Do you use your flash in restaurants

[BeckWhy]

I'm just curious how many people do or don't.

 

[KarenAylwood]

We usually end up taking a picture together or of one of us in the restaurant and for that we'll use a flash (so, usually once during dinner- I can't stand taking a bunch of flash pictures anywhere really). If I'm taking pictures of the restaurant itself, I won't use a flash because I'm trying to capture the restaurant as it looks with the lighting they have.

 

[briar_rose_59]

This just reminded me of "flash guy" at the Brown Derby. Although I understand that the restaurant is in a theme park it just seemed so out of place at this restaurant in particular. My mum and I were in there for the Fantasmic package thinking that we were going to get a nice relatively quiet meal. There was a guy a little further down the aisle that insisted on taking a flash picture of everything on the table as soon as anyone took a bite/sip out of it. I swear, everytime he took a sip of his pop it was time for a new flash picture. Drove me up the wall lol! Of course, I don't mind a couple of flash pictures every once in a while but this guy was just nuts... eventually (I guess he got sick of the 15 million pictures of pop glasses?) he just started taking random flash pictures of anything in sight.

 

[Evil Queen]

We only took pics one night, an that was at Chef Mickey's. Only when the characters came by and posed.

A few nights before we were at Concourse Steakhouse, and the folks next to us took so many flash pictures, I literally was seeing white spots. I understand the parents were taking pictures of their little one, and I'm ok with that, but not every 30 seconds.

It didn't ruin our meal, but it sure did put a damper on things, and the spots I was seeing were bothersome. I kept dropping loud hints about the light and the spots I was seeing, it didn't do any good. I did finally say "I don't think little Erin has changed that much in 30 seconds" to the family. Amazingly that was it for the flash pictures.

 

[bicker]

I'd find it incredibly rude to take flash photos in a crowded, public place, especially a restaurant. I would never do so, deliberately, myself.

 

[nurseypoo5]

if people arent using flash at restaurants then how are they getting all these clear photos of food? My camera, even my Nikon D-50 wont take that kind of quality without a flash, esp in a restaurant that is a bit darker.

 

[bicker]

Flash actually discolors whatever it hits. The best way to get the best photos is to use natural light. Even in a restaurant this is possible. You just need to learn how to hold the camera very still.

 

[nurseypoo5]

see i'm taking my little elcheapo (if you can call 170.00 elcheapo) kodak 3mp camera for the parks, and only taking bigdaddy Nikon out to seperate restaurants (non park related) when i use the kodak after sundown or in dark places the pictures are either very dark or yellowish, and if i enhance them they really turn yellowish.

Exactly how do you get better pics with a cheaper camera? I dont want to take my 1,500 camera to the amusement parks since its huge and cumbersome and well...expensive. thanks!

 

[bicker]

That could indeed be a great challenge. If faced with that, I would indeed use the flash, reserving my photo-taking solely to places where I wouldn't be disturbing other guests.

 

[DaisyD]

I set my camera to auto. It will use a flash if needed. In the darker restaurants like 'Ohana the flash will go off. In the Crystal Palace it rarely goes off. I don't feel rude about it either. By the looks of the poll I am not alone! LOL! Everyone else at these character meals are using flash. After all we aren't there for the food. We are there for the characters. If someone gets annoyed at flash users then I suggest avoiding character meals!

 

[bicker]

I think character meals you've got to expect flashes -- most folks are there specifically to take photographs. Contrast that with Brown Derby, as Briar Rose discussed, where most folks are there to enjoy a fine dining experience. Definitely, the intended atmosphere of the restaurant has a bearing.

 

[CheshireVal]

I don't see how one or two flash pictures taken in a restaurant is going to ruin someone's good time. I use flash occasionally, though sometimes the pictures really come out a lot better without it.

Disney is a vacation destination, so I think it's expected that people are going to want to document their vacation experiences.

 

[DaisyD]

I think character meals you've got to expect flashes -- most folks are there specifically to take photographs. Contrast that with Brown Derby, as Briar Rose discussed, where most folks are there to enjoy a fine dining experience. Definitely, the intended atmosphere of the restaurant has a bearing.

I agree about finer dining. I don't think the Brown Derby is fine dining but because it isn't a character meal I would be annoyed at the flash also.

 

[bicker]

I think folks should expect photography to be a focus at Whispering Canyon Cafe and 50s Prime Time Cafe as well. By contrasty, flash photography at Sci-Fi Dine In is really rude, IMHO, since the flash grossly exposes all the tricks Disney uses to simulate a nighttime drive-in experience.

 

[Lewisc]

Even fine restaurants, outside of Disney, diners sometimes want a "table shot" particularly if they're celebrating a special occasion. I won't hesitate to ask a waiter to take a picture in any restaurant.

I wouldn't use my flash to take multiple pictures of the restaurant, the food etc. I draw a distinction between one or two shots and a person who continually uses the flash.

Everyone should learn how to turn your flash off. Most cameras default to auto. There are many times in which you want to turn the flash off. Fireworks, shots more than 5-10 feet (including rides) and even shots where you want to see details such as stained glass windows.

 

[mickeyfan2]

We only take pictures (with the flash) at character meals.

 

[KarenAylwood]

I don't see how one or two flash pictures taken in a restaurant is going to ruin someone's good time. I use flash occasionally, though sometimes the pictures really come out a lot better without it.

Disney is a vacation destination, so I think it's expected that people are going to want to document their vacation experiences.

Exactly.

 

[Lewisc]

I think folks should expect photography to be a focus at Whispering Canyon Cafe and 50s Prime Time Cafe as well. By contrasty, flash photography at Sci-Fi Dine In is really rude, IMHO, since the flash grossly exposes all the tricks Disney uses to simulate a nighttime drive-in experience.

You were composing this while I posted. This is exactly the reason people should know how to turn the flash off and take a long shutter (time) exposure. Put the camera on a tripod or rest it on something, even the table and even use a self-timer so you don't shake the camera. The question isn't just being rude to other guests but a flash picture won't give you the kind of picture you're looking for. A flash picture won't capture the mood of the restaurant.

 

[CarolA]

No, and I have been known to make comments to families who think that photographs of all thier food should be taken with a flash. IMHO it disrupts other people who are trying to enjoy thier meal and is RUDE! One picture is not bad, but those of you recording Juniors every bite with a flash are being very inconsiderate of your fellow diners.

 

[raidermatt]

I wouldn't use my flash to take multiple pictures of the restaurant, the food etc. I draw a distinction between one or two shots and a person who continually uses the flash.

I agree. Exception being character meals, or other similar experiences.

Everyone should learn how to turn your flash off.

Yup. Its bad enough to have to be around somebody in a restaurant or on a ride whose flash is going off repeatedly, but in many cases, you know the picture isn't going to come out anyway because the subject is too far away for the flash.

Its a flash, not the sun.