friday? saturday? if the photographer seemed confused, she might have been new to the location. and the only newbies trained there are ME (it wasnt me, i havent been to poly in the morning yet), and ANAIRA. the rest of the female cast are PROS at poly.

 

[janloz]

THE PHOTOPASS PREORDER EMAIL was supposed to change along with our new prices. I had a lady call me the other day at beach club. and i quoted here the NEW prices. she said that she had an EMAIl that said $25 fee, not $75. so i told her to have that with her when she came for the appt and we MAY be able to accept that.. not GUARANTEE.

2 days later our manager said to HONOR that email. until it is changed. So if you got the email with the wrong prices. we will hafta honor that. so everyone cheer... you got a deal!

The email I received only has GF listed for the $25 fee. Will they honor at Poly or WL? thanks

 

[PrincessTiffany]

ToyotaKitten,

Okay, from what I understood by reading this thread, is that the photographers at the resorts are NOT professionals, as you state. We've all seen the photos that have lots of nonprofessional touches - shadows, squinting eyes from the sun, lack of back lighting, dark photos, etc. Some have even stated their photographers didn't seem to know much more about taking photos then they did!

That's why we aren't doing it. That's why I cancelled my appointment - because the price TRIPLED for nonprofessional photos. My DH is not a photographer, but he works in the film industry and takes fairly decent photos himself, and he was NOT impressed when I showed him the photos in this thread. But for $25, we thought "why not?" I would have even paid $50. But I did not like finding out when I called on 8/25 to schedule GF pics for 9/24 that the price had tripled. It was rediculous. We will not be doing the photo session and that is why.

I understand about inflation and stuff, but come on. This is a huge price hike over night. It doesn't seem fair that I missed out by one day. I would have scheduled a while ago if I didn't have to wait until 30 days out. Sorry, Disney lost out on my money for this one.

I totally agree with this. Disney has also lost out on our money.

 

[anthony2k7]

Are people really cancelling b/c the prices went up? why? b/c if you end up not being happy with your session you can DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT - that's what guest services are for. but if you are 100% happy then you lost nothing.

to put this into perspective:
one question, what are all of your jobs? what do you all do for a living? somewhere in the line of business that you do PRICES GO UP.. and in return you might get a raise

I know disney is where dreams come true, but a raise that much is beyond my wildest dreams!

I think you should remember the other reason people are unhappy is with how you will get the photos in the future. The way before you could just add them to your normal photopass account and then edit, add borders and other graphics as well as getting prints or other photopass products was very appealing - and now apparently that wont be an option? So we're potentially paying a lot more for a lot less!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

ToyotyaKitten - thank you, thank you, thank you! You have been a wealth of information!

I understand that you are posting out of frustration for us, not at us, and nothing is meant in anger. Unfortunately, Disney does have a habit of scrambling things up and not being real clear to anyone - not the CM's or the guests - and we all wind up upset and confused.

I would LOVE to have family portraits taken at SSR! It's my home resort and I love it there (check my signature). True professional portrait photography (outside of WDW and PhotoPass) is very pricey and this offer is a deal - at $25 or $75. But can they justify upping the price and not upping the product? It's more money, same amount of time, and NO special enhancements (from the info we have here).

Plus, I have to say it again - I've seen some pics posted here that are FAR from anything I would call professional. Now I'm seeing a very small portion of pictures - maybe it's a fluke and 99% of the pics are perfect everytime. Do I want to take time out of my vacation to maybe get a good photographer and maybe get 5 good shots - for $75? And if I'm not happy and choose not to pay for or accept any of them - what kind of experience is that; on my vacation?

Yes, prices change, generally in an upwards fashion , for everything.

It is what it is sometimes.

I really appreciate you posting here and letting us see the other side of this situation - we all want the same thing; a good product for a good price. Whether or not those two sides are equal at $75 - only time will tell.

I want these pics so bad, I really do. I think I will bring my tripod with me and mess around. I may even change my mind and book it on the spot after seeing some examples and talking to the photographer(s).

You're comments on this matter are greatly appreciated!

D4D

PS - the DVC portrait package extension at SSR that I perviously posted about - if you come with anything about that, will you post it here or PM me please?

 

[bear74]

THE PHOTOPASS PREORDER EMAIL was supposed to change along with our new prices. I had a lady call me the other day at beach club. and i quoted here the NEW prices. she said that she had an EMAIl that said $25 fee, not $75. so i told her to have that with her when she came for the appt and we MAY be able to accept that.. not GUARANTEE.

