Photographer on site?? OKW?

[missytiffy]

Do the resorts have on site photographers or are there studios come to resorts? I would like to have a family photo professionally taken outdoors while we are there. I originally wanted to take one at the beach, but I don't know what day we will make it there. I would think the resort beaches might be okay. We are staying at OKW.

 

[Janet2k]

Missytiffy, Disney has a photographic services department. You may arrange for a photographer to take portraits of your family. Here is the phone number: Disney Photographic Services (407)-827-5099.

I'll include below what is stated on the Members Only website for the Disney Vacation Club (for informational purposes) so you get a little better idea of how Disney handles things:

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Disney Event Productions Photography:

A family portrait taken at the Walt Disney World® Resort will become one of your most treasured vacation memories. Whether you're a family of four or 24, Disney Event Productions Photography will customize your portrait session to accommodate you. A professional photographer will meet your family at one Walt Disney World location of your choice. The price of your session includes the sitting fee, all of your proofs (presentation prints), and a multi-print folio showcasing images from your portrait session. As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you'll receive a 10% discount on the sitting fee only. For more information, please call Disney Event Productions Photography at 407-827-5099.
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[Wenlitz]

I thought I had seen a website with info regarding the photo session. Cost, park, proofs, pics etc. Does anyone have this info?

 

[Purrrrfecta]

I know of a private photographer who is often hired for Disney Fairytale Weddings. His name is Randal Chapman. he website is www.chapmanphotography.com

He is aware of all the sights on the property that would make good portraits etc etc. check out the website.
He was my photographer for my wedding, and he was fantastic!

 

[Hulabaloo]

Hello.

We used Disney photographic services about 3 years ago, I took my parents, and my brothers family as I recall there is a sitting fee, the sitting fee is based on the amount of people in your group, I believe the first tier is up to 12 people.

Now that sitting fee was either $250 or $350, I don't remember which one but it includes all of your proofs, about 15- 20 5x5 pcitures untouched. So every photo they take you will get a copy of !

They have several pacakges that range and hit just about every budget and that is the way to go over individual photos ie a single 8 x 10. You pick what photos you want and what size you want them.

I'm a DVC member and I believe the discount is 10% off the sitting fee and 10% off the order as well!

Now here is the scary part, I spent about $1000 on pictures for the 3 families, that included several 8 x 10's , 5 x 7's. wallets and an 11 x 17 for myself and my mother and father, (that $1000 includes the sitting fee)

Now for the experience :

It was awesome, the photographer was better than any other I've ever dealt with in my life! EVER, I tried to tip him $40 and he wouldn't accept it, just asked me to write a letter.

We were staying at the BWV and he did several in the lobby of the group, several on the patio of the group and then broke it down of some of all the guys and some of all the girls then we went to the deck and he took it at what i thought to be an odd place, he did the individual families there and when we got our proofs back I know why he chose that spot,

On the right side of the picture in the background is SPACESHIP EARTH!

I have received so many comments on those photos, (they sit in a silver 5 x 5 folio on my desk and everyone is amazed, and wants to know where we were at etc, You should see their faces when I tell them that is my HOME!

Well I hope this helps

 

[Janet2k]

Hulabaloo, thanks for posting of your excellent experience. I have always considered hiring Disney to take my family/group photos but something has always gotten in the way (mostly, family & friends who complain that they don't want their portraits taken, arg!). One of these trips I hope to get over that hurdle.

 

[tjkraz]

I'll add a few more comments to Hulabaloo's reply.

We used Disney Event Productions last September for a family photo session--at OKW ironically enough. I'll echo the comments that it was very professionally done, and we were very happy with the results.

The sitting fee includes access to the photographer for up to an hour. They will take as many photos as you want in the hour's time and you get ALL of the proofs. The proofs are delivered in a wonderful Disney-themed portfolio that holds (I believe) 16 of the 5x5 photos. They put the best in the portfolio for display. The rest are shipped boxed.

You can choose any WDW property site for the photos EXCEPT Disney/MGM Studios. Apparently there are licensing issues that keep them from using DS. At MK, they basically indicated the only useful spot is the Rose Garden with the castle in the background. Too many people elsewhere to take professional photos.

Epcot sounds like it would have been a wonderful choice. The World Showcase doesn't open until 11am, but the photographers have access to the WS before opening time. So, if you choose Epcot, will have ample opportunity to pose in 3 or 4 different locations (countries, if you so desire) with no interruptions from park guests.

We scheduled our session for our departure day, and didn't have park passes. So we ended up doing it right at OKW. We had two separate settings--in the main lobby area and outside on the patio. Again, all of the photos were great. The photographer was very understanding of our desire to pair off different party members, and even one change of wardrobe. My son wore his Mickey ears in a few photos to give it a Disney "feel".

More high marks from our clan.