Does anyone not bring a camera when they to disney?

[Sherry E]

I do have some sympathy with the OP. I understand that people like to relive their trips through their photos. But occasionally I wonder if they have actually experienced that trip in the first place! Digital photography has made recording moments free and accessible, and in a way this produces a pressure to 'capture' everything. Digital sharing can exacerbate this, although of course it's great to be able to share something of your experience with your friends and family. Still, it's worth recalling that before this technology, people still had ways of 'capturing' then reliving their visits, which were just as enjoyable. They just didn't have so much - so there's something here of the 'overconsumption' that we find in all parts of our lives now!

So if photo taking helps trigger memories for you later then go on! I'd just (as an occasional photographer) put in a word for the value of enjoying an uncaptured moment - or at least, just capturing it with your head! I will always recall the excitement of my 5 year old at first seeing the electric parade, photo or not, because that is so much more than a visual memory.

I'd also second the OP who talked about manners - the dreaded Ipad blocking your view, the selfie stick, the person who takes flash photos on rides - now there is a time I would really value the captured moment!

All very good points!

I can say that I have definitely experienced my trips even when I've taken thousands of photos. We are all viewing this whole concept of photo-taking through our own lenses, literally and figuratively -- but it's not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. We all 'do' Disneyland (and wherever we go) in different ways.

If we are to delve into how technology has made certain things easier to do, that same statement could be made about almost anything in life these days. Were it not for technology revolutionizing the way we live life, we wouldn't be on this forum right now. No one would have cell phones. No one would have DVRs. I mean, we are living in an age of technology, so everything we do will probably be informed by technology in some way.

Now as for rudeness with selfie sticks or any other equipment, strollers, or whatever in the parks, that is an annoyance to all of us, I'm sure.

I like the creative and cathartic process of taking photos, and the fulfillment it gives me -- and, one day, when my memory is no longer sharp, I will appreciate that I took as many photos as I did so I can look back fondly on my trips. :

 

[Chiomaca]

I do have some sympathy with the OP. I understand that people like to relive their trips through their photos. But occasionally I wonder if they have actually experienced that trip in the first place! Digital photography has made recording moments free and accessible, and in a way this produces a pressure to 'capture' everything. Digital sharing can exacerbate this, although of course it's great to be able to share something of your experience with your friends and family. Still, it's worth recalling that before this technology, people still had ways of 'capturing' then reliving their visits, which were just as enjoyable. They just didn't have so much - so there's something here of the 'overconsumption' that we find in all parts of our lives now!

People have been recording their experiences since the first cave drawing. The golden ages of exploration had artists to draw, the generations from the late 1800s on had photography in various stages...and oh do I remember slide shows from my grandparent's trips, if only because I had to go through them all after my grandfather passed away. I don't regret a second of the time I spent sorting through those photographs, but boy do I wish they'd felt some pressure to capture moments I knew had happened - like him bringing my mom and her sisters to Disneyland in 1955.

Sure, there may be some who are pressured by Pinterest-perfect layouts, blogs, and that sort of thing, but if that's what people want to do, then that's their thing. I'm not going to judge them, or myself, over that. If you prefer to enjoy the moment without the camera, that's cool. But please don't tell me that I'm not enjoying the moment as much as you are because I've got a camera at the ready all the time. I'm happier looking at the world with lens choice, focal distance, and aperture size on my mind than I am without. Some people want to schedule their trips tightly, some go with the flow. Some are willing to sit and wait for hours for the perfect parade viewing spot, others plan to hit the popular rides while everyone else is watching the parade. Nobody is more in the moment than anyone else as long as they aren't interfering with the people around them.

I have the opposite problem. I can't figure out how to go into the parks with ONLY ONE LENS

When I take the Canon SLR, I usually choose one lens for each day. My 70-300 is a nice lens for in-park shots, but parades are hard. The 50 is fun for people shots.