2 days later our manager said to HONOR that email. until it is changed. So if you got the email with the wrong prices. we will hafta honor that. so everyone cheer... you got a deal!

glad to hear this.

 

[LilGMom]

Are people really cancelling b/c the prices went up? why?

Yes. Why? The quality of the pictures that my family had taken during the photo shoot honestly isn't that much better than most of the ones taken in the parks. The only real difference is that for the $25 we paid at the GF we had the photographer to ourselves for 20 minutes whereas the "free" park photographers we only had for 5-8 minutes.

one question, what are all of your jobs? what do you all do for a living? somewhere in the line of business that you do PRICES GO UP.. and in return you might get a raise , or your workspace becomes more enjoyable for you .. you are also more valuable to your company.

I work as an engineering technician and if the company's prices go up more than likely my company is just making more profit. I'd love to tell them that due to my phenomenal drafting skills we kept clients happy so therefore I need a plasma tv, but don't see that happening.

our prices go up for a reason. we may lose a few people who cant afford it. understood. as i wouldn't be able to afford it every year either. we can still take a FREE 5 photo snap shot at any resort.

I understand that prices go up and I have no problem paying $75 for a professional photo session for me and my family. But I have a problem paying $3.75 per minute for less than professional (imho) portraits that are "cookie cutter" with little consideration or time given to adjust for lighting and background. I'm glad to hear that due to the outrageous price increase that WDW portrait photographer will be earning a bit more. But please understand that due to the triple cost, no added benefits and less perks (no longer able to add enhancements) WDW will not be getting the business of my family, my mother/father-in-law or my sister/brother-in-law when we visit in a few months.

 

[parkers*momma]

WOW...let's think about this for a minute.

$25 to $75, I will agree it is a steep jump but put it into perspective. What do you pay for a roll of film....for processing....gas to run here and there to get the shots you would be getting at WDW. And who could say that ours would be any better or worse than the photographers?

Maybe you have a digital....that would bring it down some plus you could actually see the pictures immediately but you would still be walking around to find that perfect shot.

I personally would pay the $25 or the $75. This is my first mother/daughter vacation and am thrilled to be able to capture those moments without having to stress about where/what to shoot.

I don't know about any of you, but I work with the public and part of my job is making my customers happy. I definitely wouldn't want to be a photographer for WDW and having to deal with customers. Not only is WDW the happiest place on Earth, but human nature demands perfection in services we pay for. Put yourself in the photographers shoes...would you want to listen to the complaints day in and day out for no more than they get paid? You could never pay me enough to work where it is advertised "the happiest place on earth". PPl are quick to complain to clerks, secretaries, the working part of a company but few will go to upper management. It's far way easier to blow steam in an instant at the first person handy but it takes more effort to move up the corporate ladder

Yes, you are paying for a service...the photograph session...but you are also paying for their knowledge of where to shoot, how to pose, etc. You are paying for the convience of not having to lug a tripod, camera supplies, etc.

Yes, it might be $3.75 a minute...or you could look at it like this. $75 for 60-70 photos....a little over $1.00 per photo. A price of a 20oz Pepsi and it only last 1/2 hour. Those photos will last a life time...let it be one magical photo or all 70 photos, it's a moment in your life that will bring you happiness for a lot longer than a pepsi.

Welcome to Dis Cheryl (toyotakitten) your insight/knowledge will be a TRUE ASSET to Dis!

 

[momsavealot]

yea we have no control of the weather... but it sure does control us....

what did the photographer at poly look like? what day was that? friday? saturday? if the photographer seemed confused, she might have been new to the location. and the only newbies trained there are ME (it wasnt me, i havent been to poly in the morning yet), and ANAIRA. the rest of the female cast are PROS at poly.

new prices are a jump.... however remember our guests used to get our protraits basically free with old prices (most cds were purchased at a resort, not pre-ordered) we have put value on our photos... therefore value on our photographers.. FINALLY, not to mention a little bit more pressure to be amazing. lol

Hi there! She was young and had dark hair in a pony tail. She didn't talk at all which is why all our indoor shots near the waterfall stink! We didn't know when she was going to take the pic or not. She never said "smile" or anything happy to get the kids going. I had to do that. And with the outside shots, I know the photogs can't control the weather, but it was MY idea to have the kids close their eyes until she was ready and then tell them to open them wide for the shot. In fact, everything was my idea which is what was frustrating. I'm an amateur and I felt like I knew more about the session than she did. So, maybe she was a newbie. Like I said before, for $25 I'm not going to complain because I got 4 good photos. But our session was certainly not 30 minutes and certainly not 60-70 photos like I hear some people on this board get. It was 9am on a Monday if that helps. I certainly don't want to get the girl in trouble but I agree with pp's that if you're going to charge higher prices, more experienced photogs should be there. Stick the newbies in the parks to get the experience. When I saw her confused by the lighting in the lobby near the waterfall near Boutiki, I knew I was in trouble.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Yes, you are paying for a service...the photograph session...but you are also paying for their knowledge of where to shoot, how to pose, etc.

