Outside photography not allowed?

[roxysmum123]

Hi there

Thanks to those who answered my question about dry weddings, as fantastic as DFTW must be, it's quite the confusing process! My other question is do they not allow outside photographers anymore? I was reading a e-book I got and it seemed to say that outside photographers were not allowed for events inside the parks. So I take this to mean that if I have a ceremony at say, World Showcase, reception at the Living Seas and a dessert party at Illuminations (in a perfect world...) I would not be able to use an outside photographer??!! This greatly concerns me because I've been reading a lot of wedding trip reports and nobody seems overly thrilled with any Disney photographer. Food and photography are the most important parts, to me, and I've had friends who have hated their wedding pictures and it's the only lasting thing you'll have of that day (aside from your marriage) that you'll be able to look back on and show your children and grandchildren. Is anyone well versed in the photography rules? If this is the case, and you can not have an outside photographer I would seriously consider not having a DFTW for fear of lousy photopass style pictures. Anyone else been in this line of thinking or am I just too picky?

 

[singastory]

I've been concerned with this, too. My dream wedding would be either at the Animal Kingdom or Epcot, and it is my understanding that I would not be able to use an outside photographer or videographer per current rules. I've seen people's recent photos and I know that there has been a general improvement with Disney photography, but their videography style doesn't appeal to me at all and their photography, while I agree that it has improved, still isn't quite my style. It will be a few years before I see myself getting hitched, but I don't think this rule will change. I hate that I will have to "settle" for a Disney photographer, but then again I don't know that I can "settle" to have my wedding in a different location just so I can have the pictures I want.

Edit: I just wanted to clarify really quickly that Disney wedding photographs are definitely not "photopass" quality, they're quite professional. I just have a different personal style.

 

[DisneyBride1207]

unfortunately they no longer allow outside photographers for in-park wedding events. I think that Disney Photography has improved over the past few years (through my extensive search through Disney Photography over the past few months since we had to use their services since we are having a reception at Living Seas in Epcot and Dessert Party at UK Lochside). I think if you look through Disney's photography page it might help you feel better about it! http://disneyeventphotography.com/

you can now request your top picks for specific photographer, as we have asked for our top three for our wedding. HTH!

 

[roxysmum123]

unfortunately they no longer allow outside photographers for in-park wedding events. I think that Disney Photography has improved over the past few years (through my extensive search through Disney Photography over the past few months since we had to use their services since we are having a reception at Living Seas in Epcot and Dessert Party at UK Lochside). I think if you look through Disney's photography page it might help you feel better about it!

you can now request your top picks for specific photographer, as we have asked for our top three for our wedding. HTH!

Being able to request a certain photographer makes me feel better. I'll check that website now and see what it's looking like.

And to clarify, by "photopass" I mean just the stiff photos, no candid or photo-journal style shots. A lot of photographers in my area are the same way, just doing about 200 shots of poses with this person and that. For me, that doesn't capture the feel of the event. Not saying they aren't nice pictures, just not my style.

I think a lot of my concern comes from many wedding trip journals are from when they did have outside photographers and the photos are just fantastic.

 

[roxysmum123]

In the 30 seconds so far I've been on the photography website I must say I'm impressed. This is not what I was expecting, a few of the photographers are exactly the type of style I'd love to have. I guess if they're only allowing in-house photography, they know they've got to offer something good. Excuse me while I have a huge sigh of relief, lol.

 

[singastory]

In the 30 seconds so far I've been on the photography website I must say I'm impressed. This is not what I was expecting, a few of the photographers are exactly the type of style I'd love to have. I guess if they're only allowing in-house photography, they know they've got to offer something good. Excuse me while I have a huge sigh of relief, lol.

I'm glad you're feeling better about it!

 

[DisneyBride1207]

Great! I had that same feeling when I was scared to look and then went on the site and looked! You can request a few and just tell them which is your absolute favorite. Supposedly about a month or two out they can generally guarantee who would be your photographer -- that's just word on the street based on what I've read on here, so I'm no 100% on that!

I know what you mean about the stiff posed thing...but that also has to do with the couple -- if you explain that you want photos just taken 'in the moment' (like I want), then you would just make sure to tell them that's what you want.

Glad you feel better about it!!!

 

[DisneyBride1207]

I will add...I'm very particular about photography as I deal with MANY photographers regularly and often see some AMAZING work here in the DC area...so I can understand your fears about Disney Photography. But, after what I've seen online I confident they will do an amazing job based on their trendy photography styles!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Just remember that whilst you can request certain photographers from DPS, it is by no means certain you will get them. A bride on here recently gave DFTW the names of three photographers she would hve liked t shoot her wedding and got none of the three!! Disney makes it very clear you can request, but that is as far as it goes!!! Sometimes it comes down to deciding what is more importat to you - your venue choices or your choice of photographer!!!

 

[DisneyBride1207]

yea, that's the only downside is that it may not be ANY of the top ones you pick...I ended up telling them two more so HOPEFULLY I get one of the FIVE!

Like above poster explained, it just comes down to what's important to you!

We didn't want to fool with any extra expenses outside of our minimum expenditures and we didn't want to hassle with finding other vendors (in this case photographer)...so, Disney Fine Art Photography it is!

 

[Pinkgirl]

If only they were all as good as those showcased on the webiste.

 

[pezaddict231]

Unfortunately Disney is pretty strict on this rule. I think ultimately you have to decide what is more important to you, the venue or the photographer. For us, I knew I wanted particular photographers, so we planned all of our events to be non-theme park locations. I do have to say though that we were already leaning towards a WP / GF event, so it wasn't really a big compromise in the end, basically we just chose to have a Wishes DP instead of Illuminations.

Look through the website and see if you can find pictures from Bride's that have used the photographers in the past. Ask Disney if they can give you a link to check out pictures from a recent wedding. The thing with blog/web posts is that they are the best pictures, you need to see all of the pictures to make an informed decision.

Most of the brides on here that have used Disney photography recently have been happy, so I don't think you need to worry, if you do decide to go for an in-park wedding.