disappointed with photopass photos

[cgattis]

This is all very interesting to me. I have never done Photo Pass and one of the reasons was I was unsure of the quality, especially for the price. Reading all of these posts kind of confirm my concerns. Its hard to make a photographer out someone who you pay near minimum wage to and has no camera expertise just by giving them a decent camera. Thanks all I will continue to take my own pics.

I'm sorry, but I really don't think the pay has much to do with it. No, you can't hire real pros for that cost. But anybody should be able to be trained in some basic rules of composition (rule 1, get all the people you are trying to shoot IN the frame......). Flash can get a lot trickier really quick, but most of the daytime stuff is easily corrected with a tiny bit of training. They train CMs every day to do things they've never done, like operate a ride, and I imagine they have to demonstrate some proficiency before they are put out in the park to do it. It'd be nice if they'd do the same with PP photographers (for what they charge).

 

[Easto]

We have used the Memory Maker for our last two trips. I enjoy taking photos, but by no means do I think I am a "photographers". I feel like I take better photographs than a lot of the MM photographers. Maybe it's because when I take the pictures they are pictures of my family and I take extra care to get the best photo.

We had a really nice picture of our kids taken in front of the tree at AK. The picture would have been really nice, however the photographer lens was dirty and there is a black oval on my daughters face.

I find most of the pictures are fine on our Memory Maker, but my biggest complaint (If I had to complain) is the composition of the photos. Some photographers took great care in composing the photos taking into account the people in the photo and the background. Other photographers only focused on the people in the picture and the backgrounds wouldn't be that great. For example, if the castle is in the background you should probably compose the picture so the whole castle can be seen.

I will always buy the Memory Maker - I love having all the pictures of our vacation. If I didn't have the MM, no one would have known I was on the trip because I am always the one behind the camera.

I also accept that some pictures won't turn out well, that's why I ask almost every MM photographer I see if they can take a picture. If some don't turn out well, I always have several hundred that did.

1 Suggestion that I wish Disney would do is to have dedicated MM photo spots where they can take your picture without people in the background. For example at the tree in AK, have a section that blocks people from walking behind you so you can get a picture without randoms behind you. It would be pretty simple and a good way to promote more people to buy the MM. Access to some of the best photo locations within the parks.

 

[AnnaKat]

Yes, I agree we just returned and disappointed with photopass. In my opinion it's really declined the last couple years. Last year we went to Blizzard Beach and there were absolutely no photographers. We didn't see any, so I finally asked and the CM just said there were none that day - this was the Sat. of Labor Day weekend (not that it should matter, if you pay for a service it should be there.) This year we did see them at the water parks, but they didn't have any at the rides like usual (like the big slides, crush n gusher, the little photo ops with the Mickey heads). Heck a few years ago they had photopass ppl in the lazy river taking pics...havent seen that at least the last 2. While we found plenty of photopass ppl. on main street, like you many of our photos are blurry and almost all are just vert., hardly any of our week trip are horizontal and yes even some without the full character.

With the big staff cuts coming, my money's on Disney almost gutting PhotoPass. The Amighty dollar rules these days;
they know families will come--good or bad photos--
or NoNE @ all!

 

[jillt2ph]

I was disappointed last week with my photos from the Halloween party. Similar to OP, there were only 2 pics taken on Main St, and neither is good. I think they need to take a few more, especially in the evening when it is really hot or miss lighting-wise. At least I don't pay for MM each visit anymore since I have an annual pass. I rely on it, though, because I am frequently by myself.

 

[Capang]

We always check the photos right away, they pop up on MDE in a matter of minutes at most. We had some that were totally dark. We went right back and stood near the exit until we could politely get the attention of the cm and explain what happened. We were let right back in to get new photos. Granted the photos were black, not just dark or someone not looking. If it is a big goof they will fix it somehow. If it's someone not looking then that's just the way it goes.

 

[holden]

We get the pics for free (AP holders) and I'm glad I don't pay for them.

 

[Realfoodfans]

We have got PhotoPass for the first time on our upcoming trip - I really hope it turns out to be worth it!

 

[Farro]

We have got PhotoPass for the first time on our upcoming trip - I really hope it turns out to be worth it!

We also bought it for the first time this upcoming trip! I think it will be worth it. We never stopped for pictures in the parks before, but we are totally gonna do it this time and we are looking forward to it as it's something new for us to do! And the ride pictures/videos are always so funny. Plus, just not to have to take selfies to get the two of us in one picture is priceless in and of itself! Also the photo booth pictures look fun.

Any character pictures, one of us will also be snapping along with our cell phones, so we'll get some good shots either way.

 

[Cinderella94]

We have got PhotoPass for the first time on our upcoming trip - I really hope it turns out to be worth it!

We also bought it for the first time this upcoming trip! I think it will be worth it. We never stopped for pictures in the parks before, but we are totally gonna do it this time and we are looking forward to it as it's something new for us to do! And the ride pictures/videos are always so funny. Plus, just not to have to take selfies to get the two of us in one picture is priceless in and of itself! Also the photo booth pictures look fun.

Any character pictures, one of us will also be snapping along with our cell phones, so we'll get some good shots either way.

I haven't wanted to comment because I never really think it's helpful when there's a thread of people posting a negative experience and someone chimes in saying "oh, it worked out great for me!" But....we had Memory Maker this past July for free with my mom's Annual Pass, and we absolutely love our pictures. They took so many in each instance that we have at least 2 or 3 good ones to choose from each time. Meeting with Olaf, at least 4 photos, all good. Character spot in Epcot, lots of candid shots before the posed ones as well. Be our Guest, maybe only two photos but they're bright. We will be buying Memory Maker from now on for sure. If nothing else, it's so worth it to us to be able to all be in the photo every time.

