Hire a Photographer to Follow your Family Around?

[TigersLions]

So I absolutely love taking pictures of my family's trip to Disney. I basically document the whole experience through pictures and then make a book (see link to 2012 trip). I know this is a long shot but I thought I would ask because you never know.

Is there a place I could go to see if this is a service that is offered by Disney directly or through independent photographer(s)?

I thought that people pay wedding photographers to travel to their wedding so I wonder if a family would be willing to do the same to document another one of their happiest times.

Thanks!!!!

 

[YouGotaFriendInMe]

My sister is a photographer and i have definitely heard of this. people pay photographers to do anything... I know you can book like an hour with a photog on resort property or in a studio, but ive seen the pictures... they are un edited and not the best quality and expensive.
But if you paid an independent photog you are paying their shoot price, their ticket price and their flight price...

 

[KorbensMomma]

Since Disney provides so many photo services I am sure it would be frowned on.

However if they are dressed like your family how could anyone tell.

The majority of people in the park have cameras either cell phone or hand carry.

 

[Alesia]

You will need to contact Disney Event Photography. Make sure you're sitting down before they tell you the price.

There are very few professional photographers who are allowed to take pictures in the park.

 

[Heckah]

It would be extremely expensive. Like another week at WDW expensive. I work with them all the time and I'm always shocked by their prices.

 

[TigersLions]

I work with them all the time and I'm always shocked by their prices.

The outside photographers or the Disney photographers? Is there a link to some examples of what they offer? I'm really curious. Thanks!!

 

[DisneyFoodieFan]

I'm a videographer…boy do I wish people would hire me to make awesome videos of their trips!

 

[hughjulia]

I can't help but wonder if there is a local photographer with an annual pass. Seems like a business opportunity. If they were discreet, who would know.

 

[LBIJim]

I can't help but wonder if there is a local photographer with an annual pass. Seems like a business opportunity. If they were discreet, who would know.

As long as they weren't carrying a half dozen bags of equipment, setting up tripods, shooing other guests out of the way so they can get that "perfect shot," I doubt anyone would even notice.

 

[RaisedOnDisney7106]

We found someone in the area to do it for us, but Disney frowns upon it so I think she stopped doing it. She had an annual pass and was discreet about it so it looked no different than a family taking pictures. We didn't stay in one spot long as to not draw attention. Just a few shots and moved on. Disney is missing an opportunity with this one by charging insane prices for their photographers that are available for hire.

 

[Heckah]

The outside photographers or the Disney photographers? Is there a link to some examples of what they offer? I'm really curious. Thanks!!

Not Disney photographers. Professional photographers in general are probably in the neighborhood of $1000 to $1500 a day. Although there would probably be a discount if it were on a Monday through Thursday.

 

[tjevans]

Not Disney photographers. Professional photographers in general are probably in the neighborhood of $1000 to $1500 a day. Although there would probably be a discount if it were on a Monday through Thursday.

As someone who was considering giving up the rat race to be come a photographer, let me say that with photographers, you definitely get what you pay for.

Digital SLR's have gotten so good that there are many "professional" photographers popping up all over the place. I have a friend who is one; she charges $150 to photograph a day-long wedding, and her photos just aren't up to snuff.

My point is, if you follow through, don't cheap out.

 

[Heckah]

As someone who was considering giving up the rat race to be come a photographer, let me say that with photographers, you definitely get what you pay for.

Digital SLR's have gotten so good that there are many "professional" photographers popping up all over the place. I have a friend who is one; she charges $150 to photograph a day-long wedding, and her photos just aren't up to snuff.

My point is, if you follow through, don't cheap out.

THIS! I've worked with professional photographers and I've worked with "professional" photographers. The difference is remarkable.

 

[Holstar]

We did it during our trip just gone

I can say, with regards to rates, that previous posters have been correct regarding the approximate ballpark amounts. The photographer we selected had various rates dependant upon the length of the shoot.

Disney do allow very few private photographers to carry out in park shoots - however from what I've read the rules are strict - they can only do a restricted number per year (for our photographer, it was 5), and they must be considerate of guests - so, no lingering, no bulky equipment that would get in the way of others etc.

She was fantastic and I'm so excited about seeing the rest of our photos. If you can find someone you are comfortable with, who is able to carry out these shoots, it's definitely worth it. For us, this was a once in a life time trip with our nieces, and I know her photos will last a life time.

 

[kay1864]

Found this on the Disney site:

Professional Photography and Recording Equipment

Professional photographers with professional cameras or recording equipment, who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort with the intent to take photographs or recordings of people, Walt Disney World Resort properties or icons for professional purposes must make prior arrangements with Walt Disney World Resort Media Relations.

OTOH, if it were a family with someone tagging along, I doubt Disney would stop the "family member photographer" from taking photos like everyone else does.

 

[Lorelei528]

There are individual photogs you can hire. Randy Chapman, Regina Hyman, The Roots, Misty Miotto, Jess Cumbie, David and Vicki Ardnt....

They are cheaper than DFAP and you get loads more for your $, however most will not take photos in the park as these photographers do a lot of Disney weddings and the area about taking photos in the park when not doing a DFTW is a HUGE grey area.

I know Regina will not do it. You'd have to check with the others.

However, you can do resort shoots with them or say..DTD. Photo quality surpasses DFAP by a LOT! You can even do 2 or 3 different resorts if you pay for a longer shoot etc.

But the parks is another thing...some may do it, but again, you'd have to ask them.