on board photographer ??

[Highland Lass]

Can I get the photographer to take group shots of my family ??

Do I have to book a time ?

How much would it cost? Any ideas?????

 

[goodfaerie]

I don't think you'll need to book a photographer. There are a billion opportunities for group shots on your cruise. The Navigator tells you where the characters will be the next day, and usually there is a photographer there, plus, during almost every dinner, special event and getting off the ship at ports of call... I spent a ton of time and money on pics, but I do have some wonderful photos.

Often a cast member will see you trying to get a shot of your family and help out by taking the pic so that you can be in it--bring your own camera and film--your own pics will be very special as well.

Hope this helps

GoodFaerie

 

[Highland Lass]

Has anyone has professional photos taken on boards? How did they turn out ?

 

[laurenk]

The photographers are set up EVERY night to take pictures before and after dinner. They are also EVERYWHERE you go it seems. Don't worry, you will have plenty of pictures available to choose from. Just start plan on spending alot of money on pictures they come out pretty darn good.

The larger ones 8x11(I think) are $20 a print. The smaller ones are available in packages. You have a choice of 10, 15, or 20 prints. I want to say @ $85- $160 for the packages(can't remember).

Also, on the larger ones after the fifth one you get a free folio, and there was also some special on the last night about buy any picture get a free folio(something like that).

 

[tkd lisa]

As far as how the pictures turn out, many of the pictures people have at the bottom of their posts were taken by the ships photographers. You can usually tell because it's a family shot with either the stairs in the background or a posed shot with a studio background. If you aren't sure if something was taken by the ships photographer, you can always pm the person and ask.

For our family, we didn't bother with waiting for the posed shots on our first cruise. On our second one, I wanted to get a formal shot, but the first one we took didn't come out well, and then our family got sick, so I wasn't able to do it. Overall, I think most of the family pictures look very nice! And DCL will give you a release so you can make your own copies once you return.

 

[ruvidu]

As an ex-professional protrait photograher I have been pleased by the portraits we have had made. The photographers take time setting up the lighting and backgrounds and use very nice equipment. They will also use your camera to make the photo as well. Dont expect the same results though because your camera will not fire the lights so all the light you have will be the modeling lights that leave a yellow tint.
During the Magic's first year of cruising all the portraits were made with digital cameras and there were kiosks at shutters where you could go see your pics, select backgrounds and packages. On our second cruise they had already abandoned this practice and were using film. The reason we were told was that the quality was not good enough. Ouch, I bet that decision set them back a bunch of bucks on equipment and training.
The photo below was made with our Canon EOS by someone who was passing by and offered to help. We ofton stop and ask families if we can make their photo so everyone can get in the picture.
Russ and Miss Vivian

 

[Highland Lass]

Thank you all so much for your help.

I think I'll spend a fair amount on professional pics !!

This is a never-to-be-repeated cruise for my mum, sister and daughter . We'll never do it again and are travelling from Scotland especially..........so I think its worth it..

 

[Favorite Auntie]

You might want to check out the packages that Shutters offers, it might save you some money if you plan on buying a fair amount of photos....

 

[MarkMichaels]

When you book a Disney Excursion, do they send one of the ship photographers along? On our past cruises we've always seen pictures and wondered where they were taken.

 

[rae519]

Have never heard of a photographer going along on a DCL excursion - but I bet they'd love it!

I am very pleased also with the quality of the photographs and the professionalism of the photographers. They also do a great job with developing film.

Look for Alina at Shutters - she's the best, and a wonderful lady besides!

Rae

 

[cjp/dvc]

Yes, photographers can be hired privately. We just returned from the Disney Magic where our son proposed to his girlfriend onboard. We spoke to Dave (Shutters manager) and arranged for an hour of private photographs to be taken as memories and hopefully engagement announcements. It's referred to as a special shoot and cost $85 for one hour for the photographer, then 6.95 for each 4 x 6" photo you choose. We were assigned Ellen (terrific woman from the Phillipines) who took 40 photos all over the ship inside & out, changes of clothes if desired, some with DVC hats & Mickey ears...with all of the available backgrounds from each evening, many neat ship locations that photograph beautifully and even developed some of them in black and white as well as color! They are very creative and know what they are doing as they do all of the onboard events, weddings as well as the daily portraits.
We got the prints in three hours and had overnight to select the ones we wanted...tough choice as they were almost all excellent! What a wonderful experience and memory...and overall cheaper than buying pics each night...and still having a photographer at home do formal engagement photos. Now, we've got memories, and one thing to do checked off our list!

 

[rae519]

Thanks for sharing that information about the "special shoot" - what a great way to have a special photographer and memories without the long lines!

Congrats to your family and best wishes!

Rae

 

[Rence]

That is great information on the special shoot. We have a large family group traveling in December for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They haven't asked for much. A few years back mom indicated that what she wanted most was a big family vacation. Well 4 days at WDW and the 7 day cruise has that covered.

She has also commented how much she wants a full family portrait of them with all the kids and grand-kids. We're never all together at once but we'll all be on the boat.

I think the kids will be pitching in for the special shoot to make sure that they get as many pictures of the family as they could want.

 

[rae519]

Rence - my absolute favorite photographer is Alina. She's patient, thorough and will always go above and beyond her job to please.
One of the most professional people on the ship!

Rae