Photo/family balance

[lhermiston]

WDW Photogs:

How do you balance shooting at the parks (or any vacation for that matter) versus making sure you are paying enough attention to your family and being an active participant in the vacation (instead of just a guy/gal with a lens sticking out of your face)?

I'm in the early phases of planning my family's next WDW trip. It will be my fourth visit and the second for my wife and daughters. I love Disney, but what I'm most excited about this year is taking photos with the DSLR I bought last year. My wife and daughters aren't photo junkies, however, and I don't want to be a hassle to them. At the same time, I want to make the most of this opportunity. I'm wondering how you experienced shooters strike that balance?

On one hand, I could just take my bag with me every day and shoot until I start to get the sense they are getting annoyed, but by then it could be too late. On the other hand, I could just leave my gear at home one day (we'll definitely make multiple trips to MK and AK), but then what if one of those "magical" moments happen and I don't have my camera?

My other thought was to have a dedicated photo day, when I could venture out solo and get all the shots I want and let my family spend the day however they want.

Any advice/anecdotes would be greatly appreciated!

 

[photo_chick]

There was a time that every event in my life was viewed though a camera lens. Then I realized at one of my daughter's dance recitals that I was so busy taking pictures that I missed the dance.

I take pictures of my family on vacation more than I do the places we go. I keep my camera around my neck so I don't have to stop and haul it out, I can just lift it up and shoot on the go. I also don't do many posed shots of them at all. I'm not the mom who has her kids climbing on the landscape to get a group photo. About the only time they're posed is with characters. It works for us.

 

[SrisonS]

Do you anticipate that there'll be any moments of downtime during the days you're there??? If they need to go back to the resort to nap or something; maybe just stick around at the park by yourself for a bit?!?! Or if they're big on hitting the different stores; opt out and just snap some pics in that general area for a few minutes.

And if there are any Evening extra magic hours, and they don't want to stay that late; that would be the prime time to do shooting.

Other than that, you jus have to keep your urges somewhat under control. I'm local, and have plenty of chances to visit the parks on my own. But I still have fight all of shooting urges when I'm with my family.

 

[lhermiston]

There was a time that every event in my life was viewed though a camera lens. Then I realized at one of my daughter's dance recitals that I was so busy taking pictures that I missed the dance. /QUOTE]

That's what I'm trying to avoid. Thanks for the advice.

Do you have with your camera with you at all times?

I was also thinking about giving both of my daughters a disposable camera so they can get in on the fun.

 

[lhermiston]

Do you anticipate that there'll be any moments of downtime during the days you're there??? If they need to go back to the resort to nap or something; maybe just stick around at the park by yourself for a bit?!?! Or if they're big on hitting the different stores; opt out and just snap some pics in that general area for a few minutes.

And if there are any Evening extra magic hours, and they don't want to stay that late; that would be the prime time to do shooting.

Other than that, you jus have to keep your urges somewhat under control. I'm local, and have plenty of chances to visit the parks on my own. But I still have fight all of shooting urges when I'm with my family.

I was thinking about sticking around the park during our midday breaks and hanging out after they head in for the night. The girls typically don't make it later than 7 or 8, so I'd have plenty of time for night shots.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[photo_chick]

There was a time that every event in my life was viewed though a camera lens. Then I realized at one of my daughter's dance recitals that I was so busy taking pictures that I missed the dance.

That's what I'm trying to avoid. Thanks for the advice.

Do you have with your camera with you at all times?

I was also thinking about giving both of my daughters a disposable camera so they can get in on the fun.

Yes. My DSLR is with me all the time at WDW. It pretty much is the rest of the year as well.

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm another one who keeps my camera on me at all times so and I don't really care for posed photos; given the choice I will almost always rather have a natural/action photo. I also like portraits where the subject(s) is/are not looking directly at the camera so some personal preference comes into it.

My DD is VERY patient when it comes to allowing me to take photos on vacation, but I still have to fight frustration when I know that if I wait in a spot for another 20 minutes the lighting will be great, but she wants to go off and ride Splash Mountain and at times like those I have to remind myself that we are on vacation.

Depending on your family's routine and vacation habits you may be able to use the time when the rest have some down time, as suggested by a previous poster, to go and take your photos without feeling like anyone else has to make a sacrifice for you.

My daughter loves shopping and I could really live without it on vacation, so when she wants to go into a store, I know I have a good 20 minutes + and we came to an agreement that she is not to leave the store if she goes in and I give her a designated time when I will return and I stay nearby, usually where I have the entrance to the store in sight, and use that time to take photos.

My next solution is not a cheap one, but I am planning a solo trip for 6 or 7 days later in the year just for photos

 

[lhermiston]

Yes. My DSLR is with me all the time at WDW. It pretty much is the rest of the year as well.

Are you a professional photographer or a hardcore hobbiest?