I usually pick two lenses. I take a nice wide-angle mid-range lens (I have a 15-85mm that is really versatile) and my 50mm as a challenge to frame good pictures within limitations. I am always reluctant to use my long lens because I always end up wanting a different shot than I'm getting.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Okay, I have to point out, with all due respect, that whenever someone says something like "I like being in the moment," or shares how they don't need to take photos of every little thing, or however the sentiment is worded, I think that -- unintentionally -- it carries some sort of vaguely negative connotation in regards to those of us who DO take lots of photos, or it somehow implies that those of us who DO take lots of photos are not in the moment.

The impression that I'm getting is that the people who choose to not take photos are somehow looking at what the rest of us do in a negative light. This is why I said in an earlier post -- we are enjoying the parks in our own ways, which may be different than how the non-photo takers choose to enjoy the parks. It's not a bad thing or a negative thing. It's just different. We're all different. And we are in the moment -- but we are in the moment in a different way than other people are.

Very good point Sherry.

I do enjoy taking pictures every time I am at the Disney parks and go through all my photos and relive the moments. I understand why people don't want to bring a camera during the trip and want to enjoy the experience.

 

[Sherry E]

Very good point Sherry.

I do enjoy taking pictures every time I am at the Disney parks and go through all my photos and relive the moments. I understand why people don't want to bring a camera during the trip and want to enjoy the experience.

Bret --

I think I can speak for everyone here who has seen your photos when I say that we are ALL glad that you bring a camera with you to the parks and take as many photos as you do!! It's a treat for us to see them, but you have also documented all of your trips so well -- which will be great for you when you are much, much older and want to look back on your many adventures. Plus, because you're always trying to improve your techniques and experiment with different lenses and equipment, it helps you to be able to take a lot of photos to see areas that you might want to improve or do over for a different result next time.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret --

I think I can speak for everyone here who has seen your photos when I say that we are ALL glad that you bring a camera with you to the parks and take as many photos as you do!! It's a treat for us to see them, but you have also documented all of your trips so well -- which will be great for you when you are much, much older and want to look back on your many adventures. Plus, because you're always trying to improve your techniques and experiment with different lenses and equipment, it helps you to be able to take a lot of photos to see areas that you might want to improve or do over for a different result next time.

Hi Sherry,

Thank you. Just as you said that I do take a lot of photos when I am at the Disney parks and like to relive the moment from every step of the way. I still go back through my old photos and to relive the moments where what is different from today and in the past. For example (as you know this quite well Sherry) of New Orleans Square during the Christmas season. The alleyway which had the light canopy over the alley and now it has just string of lights which is not that exciting. It is good to relive the old days from my past trips and see what is different from the past and today. I have tried a lot of new equipment and my technique is improving. But I still have a lot to learn about photography.

 

[carrierael77]

A trip is so pricey you bet I want pics to reflect on. I make videos with them and heck yeah I watch it all the time.

I think of it this way. I really really wish I had more pics of when I went as a kid. Even if I don't look at them all now, it will be great to reminisce in 20 years. And won't it be great for the kiddos to see the pics of happy mom and dad back in the day.

 

[kylie71]

A trip is so pricey you bet I want pics to reflect on. I make videos with them and heck yeah I watch it all the time.

I think of it this way. I really really wish I had more pics of when I went as a kid. Even if I don't look at them all now, it will be great to reminisce in 20 years. And won't it be great for the kiddos to see the pics of happy mom and dad back in the day.

I agree with this, since my first trip in 1976, my Mom took about 10 pictures, at least that is all that I have in an album. I was 3..... I wish for more from that trip!

--Lori

 

[mom2rtk]

I agree with this, since my first trip in 1976, my Mom took about 10 pictures, at least that is all that I have in an album. I was 3..... I wish for more from that trip!

--Lori

I feel the same way. Our first trip when our boys were 4 and 6 was in 1999. I took one roll of film photos. I look back and wonder how I could have messed up so bad! LOL.

 

[carrierael77]

I feel the same way. Our first trip when our boys were 4 and 6 was in 1999. I took one roll of film photos. I look back and wonder how I could have messed up so bad! LOL.

