Camera Bag

[PhotoJenic]

Hello! I'm new here and I must say I'm apart of a different message board but all of these smiles beat ours.

I was curious if anyone has worked as a Photopass Photographer at Disney World?

I recently graduated from a photography school and my friend and I are looking to become roommates again and get a job around the same area. Of course with the economy the way it is that's easier said that done so we're both debating about becoming Photopass Photographers to get our foot in the door somewhere.

I was wondering if anyone who has worked there could give me an inside look as to what your day looks like? Like how long shifts are, how often do you get a break, do you stay in one spot or continuously walk around?

If anyone has any info I'd greatly appreciate it.

- Jen

 

[ukcatfan]

From what I understand, it is an unskilled and low paying job. It is also typically a part time job I believe. Basically, you do not have to know anything about photography to get the job. You have a quick crash course, the management sets the camera, and tells you to go shoot. If you really want to get your foot in the door, look into their special event photography jobs.

 

[disneyboy2003]

I've always wondered about PhotoPass Photographers. The PhotoPass Photos I get are generally good, but some of them made us out-of-focus. I was surprised because their cameras are usually stationary on a tripod, so you'd think that they'd be able to take the exact same focused picture over and over and over again during their shift. You'd think that as a photographer, that'd be the #1 thing to ensure before clicking the shutter.

The other thing about PhotoPass photos is that sometimes their colors are off, probably a white balance problem. My wife and I usually visit at night, so I'm sure it's pretty tricky trying to balance the white balance for flash and the ambient exposure. We end up looking blue. They probably could have gelled their flash, but I'm sure gels aren't standard issue for PhotoPass photographers. Of course, I'm only seeing the unprocessed original. A professionally done photo would have attempted to correct this in post-processing.

For someone who's graduated from photography school, sounds like being a PhotoPass Photographer would be pretty unrewarding. I wonder if you could do something with their Disney's Wedding Pavilion as a wedding photographer. I'm sure there's other photography stuff you could do at Disney, given your background & training.

Good luck!

 

[WDWFigment]

This may sound bleak, but I don't think PhotoPass is a way to get your foot in the door. It's likely an end in itself, not the means to a greater end. I'd consider working elsewhere.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I have the Kata dr-467 and really like it. It holds my Nikon D300, 17-55mm, 70-300mm, 35mm, 50mm and 10.5mm with room up top for the small things and extras you need to carry like rocket blower, filters, memory cards, and a few personal items. Its comfortable on the back and shoulders to carry when fully loaded and also fits under the seat on all the planes I have been on. Its also under $100 at about $80 from amazon.com. The 467 has the laptop sleeve in the back. If you dont need to carry a laptop there is also the dr-465 which is very similar to the 467 without the laptop compartment.

I second this recommendation. I have the 467 and the 465 (for the times when you don't need to bring the laptop!). They fit everything I need to bring.

 

[PhotoJenic]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I know it's not a job where someone is going to look at my resume and be like "wow you worked there?! Sure I'll hire you!" It's more of a job to get my foot in the door anywhere. Since I have no photography jobs under my experience, just skills, schooling, awards, and non-photography related jobs, no one will contact me for an interview. You'd think having a prestigious school under your resume would have helped seal the deal but in fact it doesn't. I'm stuck in the phase where people want experience but no one will hire you to give you experience unless if you're rich enough to intern.

After 5+ months of unemployment I'm not being very picky with jobs anymore. I gave up not applying for jobs because they didn't sound fun or rewarding a few months ago. It just needs to be photography related and pay enough. I know their pay isn't great but with living with my friend again rent and all the costs will be cut in half. We're just trying to find something to get us living in the same area near the same time because right now we're thousands of miles apart. We're just looking for a job to get us there and then who knows what we'll find someday.

