Introvert photographers question

[Churchladychurchlady]

Let me preface: I HATE having my picture taken. period. For two reasons:
1. As an off-the-charts introvert, I resent any intrusion.
2. I am the least photogenic person to walk the earth and am absolutely fine with that. I'm not the type to run away from cameras and act all shy and silly, I merely avoid them whenever possible and if not possible to avoid, my image is usually a scowl. Even candid shots where I'm laughing I look like Ursula... Even when I'm in a situation where I know and actually desire a photo - I look like a petulant child - and that's when I'm SMILING!!!

Being of First Nations ancestry, I can totally understand the concept of a picture stealing a part of your soul...every time I have to pose I feel like a little bit of my spirit disappears.

I've been preparing myself for the fact that there will indeed be picture taking as we board - an ordeal I'd love to avoid, but will "make the best of it" so we have a family picture.

My question: How much "stand here and let me take your picture", and "smile for the camera" and "oh, stand behind the rest of the table as we interrupt your dinner" will I have to endure? Do the shutters people literally follow you around?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Let me preface: I HATE having my picture taken. period. For two reasons:
1. As an off-the-charts introvert, I resent any intrusion.
2. I am the least photogenic person to walk the earth and am absolutely fine with that. I'm not the type to run away from cameras and act all shy and silly, I merely avoid them whenever possible and if not possible to avoid, my image is usually a scowl. Even candid shots where I'm laughing I look like Ursula... Even when I'm in a situation where I know and actually desire a photo - I look like a petulant child - and that's when I'm SMILING!!!

Being of First Nations ancestry, I can totally understand the concept of a picture stealing a part of your soul...every time I have to pose I feel like a little bit of my spirit disappears.

I've been preparing myself for the fact that there will indeed be picture taking as we board - an ordeal I'd love to avoid, but will "make the best of it" so we have a family picture.

My question: How much "stand here and let me take your picture", and "smile for the camera" and "oh, stand behind the rest of the table as we interrupt your dinner" will I have to endure? Do the shutters people literally follow you around?

Not at all. While there may be roving photographers (especially on dress up nights) in the dining rooms, they always ask if you'd like you photo taken. "No" is an acceptable answer. Most Shutters photo ops are set locations, you have to go to them, not them to you.

Even boarding the ship, there is a photo location, but you don't have to stop there. We always by-pass it. The only photo you're required to have taken is the one at check in to be embedded in the KTTW info.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Let me preface: I HATE having my picture taken. period. For two reasons:
1. As an off-the-charts introvert, I resent any intrusion.
2. I am the least photogenic person to walk the earth and am absolutely fine with that. I'm not the type to run away from cameras and act all shy and silly, I merely avoid them whenever possible and if not possible to avoid, my image is usually a scowl. Even candid shots where I'm laughing I look like Ursula... Even when I'm in a situation where I know and actually desire a photo - I look like a petulant child - and that's when I'm SMILING!!!

Being of First Nations ancestry, I can totally understand the concept of a picture stealing a part of your soul...every time I have to pose I feel like a little bit of my spirit disappears.

I've been preparing myself for the fact that there will indeed be picture taking as we board - an ordeal I'd love to avoid, but will "make the best of it" so we have a family picture.


My question: How much "stand here and let me take your picture", and "smile for the camera" and "oh, stand behind the rest of the table as we interrupt your dinner" will I have to endure? Do the shutters people literally follow you around?

No the photographers don't follow you around. A simple "no thank you" will be enough. There are plenty of other passengers for them to photograph. You'll have to have a security picture taken for your key to the world card just before you board the ship, but you can even avoid the group boarding picture if you want.

 

[dizanimator]

I'm not sure, but I think the only picture that has to be taken in the security picture linked to your card. I think you could probably decline the other opportunities to be photographed if you want. I mean it's not like they'd pull the chair out from under you to make you stand for a photo at dinner.
It could be a little odd at character meet and greets, and there may be a picture taken in the AquaDuck, but I think most of the time if you don't hand over your card and ask not to be photographed, it probably won't happen.

 

[belac]

I hate pics too. The only time I recall they ask is if there is the formal night, and photographers are out and about in the restaurants. Also I think they may show up in Palo or Remy from time time to time. It is perfectly acceptable to say no thank you, and I have without any pressure from them. There are Photo Ops set up and you usually wait on line or schedule a time to do something special with their photographers. Really no or very low pressure to get your photo taken.

 

[Pooh2]

The photographers had a few nights in the dining room where we politely declined and they moved on. They also came around when we were sitting up on deck, asked if we wanted a photo and moved on when we declined.

Otherwise, the photo opportunities were a stand-in-line set-up. We did stand in line for a glacier photo but did not end up purchasing it as they only came in 8x10 prints. They said we could not order one in a smaller size. Why make a price list with different sizes when only one size is available??!

We did hand our camera off a few times throughout our Alaskan trip and were pleased to have a few photos of us together with amazing scenery in the backdrop.

 

[tink1970]

Horribly unphotogenic person chiming in here!

Have your picture taken can be avoided fairly easily.
The photographers are very polite and aware of the Fear of Terrible Photo Syndrome- just smile, shake your head and/or say "no thank you." I think in 13 or 14 cruises I have 1 photo of myself (boarding on the first cruise, ever). Even upon boarding, when they try to direct you to the photo line, you can just say, "no" (or sometimes "NO!") and keep on moving toward the ship. Easy!

Enjoy your cruise.

 

[Sytrace]

We simply decline photos at dinner and do not line up for them on formal night etc.
I do not like the intrusion either and after the first friendly "no thank you" at dinner we are good to go.
We bypass the gangway line by going to the far right on embarkation day.

 

[dcassetta]

If you're interested in meeting the characters, there is often a photographer present. Just mentioned to them that you don't care to have your picture taken when you're visiting with the characters.

 

[Churchladychurchlady]

Thank you all so much! I feel so relieved. I hate to be "that" person - so I'm glad to know it won't be a big deal!

 

[jahber]

We have purchased three photos in 8 cruises, and none of those were from dinner. Now when the photographers come around we just say no, thank you, and they are always very polite. They leave immediately without any cajoling or anything. I hate cajoling and I'm an introvert, so I feel you, OP!
I will say that if someone DOES take a picture of you, say, at a character meet and greet, you never have to see it. No one does--it won't ever be posted anywhere public (unlike other cruise ships that have photo walls). So you can rest easy in that regard.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

As far as the photographers upon boarding, walk right past the photography setup.

When they come to your dinner table, or approach you onboard, say "No thank you."

That's all you have to do.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We had a few pictures on our first 2 cruises and don't feel the need for anymore. We don't even get our picture taken when we board the ship. I just keep walking and tell them we don't want a picture. They say okay, have a great cruise. It's no big deal at all to say no.

 

[bumbershoot]

Going to chime in with another "you don't have to do it" mention.

The picture for security is required. You never have to look at the podium computer so you never have to see it. Once you've gone through the Mickey head (at port canaveral) and have the card scanned there's a line. At some point let them know you so t want a picture and they will tell you where to go.

At dinners just say no if no one wants their photo taken.

Every other photo you have to line up for. I've never seen a candid shot taken.