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but that's exactly the point! These photographers do NOT have the "knowledge of where to shoot, how to pose, etc.". If they DID, there wouldn't be so much excessive squinting, sunspots and shadows, objects appearing to "grow" out of people's heads, etc. That's why they're not worth $150 an hour.

If someone sees the value in it, then they should definitely go for it! But for many of us who are particular about our photographs and how we spend our money, the value sadly isn't there.

 

[Kycha]

Something else to consider, the photo session is only $25(or $75) after purchasing the photopass(for $99 or $125) cd. If you don't purchase the cd, the photosession alone is $175(or was that $200).

 

[parkers*momma]

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but that's exactly the point! These photographers do NOT have the "knowledge of where to shoot, how to pose, etc.". If they DID, there wouldn't be so much excessive squinting, sunspots and shadows, objects appearing to "grow" out of people's heads, etc. That's why they're not worth $150 an hour.
If someone sees the value in it, then they should definitely go for it! But for many of us who are particular about our photographs and how we spend our money, the value sadly isn't there.

I can ALMOST promise you that those photgraphers are not making even a fraction of that $150.00. You are NOT paying them $150.00 for their expertise....it's more like WDW is making 90% of that $150.00. I agree to the fact that it is a great amount of money BUT to complain about the photographer...these ppl aren't making the money. Instead of complaining about the photographer...to a photographer....., ppl should be complaining TO WDW. And if they (the photographers) had the expertise, you would be paying alot more than $75.00 per session. Just try hiring someone to go to WDW and take your pictures.

Your right in one aspect, it is a person's choice. I'd rather have a photograph of that one special moment than to put a price on it or complain about what I "thought" was good vs what someone else might feel is good picture.

Let's just say that if this entire photo thing would have started out at $75 instead of free or $25....most would not have given it a second thought. If they wanted the pictures, they would have paid it without a second thought. But since they started out free or cheap and raised it is now an issue.

Just a couple thoughts...
.........this is realitively new and so are the photographers. Each of us, when we started our jobs, we weren't the top of our profession...but in time, we have grown and become better with each passing day. Same can be held true with the photgraphers.

........Second, if you don't like your photographs for the amount of money ($25 or $75) you can bring it up not only to the photgrapher BUT also to management and work out a happy medium.

........Third, why complain or vent about the photgraphers? If it is a real issue for anyone....call, write, email WDW Corporate and ask questions, voice concerns, rant if you want but shooting the messanger is senseless. These photographers are employees, only trained as WDW seen fit, and attacking them isn't going to change anything. If you want to see change go to the main root of the problem. Ask about Guarantees, discounts, prices, etc. at corporate and get it in writing if you think it is going to be an issue when/if you chose to use this service.


Lastly, I AM particular and thrive on value but can't see getting my panties in a bunch over this. Either you want it and pay for it or you don't and move on. I chose to capture the moments with my daughter and enjoy than to squabble over the all mighty dollar. It's all about priority and what is important to each of us. Capturing those precious moments with my 8 year old is important to me.

 

[LilGMom]

My perspective is that if they or any business is going to triple the price they shouldn't be reducing the end product (no longer able to make enhancements to the photo session pictures) not making it better and expect me to be happy about it. If I am a regular customer at TGI Fridays and always get their chicken fingers for $9.99 do you think that I'm going to continue getting those chicken fingers if they are suddenly $29.97 and they've reduced the number I get? Nope, I'll be going elsewhere to get comparable chicken fingers. And if I'm paying someone $75 to take pictures of my family they should be a lot better than if I walked around doing it myself which is part of the problem - these pictures are not necessarily any better and they should be.

In our pictures that we had done in May you honestly can't tell where we are. Sure there is a little bit of the GF showing in the background on a few but I could have met a friend with my digital camera at one of the buildings in my home city's downtown and gotten a picture that was about the same.