 

[lhermiston]

I'm another one who keeps my camera on me at all times so and I don't really care for posed photos; given the choice I will almost always rather have a natural/action photo. I also like portraits where the subject(s) is/are not looking directly at the camera so some personal preference comes into it.

My DD is VERY patient when it comes to allowing me to take photos on vacation, but I still have to fight frustration when I know that if I wait in a spot for another 20 minutes the lighting will be great, but she wants to go off and ride Splash Mountain and at times like those I have to remind myself that we are on vacation.

Depending on your family's routine and vacation habits you may be able to use the time when the rest have some down time, as suggested by a previous poster, to go and take your photos without feeling like anyone else has to make a sacrifice for you.

My daughter loves shopping and I could really live without it on vacation, so when she wants to go into a store, I know I have a good 20 minutes + and we came to an agreement that she is not to leave the store if she goes in and I give her a designated time when I will return and I stay nearby, usually where I have the entrance to the store in sight, and use that time to take photos.

My next solution is not a cheap one, but I am planning a solo trip for 6 or 7 days later in the year just for photos

My wife will be with and I know her and the girls like to grab a popcorn or dole whip break from time to time. Maybe I'll use some of that time to grab more shots.

And I am completely jealous of your solo trip!

 

[2Tiggies]

My wife will be with and I know her and the girls like to grab a popcorn or dole whip break from time to time. Maybe I'll use some of that time to grab more shots.

And I am completely jealous of your solo trip!

Oh it's going to cost me ..... I have to compensate a nearly 11 year old daughter who has been my sole Disney companion for the last 5 years

This trip in the planning was actually born out of frustration because I so desperately want to learn more about photography, but I want a hands-on experience, and I just can't get out much with my camera in my usual day to day lifestyle.

I don't know what age your girls are or if they do the typical kid thing where they want to watch the same show/ride the same ride over and over. Perhaps you could come to a compromise with your wife in those situations whereby she rides/does the shows again with the girls while you go get some shots

 

[jimim]

I think this is such a tough question with Disney trips. I always shot alot when we didn't have kids. My camera lived with me in the parks. Night and day. Only time it wasn't with me was in downtown disney. If I wanted to go get shots and my wife didn't want to come she would shop a bit and we would meet up again.

Enter kid number 1, Kate. Her first trip at 13 months was with my parents too. I lived behind my camera. Do I regret it, no. I deff didn't feel like I missed memories of her first trip. I'm glad I shot as much as I did cause I got some memories that will never be had again. No regrets. 6 months later we went again for a week, just Kate, my wife, and myself. In July. Hot hot hot! I carried for like 3 days and then said screw it and left the camera in the room for the rest of the trip. What a blast it was not having it with me. Totally diff from the past 10 or so trips. Do I regret it, no again. Why? Because we were just there and Kate was pretty much the same age so I don't feel like I missed shots that would be first time memories. I did go out and about at night on my own so I got my fix still, but this was a totally diff trio with a kid now. You don't get that alone picture time like I used to when it was the 2 of us. Not that it's a bad thing! My wife would shop and instead of me going off to shoot Kate and I would sit down and have our like 5th Mickey ice cream head for the day! lol

I think it all comes down to what you want to catch to look at down the road as memories and what you want to live at the time and maybe not have pics for the memories but have the memories in ur mind. I think I achieved both the first trip with Kate, but that second trip being free (bad word cause I don't shoot cause I have to, I shoot cause I love to) of the camera was pretty awesome!

I don't know if that answers ur question but I think it should give u something to think about.

jimi

PS This year enter kid 2, Kason, my son. I prob will be living behind the camera again cause this will be his first trip at 12 months and Kate's first trip with her little brother. I prob won't get a rest for the next trip too cause it will be a few months later with my parents and SIL's family again. Way too many memories to pass up on her. 2 kids, nephew, family, and my parents. Kinda wish the first trip was with everyone and the second was on our own cause I prob would do like I did on Kate's second trip.

 

[2Tiggies]

jimim, that is part of the family balance. I always took thousands of photos on a trip before I became really interested in learning more about photography and like you, I don't regret it. But it becomes a little more tricky and guilt, whether self inflicted or heaped on you by other members of your family or party, when you want to spend time taking pictures that are not with the family and with the children. For me, that's where I became more conscious of balancing things out fairly. My daughter LOVES cameras and being in photos. It came as a bit of a shock to her when I started taking pictures where she wasn't in them though

 

[photo_chick]

Are you a professional photographer or a hardcore hobbiest?

I'm a professional who went back to school to finish my BFA in photography and someday soon I may finally actually graduate at which time I will go back to working full time.

 

[mom2rtk]

My daughter LOVES cameras and being in photos. It came as a bit of a shock to her when I started taking pictures where she wasn't in them though

LOL, I have the same problem sometimes!

Sometimes these things just come down to what you will regret more, the time with the family, or the time away from the family!