I also know it's an unskilled position. A lot of those types are. I had tried applying for places like Portrait Innovations and Olan Mills to get me started. I had an interview for one and it went super well. I was told I had talent then by email I was shot down because I'm not a pushy sales person. Kind of a pansy move if you ask me, they could have just told me to my face or looked at my resume for sales jobs and not bothered to have me drive 14 hours to the interview, but what can ya do? They even told one of my friends that even though they say they're looking for photographers they're not, they want sales people.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. My friend and I are going to start seriously debating stuff and figuring out what to do. No worries though, I may be young but I'm not stupid to move to a new state without a way to support me. One friend tried to convince me to just move to where I really want to go and take a job at Walmart after graduation without ANY planning! She did what she tried to convince me to do, except she works at a different retail store and now regrets that decision. I have things planned out it's just getting a job that's holding me back. I hope I don't sound like I have a big ego or anything... but honestly you've got to plan before taking a big move. Just because your young and can doesn't mean you should.

Disneyboy2003, Some people seem to have a real issue with focus. I had a friend at school who took out of focus photos ALL the time. She thought she had it and she'd be rushing. She'd also joke around saying that she likes how technical I am just because I'd white balance before a shoot. It's common sense.
As for photos coming out blue it sounds like they haven't white balanced the camera. They should do it before starting the day then again at night because obviously the lighting has changed. That's why people look like smurfs. I had someone come out purple once because I forgot to do it before snapping that first shot. Purples not a healthy look.

 

[disneyboy2003]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Jobs sure are hard to come by, especially in this economy.

During the past 5+ months that you were unemployed, could you have gotten an unpaid internship? Or could you have gone to a local wedding photographer or local newspaper and offered to be a photographer's assistant for free, just for the real-world experience? Those free / unpaid / volunteer jobs might end up turning into paid jobs later on, once they see how valuable and hard-working you are.

Or, if Olan Mills was looking for someone with sales experience, could you start asking your local camera shop for any openings? Or ask Olan Mills for feedback on where you can go for sales experience.

Sometimes, in this economy, you have to be creative and make some sacrifices just to get your "foot in the door".

 

[PhotoJenic]

I wish I could have! Where I live it's in the middle of nowhere. Think boonies where a simple store like Walmart is 2 hours away. No malls, no clothing stores, just a couple grocery stores and what seems like a bajillion auto part stores for some oddball reason.

We only have one photographer somewhere around here for about half the state. I wish I was joking when I say that. I know, sounds like the perfect place to set up a studio because there's no competition. I often wondered if I some how had enough for all the equipment what it'd be like to set up a studio here. Then I remembered this part of the state has the highest unemployment rate. There'd be no way to keep a studio afloat. This photographer is able to because he does all those school photos.

I wish I could have seen into the future because I would have hunted down that photographer earlier to see about an internship. For quite a while I was applying for a lot of jobs non-stop. I didn't bother seeing about an internship then because I figured at least one of them would have worked out. I didn't want to start an internship and then quit the next week to get ready to move. I'd feel bad. I only have one other job that I'm applying for. It's to be an assistant of a well-known photographer. If that doesn't work out then I'm going to see about an internship.

At this point I'd take a crap photo job because I'd still do my own stuff on the side to keep me sane.

 

[ukcatfan]

I thought maybe you were already living in the Orlando area. I would NOT recommend moving there with hopes to make it. It has been horribly hit by the economy and the cost of living is still high. Two people working full time as something like a photopass photographer probably couldn't afford to live there. I am familiar with the area and have friends there, so do know what I am talking about.

Let me give you a little more info about living there. The only place you could possibly afford is going to be 45-60 minutes commute. There are often accidents that slow that even more. If you are late to your job at WDW even a few times, you are fired with no questions asked. Therefore, many typically try to show up very early for their jobs and just wait. It is not exactly a great way to make a living.

To top it all off, they are not going to hire someone out of the area for an hourly labor position like that anyway. To get a job there, you will already need to be living there and basically show up at Casting every day until you get an interview and hope for the best. They really only consider out of the area candidates for tough to fill highly educated positions such as engineers, lawyers, analysts, etc. (Basically behind the scenes stuff) Sorry to sound so gloomy, but I would not want to see someone already struggling make a decision that hurts them.