Film was expensive! I am impressed that you got it developed. I assume that 75% of all rolls of film used are in junk drawers across America

 

[mom2rtk]

Film was expensive! I am impressed that you got it developed. I assume that 75% of all rolls of film used are in junk drawers across America

I was pretty good about developing mine. But I know for a fact there are still several rolls floating around here somewhere.

 

[22Tink]

I found an old disposable camera in my junk drawer. I have no idea what's on it!!

 

[disneychrista]

I have no issues with anyone taking pictures (or not). But I find it odd that (some) people seem to only view things through their camera lens/screen.

Does having a picture of every little thing, really make your trip more memorable? I find photos of "things" to be pretty meaningless (this is just me/my opinion). Pictures of your kids/family in front of their favorite attractions, the Castle, with their favorite characters are a different thing completely. Yes those are special and will be meaningful in the future. A random picture of the parade floats and similar, not so much.

 

[DSNY4ever]

I love photos and videos...just not when people take them ON rides or block everyone's view when they hold their arm up the whole show. But pictures make great memories and I love offering to take pictures for people so their whole family can be in it, plus I have a good eye for it

 

[Sherry E]

I have no issues with anyone taking pictures (or not). But I find it odd that (some) people seem to only view things through their camera lens/screen.

Does having a picture of every little thing, really make your trip more memorable? I find photos of "things" to be pretty meaningless (this is just me/my opinion). Pictures of your kids/family in front of their favorite attractions, the Castle, with their favorite characters are a different thing completely. Yes those are special and will be meaningful in the future. A random picture of the parade floats and similar, not so much.

I think you know the answer to your question, if you've read some of the replies here (including mine). Yes, having a photo of every little thing makes our trips more memorable, and the tone that is coming across is that it is somehow being looked down on. It's not anyone's place to judge how someone else enjoys or experiences their trips, nor is it anyone's place to judge what kinds of photos should be special to anyone else. You find photos of things to be meaningless, but we are not you and you are not us. We're all different. :

I don't have kids or family and I like to take solo trips without friends -- am I supposed to never take photos? There is zero chance that I will go to the parks without a camera, and I will continue to proudly photograph things and details for as long as I still have a good eye and can still move! I am a detail-oriented person, and I will continue to focus on the details with whatever kind of camera I have at any given time.

 

[disneychrista]

It's not anyone's place to judge how someone else enjoys or experiences their trips, nor is it anyone's place to judge what kinds of photos should be special to anyone else. You find photos of things to be meaningless, but we are not you and you are not us. We're all different. :
I don't have kids or family and I like to take solo trips without friends -- am I supposed to never take photos?

Yep, we are all different and all enjoy different things. If you enjoy taking photo's of everything, go right ahead. As long as you are not doing anything that gets in the way of other peoples enjoyment (flash photos in dark rides, blocking others views with your camera, etc) do what makes you happy.

I just don't get the enjoyment of looking back on 100's of photos of random "things." But like I said in my other post that is me/my opinion. For me a few select photos are more special than 100's of random photos.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I may not be the best photographer, but that doesn't keep me from taking thousands of pics per trip. And yes, I love to double back and look at my pictures + I use them for trip reports and posting examples for people on the forums. Ultimately, while I often treat myself to something pretty as a souvenir...pictures from my trip are my favorite souvenirs and the truest representations of everything we did.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have no issues with anyone taking pictures (or not). But I find it odd that (some) people seem to only view things through their camera lens/screen.

Does having a picture of every little thing, really make your trip more memorable? I find photos of "things" to be pretty meaningless (this is just me/my opinion). Pictures of your kids/family in front of their favorite attractions, the Castle, with their favorite characters are a different thing completely. Yes those are special and will be meaningful in the future. A random picture of the parade floats and similar, not so much.

I scrapbook and love having photos of the little details to add to my books when I get home.

I also found that in my quest to photograph the little details, I have finally slowed down enough to NOTICE all those little details.

It's part of my Disney experience.