 

[HPS3]

I was at WDW last week and was torn between family and photography. Before our trip I had planned on taking so many shots and ended with pretty much just a handful.

I have a 2 DD's ages 2 and 6. While at the World last week I tried to balance shooting and chasing my 2 year old around. The first 2 days I carried a bag full of gear and tripod and by the end of the trip I was carrying just the camera.

I realized that I was worried too much about photography and not giving enough attention to my girls. The last few days of the trip I was much happier just going on rides with my family and enjoying the time spent with them. We go to WDW every year and I just figured I would have more time for photography once my daughters are older.

 

[DSLRuser]

I just fire off 2 or 3 shots then move on with the family.

If I really want to take time getting a shot, I just tell the wife and kids I will meet you at x place.

My family is great. they appreciate the quality of photos we have compared to others they see. For them, its worth the extra time / gear we need to "document" a vacation.

 

[mikegood2]

I just fire off 2 or 3 shots then move on with the family.

If I really want to take time getting a shot, I just tell the wife and kids I will meet you at x place.

I pretty much agree with this! When your with your family concentrate more on your family with the occasional park photos. If your able to find some time for your self, when the family is doing something else, you can take more "park shots" then. Also, you mentioned that could may stick around/ return to a park after the kids go to bed, sounds like a good idea. That said, don't try to look for or take every opportunity to get away and shoot. Make sure get some time to relax!

When we went in June 2011 it was me, my brother, SIL and two nieces (4-1/2 and 1-1/2 at the times) and the girls first trip to WDW. I was honored that they invited me on the trip with them, so one of my top priorities was being their photographer for the trip and let them spend more time with the girls and less time shooting.

I dont know of others on the photo board will agree with me, but you also may want to look into getting a Photopass! I don't know how you are, but I spend far more time behind the camera than in front of it. Photopass allows you to get in shots that you wouldn't get in otherwise, and don't forget, you can hand them your camera and they will also take a photo with it for you. Dont make the mistake of returning home and finding out you are only in a few ofmthe photos. The other thing it does is let's you get a better feel for what you family feels when you are taking photos.

Sent from my iPad mini using DISBoards

 

[jimim]

jimim, that is part of the family balance. I always took thousands of photos on a trip before I became really interested in learning more about photography and like you, I don't regret it. But it becomes a little more tricky and guilt, whether self inflicted or heaped on you by other members of your family or party, when you want to spend time taking pictures that are not with the family and with the children. For me, that's where I became more conscious of balancing things out fairly. My daughter LOVES cameras and being in photos. It came as a bit of a shock to her when I started taking pictures where she wasn't in them though

I get a bit of both. I feel guilty at times and it deff gets put on me a lot too cause I k ow what I'm doing so everyone is usually "oh take a pic of us or the kids". I dont mind it though.

Thankfully my little girl is great with pics. Poor thing has had a lens in her face since birth. She smiles and stops as soon as she sees the camera come out. People always laugh.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[lhermiston]

I pretty much agree with this! When your with your family concentrate more on your family with the occasional park photos. If your able to find some time for your self, when the family is doing something else, you can take more "park shots" then. Also, you mentioned that could may stick around/ return to a park after the kids go to bed, sounds like a good idea. That said, don't try to look for or take every opportunity to get away and shoot. Make sure get some time to relax!

When we went in June 2011 it was me, my brother, SIL and two nieces (4-1/2 and 1-1/2 at the times) and the girls first trip to WDW. I was honored that they invited me on the trip with them, so one of my top priorities was being their photographer for the trip and let them spend more time with the girls and less time shooting.

I dont know of others on the photo board will agree with me, but you also may want to look into getting a Photopass! I don't know how you are, but I spend far more time behind the camera than in front of it. Photopass allows you to get in shots that you wouldn't get in otherwise, and don't forget, you can hand them your camera and they will also take a photo with it for you. Dont make the mistake of returning home and finding out you are only in a few ofmthe photos. The other thing it does is let's you get a better feel for what you family feels when you are taking photos.

Sent from my iPad mini using DISBoards

Man! I wish someone would take me on a trip just to be staff photographer! I could live with that!

And good point about getting in front of the camera, too. I tend to feel more comfortable behind it, but during our last WDW trip, I handed off my camera phone (that's all I had at the time) to my wife to get me in a few shots. I'm glad she did. We wil also rely on Photopass. I figure - why not? It doesn't cost anything unless I want to purchase a photo.

 

[DSLRuser]

I
I dont know of others on the photo board will agree with me, but you also may want to look into getting a Photopass! I don't know how you are, but I spend far more time behind the camera than in front of it. Photopass allows you to get in shots that you wouldn't get in otherwise, and don't forget, you can hand them your camera and they will also take a photo with it for you.

My problem with photopass is the final images are heavily compressed. Which limits their usability to me.

I would sign up in an instant if Disney would give me raw images with the photopass. I would even pay money for that.