 

[PhotoJenic]

Guess I'm crazy or something because I seriously was shocked at how cheap the cost of living there is versus Vermont. My jaw hit the floor when I saw the difference. It's very expensive here because of heating for what seems like half a year of winter. I'm so tired of winter.

Well I guess I'm back to square one then because me being out of state is another huge reason why I haven't gotten any interviews. I was already turned down twice over the phone because I had to travel even though I was willing at the drop of a hat. Everyone wants someone who lives 5 minutes down the road instead of someone that's showing dedication willing to move thousands of miles and wouldn't take more than a couple weeks.

I'm sort of convinced that this economy will be doomed forever. I know a job will come someday, but that someday feels forever away.

 

[cbombard]

Vermont is VERY expensive to live.. Not interested in moving but.. Housing is higher than a lot of friends I know out of state..

Want sticker shock. I was in Texas for business.. and went by a new development.. the houses were starting at half of my house, and was much bigger..

Love Vermont though.. Off topic.. but wanted to comment..

I too was wondering about the life of a photopass photographer.. not to bash them in general, but I must say their interest and skill ranges all over the place.. We had a couple great ones on our trip last month, but most were.. less then excited to be there..

 

[dmccarty]

Somehow I saw Disney jobs listed on Monster.com that popped up on a website I was visiting. It was interesting reading. Photopass photographers were starting around $10 and hour.

You could try monster.com or the Disney website to find other information regarding the job.

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[manning]

What kind of portfolio are you presenting with your interviews?

 

[ColleenG]

I'm thinking of getting a smaller back pack to take on out trip to WDW. I already have the Canon gadget bag that came with my camera, but that won't do. I don't want to lug it around. Then I got a really great Lowepro backpack, I think it's the FastPack 250 to hold my camera gear and lap top. It's great for a carry on when flying. But it's really big, and long, and I'm afraid I'll be too hot with it around the World and it'll be too cumbersome to take on rides. So I'm thinking about the Lowepro Micro Trekker. It is small, but it will fit the gear I currently have. So is 3 different bags too many? Just wanted to get the pros' opinions before DH says "REALLY! Another bag?"

 

[bostran1]

I have the same problem. I typically carry my Northface backpack with my Crumpler camera bag inside of it when I travel. That gets a bit unweildy though since the only real reason I carry the backpack is for the laptop and a book or two.

My wife and I are going to Asia in August for two weeks and I want a bag that I can carry my laptop, camera, books, etc. in. I am hoping to get this National Geographic bag for Christmas. I think it will be good since it doesn't look too big and can hold my MacBook, camera, lens, books.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJ2OTG

 

[PhotoJenic]

cbombard - Vermont is horribly expensive. That's why when I look around at other states rent ranges my jaw hits the floor. It's a good place to visit but definitely not live unless if you're financially set and ready to travel two hours to get to stores that other people have 5 of miles from each other.

Texas is also nice! I wouldn't mind going back there since that's where I originally came from. Only thing is, I'm not terribly fond of tornados.

Dan - thanks! I'll keep it in mind. Everything is up in the air right now.

manning - what interviews? Out of all these months I've only been able to land one. A lot haven't given me a chance because I'm out of state. The one I got was for a portraiture job. I brought my portrait portfolio that shows kids, adults and pets in studio, outside and on location and photos that were from serious to goofy to unique. It's well put together and in a nice book. No three ring binder amateur portfolios for me.