As far as the pictures costing around $1.00 each, if you are lucky enough to get 75 pictures, when you figure in the cost that you have to then put out to a processing site/location the cost jumps up to more like $5-8 per 8x10.

I agree with you that I could never work at someplace that has such a reputation for good customer service but I also know that I would never make a good waitress (you want it when?!?!?). Therefore I do not put myself in the position of working with the public at such places. Just like if I was allergic to animals I wouldn't work in a pet store. I'm allergic to stupid people that feel entitled to everything so I don't work at WDW.

........Third, why complain or vent about the photgraphers? If it is a real issue for anyone....call, write, email WDW Corporate and ask questions, voice concerns, rant if you want but shooting the messanger is senseless. These photographers are employees, only trained as WDW seen fit, and attacking them isn't going to change anything. If you want to see change go to the main root of the problem. Ask about Guarantees, discounts, prices, etc. at corporate and get it in writing if you think it is going to be an issue when/if you chose to use this service.

Lastly, I AM particular and thrive on value but can't see getting my panties in a bunch over this. Either you want it and pay for it or you don't and move on. I chose to capture the moments with my daughter and enjoy than to squabble over the all mighty dollar. It's all about priority and what is important to each of us. Capturing those precious moments with my 8 year old is important to me.

I completely agree with the highlighted statement. But this entire thread was started as a general rant about the huge price increase. I too want to capture moments with my family and value those. What I don't value is a picture where everyone is squinting and having it look like lamp posts are sprouting from our heads. If I want to just capture moments I can use the Park Photopass Photographers for that and since they aren't "Professional" like the resort photographers it should be cheaper right?

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but that's exactly the point! These photographers do NOT have the "knowledge of where to shoot, how to pose, etc.". If they DID, there wouldn't be so much excessive squinting, sunspots and shadows, objects appearing to "grow" out of people's heads, etc. That's why they're not worth $150 an hour.

If someone sees the value in it, then they should definitely go for it! But for many of us who are particular about our photographs and how we spend our money, the value sadly isn't there.

- What you said.

 

[parkers*momma]

Something else to consider, the photo session is only $25(or $75) after purchasing the photopass(for $99 or $125) cd. If you don't purchase the cd, the photosession alone is $175(or was that $200).

And if that was the case...$200....maybe ppl will hire a private photgrapher and crunch into Disney's profit margin. If you really want photographs and can hire a professional for $200 that will drive to WDW, have good photos, and all of the photos that they took, then I say go for it.

I guess it is all about how one looks at things.

Maybe it would be better if WDW would guarantee that XXX amount of pictures would be taken and that you would recieve XXXX amount of outstanding pictures. Then I don't think anyone would be as upset.

I guess my real issue is seeing the photographers attacked when it is clearly an issue with WDW. More training, more time to prepare, longer sessions, a guarantee....those seem to be the real issues.

 

[parkers*momma]

I agree with you that I could never work at someplace that has such a reputation for good customer service but I also know that I would never make a good waitress (you want it when?!?!?). Therefore I do not put myself in the position of working with the public at such places. Just like if I was allergic to animals I wouldn't work in a pet store. I'm allergic to stupid people that feel entitled to everything so I don't work at WDW.

So true...I'd bip-slap someone!!!

I completely agree with the highlighted statement. But this entire thread was started as a general rant about the huge price increase. I too want to capture moments with my family and value those. What I don't value is a picture where everyone is squinting and having it look like lamp posts are sprouting from our heads. If I want to just capture moments I can use the Park Photopass Photographers for that and since they aren't "Professional" like the resort photographers it should be cheaper right?

Rant away I just felt that a couple of WDW employees were trying to be helpful and offering insight and seemed to be taking the brunt of the rant. I will say this as an employer, I would hire either of them because thier loyalty to WDW is exceptional and that is truly an asset in it's own.



Anyway, I'm not trying to PO anyone...also I'm not trying to defend my own impressions/ideas but if you want change you have to make waves and to do that....WDW corporation is the best bet.

 

[DoOverDreams]

If we still had the ability to enhance the photos online I would be interested, even with the price increase. However, no longer having that ability makes it not worth it to me.

Every trip we take to WDW and DL we get the photopass CDs and we love them! What we love most is the ability to customize all of the pictures first. It makes all the photos, no matter how bad I look in them special. And we've gone every month this year, so we've bought a lot of CDs!

So, maybe the powers that be at WDW can reconsider allowing us the ability to customize. I would love to have a photo session on our next trip in October for Halloween, and one in December for Christmas, however won't do it unless the policy is fixed!

Just my 2 cents....