Could a professional photographer look at our photos and point out things wrong with them? I'm sure. But they're good enough for us to want to make a photo book out of and get some prints put on canvasses for our wall.

We did have one or two less than stellar photographers in front of the castle, but we just came back later and had another photographer take some from a different place on Main Street. That is an inconvenience to some but we didn't mind. Since we had MM we just wanted to go wild and get as many as possible.

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I have seen a noticeable decline in photographer skills over the past several years. Some of the now common problems we have encountered - the picture being taken to include the interior of the building and not just the decorative background, pictures taken when the camera is not being held level (up to a 15% list), POOR use of flash (Beast at BOG), and just really bad composition (I am not talking a long staging process - just getting the short people in front of the tall ones).

To better describe the first one - Olaf - we see him, us, the beach scene and the walls of the building above the backdrop. The same with Moana.

I think they are putting anyone in a vest who can barely operate a camera and telling them to hurry. I am not against efficient use of time, but cutting off Goofy's hat in a long shot is a problem that should not be happening.

And I am not even going to mention the problems with the Magic Shots.

We had trouble with our recent photos with the beast at BOG as well. They were so dark that they couldn't even be salvaged. Not a single one!!

 

[Best Aunt]

I think the Beast poses in an area which is too dark for good photos. I think they should add more lighting instead of having people pose for a photo which is likely to be bad.

 

[Parker Clan]

That's too bad.. I've never been disappointed with ours.

 

[scrappingbuckeye]

I think the Beast poses in an area which is too dark for good photos. I think they should add more lighting instead of having people pose for a photo which is likely to be bad.

I agree it's too dark there or they need to change the camera equipment to compensate for the darkness. I think I can fix my photos in photoshop, so I'm not too bent out of shape.

I did go back and have pics redone with the lotus flower in Epcot last spring, they were totally blurry. It would be nice if the photographers were a little more experienced. I do take my own photos as well for a backup plan.

 

[TJDisneymama]

I agree, this year's pics were worse than ever. I deleted at least half of the pics, probably more. Luckily most photogs usually take plenty of pics so of the 5-6 each photog took, there was usually *1* that was decent enough to keep. But it seems they are just hiring anyone to take pictures, vs. actual "photographers". It's too bad.

 

[mom2rtk]

But it seems they are just hiring anyone to take pictures, vs. actual "photographers". It's too bad.

That's correct. They don't hire photographers. Just like the BBB doesn't hire real hairdressers.

 

[melanielll]

I never thought the photopass people were photographers in the sense of the people you go to a studio and pay them for pictures.

I did use to think that they were competent and that they were selected for the job because they had an interest in photography and some level of knowledge about it. For instance - one year at the Osborne lights we were stuck waiting for photopass during one of the dancing lights segments. We talked to the photopass cast member during the wait. She was a high school teacher who was ran the photography club. She knew about taking pictures and about cameras. I think that level of cast member can do a great job. That does not seem to be who they have around much now.

Also - back when you had to wait for them to print a picture and view it to see if you would buy it (I am old), they probably kept track of the your sales percentages. If you wanted to keep taking pictures instead of cleaning bathrooms, you probably put a little more effort into it. Now they take the pics and don't really care - it's digital and no money is spent printing pics that are too poor to be sold.

 

[mom2rtk]

I never thought the photopass people were photographers in the sense of the people you go to a studio and pay them for pictures.

I did use to think that they were competent and that they were selected for the job because they had an interest in photography and some level of knowledge about it. For instance - one year at the Osborne lights we were stuck waiting for photopass during one of the dancing lights segments. We talked to the photopass cast member during the wait. She was a high school teacher who was ran the photography club. She knew about taking pictures and about cameras. I think that level of cast member can do a great job. That does not seem to be who they have around much now.

Also - back when you had to wait for them to print a picture and view it to see if you would buy it (I am old), they probably kept track of the your sales percentages. If you wanted to keep taking pictures instead of cleaning bathrooms, you probably put a little more effort into it. Now they take the pics and don't really care - it's digital and no money is spent printing pics that are too poor to be sold.

Even an enthusiast wanna be photographer would be frustrated with a photopass position since they are not allowed to change the settings on the camera.

I agree that not having a sales tally to track has probably contributed to the lower quality people are seeing.

 

[LizzyS]

If you don't buy MM, can you still get a PP card and have a few shots taken that way? I don't think I'm going to pay for MM (especially after reading this thread!), but I might want to stop by a few PP photographers while we are there. I've done this at DLR before and bought the digital photo later because it was pretty good.

 

[scrapquitler]

If you don't buy MM, can you still get a PP card and have a few shots taken that way? I don't think I'm going to pay for MM (especially after reading this thread!), but I might want to stop by a few PP photographers while we are there. I've done this at DLR before and bought the digital photo later because it was pretty good.

Yes. you can buy just individual photos.

 

[soniam]

That's a bummer. We have never paid for MM/PP but have had it included since we got APs. I would be upset if I had paid for it and had bad results. We don't tend to do a lot of photos, but all of ours have been good to great. I wonder if it helps that we are usually setting down semi-to-professional camera equipment before having our pictures taken. We even had one photographer outside the Mexico pavilion ask if she could use our camera. She really liked the lens and was interested in how it performed. It was one she was considering buying for her personal camera. Those were really good pictures, even the ones she took with her camera. I don't think they are trained well on how to use their equipment. Plus, it's hot sitting out in the sun all day. I bet it's a taxing job and some of the just get tired, frustrated, and lazy by the end of the day.