 

[zackiedawg]

I bring 3 bags with me to Disney whenever I go. My main backpack, the Kata R102 holds everything I've got - two bodies, 5 lenses, flash, filters, chargers, cables, remotes, etc. Then, I've got a Tenba shoulder bag that can fit 1 camera with lens attached and two additional lenses...it's the main walkaround bag for big photo days. The third bag is a small Tamrac video bag - it just holds my camera with lens attached and room for an extra battery or memory cards. I often bring this empty so I have a place to stash my camera in a sudden rainstorm, or on occasion may bring one small prime lens along in the bag (if it were to rain, I can just squeeze the camera/lens and the extra prime in the same bag, but it's a bulging fit only for emergencies). For travel, all my camera gear goes in the Kata, and the Tenba dividers are removed inside so it can be flattened and stuck in my luggage, with the Tamrac soft bag inside.

 

[saturndb]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I know it's not a job where someone is going to look at my resume and be like "wow you worked there?! Sure I'll hire you!" It's more of a job to get my foot in the door anywhere. Since I have no photography jobs under my experience, just skills, schooling, awards, and non-photography related jobs, no one will contact me for an interview. You'd think having a prestigious school under your resume would have helped seal the deal but in fact it doesn't. I'm stuck in the phase where people want experience but no one will hire you to give you experience unless if you're rich enough to intern.

You might need to change your job search if you want to move to Florida, or any other state. Maybe just start by trying to get a job that will help you settle into the area you want to live in. Then start to look for a photography job at local studios or whatever type of photography you want to do. Also try and think outside the "job interview process" be creative, employers get hundreds of resumes for one job opening. make yours stand out.

Also do NOT think having a good college on your resume is a plus in todays job market / economy. I have friends who manage local retail stores and they have people who are applying that have a phd for cashier position! You are fighting for a job in a very limited job market openings right now, whith people who have real world experinece on thier resume, who will work for much lower pay then they would have in the past.

Also keep in mind that at Olan Mills and those entry level studios, they will have you photograph and/ or sell to customers, so the abillty to upsell is key to them. They make money from selling, not the picture taking process. Use the interview as a way to show that you can sell, after all you are selling yourself. Go to the library and checkout a sales book, to learn some ways of how to close and bring those techniques into the interview. Some examples are Zig Zigler, Tom Hopkins.

Please do not take this as a negative againest you, just a way to help achieve your end result. I hope you find a job you love in a area you love.

Dave

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I've never found a bag that is perfect for all occasions, so I have lots of different bags for different purposes.

1) Lowepro F&S system - A belt/vest system with pods for lenses. This is great when I'm not carrying too much gear and I want quick access to all my stuff.

2) Lowepro Minitrecker - A nice backpack for carrying a small to medium amount of gear.

3) Gura Gear Kiboko - A large, backpack style bag that is great for carrying a lot of gear. It my favorite backpack style bag for use out in the field because the ergonomics are much better than my Lowepro's.

4) Lowepro Dryzone 200 - Medium sized waterproof backpack. It's a pain to use, but I like having a waterproof backpack for some canoeing situations.

5) Pelican cases - Not really backpacks, but another way to carry my gear. I pretty much just use them for beach outings these days. Extremely durable and very well sealed.

I also have a shoulder bag that I use more for video that photography. A shoulder bag is great on location, but it's not good for carrying gear all day. I occasionally use it for photography when I'm going to set up in one place and shoot there all day (like a wedding or event shoot).

I once had a fanny pack that was great for an SLR and a few lenses. I could swing it around for easy access. If you don't have lots of lenses or large lenses and you don't mind the rather ridiculous look, I think a fanny pack is a great way to carry gear.

I think that the ideal way to carry gear is a backpack because it handles the weight best. The problem is gear access. The best way to handle that is to have your assistant (often referred to as spouse) wear the backpack so that you can access it.

 

[boBQuincy]

Like Mark, I have trouble finding a bag that works for all occasions. I may carry only the SLR or I may carry that plus 2 more lenses, a water bottle, and a light jacket. A modular bag works best for me, Crumpler's $x Million Dollar Homes. These have loops that can be used to attach various holders and items that are held on with Velcro.

I usually carry a $4MDH and attach things as required. I may look like a walking junkyard but it works for a full 16 hour day of walking around and taking photos.