Private Photo Session Info

[photographymom517]

First of all, please be patient...this is my first post!

I am looking for any information from personal experiences that anyone has regarding the Private Photo Sessions. I already know some information like the resorts that offer the sessions, how long prior to your visit you can book a session, how long they are, how many photos they take, etc. Most of the info, I actually got from this site & another Disney site.

My questions are...

1) what is the best time of day to schedule a session?
2) I am considering either the Polynesian or AKL...which would you suggest? I have stayed at AKL before, but have never been to the Poly.
3) What do you suggest wearing? I am thinking about polo shirts & khakis? But I want to do something different...everyone wears white polos & khakis when they get "tropical" or "beachy" photos taken
4) any additional information that anyone has

Basically I've read a lot of things about the sessions, but I've never talked to anyone who has actually had their own Private Photo Session at Disney. I'm interested on getting the perspective of someone who has actually done this.

Any info is appreciated!!! Thanks!!

 

[DisFam95]

I had it done at Poly and had a great time.

Location depends on your taste. POly has the beaches and more tropical feel and I imagine AK would have a more safari look and settings?

Time..whatever works best with your schedule. I think we did early and got it out of the way. Sunlight is usually most flattering in morning and late afternoon/evening. Plus we had kids and I wanted us all to look fresh and happy!

As far as outfits, with portraits you want a simple clean look so that the people and faces pop. We did the white shirts (but not Polo style - I hate those and think they look like school uniforms) We did more linen look, collared but un tucked. A tucked Polo does NOT look beachy or relaxed! You can do any color as long as it fits the surrounding and co-ordinates. I think the lighter colors would look nicer in a beach setting. I think a bright red shirt would look too bold. However maybe in the AK setting bold colors might work.

We had a great experience!!

 

[Suburbanmom]

I would avoid appointment times where the sun is overhead. Unless it is an overcast day, you will end up with dark circles and harsh shadows...and squinty eyes. I take a lot of family portraits and I find that the best ones are where people where clothes that coordinate, but don't match. I advise poeple to wear varying shades of 2 or 3 different colors so that no one stands out because of an odd color.

I do have families who choose to wear matching colors, and they are not bad, just not my favorite look.

Good luck and I hope you'll share your experience with us afterwards.

 

[photographymom517]

Thank you, I really appreciate you sharing your photos and all of the info. with me! I have heard multiple people say to choose a time when the sun isn't direct or overhead...I will keep that in mind. My son will be 2 1/2 years old at the time of our trip, so I will definitely be scheduling it for first thing in the morning. I want to make sure he doesn't spill anything on his outfit...and I don't want to be stressing about that all day! lol He is also the happiest first thing in the morning because he isn't hungry, tired, worn out for a day at the park, etc. I think morning is best for the FL temperatures as well.

Again, I appreciate all of your advice! Thanks again for sharing the pics...I agree with you...I don't like the "matchy-matchy" outfits either. I really liked your first photo where everyone was wearing light pastel colors, but not the SAME exact color. Very nice! I liked how everyone coordinated. I also liked the jeans with the shirts...I was leaning towards khakis because I've seen photo examples with jeans & didn't like the look...but now that I see yours, I'm considering jeans again!

Thanks for everything! I will definitely share after our trip (its not until mid-December 2010).

 

[photographymom517]

To DisFam95:
Thank you for the information! I am leaning towards the Poly so I'm glad you mentioned that you had it done there. My family definitely prefers the beachy & tropical decor! I was leaning towards that resort all along, but was considering AKL because that is where we took our First Vacation as a family...I was thinking it would be nice to have the memories for my son (who was only 10 months old during our 1st trip!) I personally had some trouble photographing certain places at AKL when we stayed there because it is so dark, but it is beautiful (as are all Disney resorts!) As you can see, I keep going back & forth with choosing! But I am leaning more towards the Poly because I've been researching online like crazy! lol

Are there any specific places you would definitely suggest for poses at the Poly? I know it said on the Private Photo Session page that you are able to request certain places if you have any in mind. Please let me know your thoughts! I have never personally been to the Poly, but have seen photos...I think the main entrance area looks nice with all the greenery & tropical plants. I just don't want to miss something & look back & say "I wish I would have gotten a picture there..."

Do you remember about how many photos they took? I've heard 35-60.

I agree with the outfits...I was considering more of a linen button-down short sleeve shirt with khakis or jeans at first. The only reason I changed to polo shirts is because we are flying down to FL...and I don't iron! I'm afraid if I tried to iron a linen shirt, I would probably ruin it. I do like the look of linen shirts & definitely no matter what type of shirt will do untucked...I hate the look of tucked in shirts! Plus we are more of a casual family & don't do the whole tux/fancy dress photos, so we prefer casual looks. My son actually has tons of button-down shirts & wears them almost everyday in the summer! They look good on him & on my husband as well. I was considering wearing that on both of them & then for myself, a beachy dress or just a regular tank (sort of dressy tank) with khakis. I guess the possibilities are endless! I appreciate all of your suggestions!

Please let me know of any place at the Poly that I don't want to miss! Also, I plan to visit their giftshop after our photos...I've seen photos of it & don't want to miss that!

 

[WDWFigment]

To DisFam95:
Thank you for the information! I am leaning towards the Poly so I'm glad you mentioned that you had it done there. My family definitely prefers the beachy & tropical decor! I was leaning towards that resort all along, but was considering AKL because that is where we took our First Vacation as a family...I was thinking it would be nice to have the memories for my son (who was only 10 months old during our 1st trip!) I personally had some trouble photographing certain places at AKL when we stayed there because it is so dark, but it is beautiful (as are all Disney resorts!) As you can see, I keep going back & forth with choosing! But I am leaning more towards the Poly because I've been researching online like crazy! lol

Are there any specific places you would definitely suggest for poses at the Poly? I know it said on the Private Photo Session page that you are able to request certain places if you have any in mind. Please let me know your thoughts! I have never personally been to the Poly, but have seen photos...I think the main entrance area looks nice with all the greenery & tropical plants. I just don't want to miss something & look back & say "I wish I would have gotten a picture there..."

Do you remember about how many photos they took? I've heard 35-60.

I agree with the outfits...I was considering more of a linen button-down short sleeve shirt with khakis or jeans at first. The only reason I changed to polo shirts is because we are flying down to FL...and I don't iron! I'm afraid if I tried to iron a linen shirt, I would probably ruin it. I do like the look of linen shirts & definitely no matter what type of shirt will do untucked...I hate the look of tucked in shirts! Plus we are more of a casual family & don't do the whole tux/fancy dress photos, so we prefer casual looks. My son actually has tons of button-down shirts & wears them almost everyday in the summer! They look good on him & on my husband as well. I was considering wearing that on both of them & then for myself, a beachy dress or just a regular tank (sort of dressy tank) with khakis. I guess the possibilities are endless! I appreciate all of your suggestions!

Please let me know of any place at the Poly that I don't want to miss! Also, I plan to visit their giftshop after our photos...I've seen photos of it & don't want to miss that!

I would definitely go with the Poly, and I would definitely do it as early as you can in the morning. That warm morning glow of the Polynesian is unrivaled.

As for attire, I'd definitely go with linen LONGSLEEVE shirts (it may be hot, but there is nothing that looks worse than a short sleeve button down shirt...besides perhaps a long sleeve polo). The benefit of wearing linen is that it actually looks better without a crisp press, so you should be fine wearing it without ironing. I know this is probably way more detail than you want, but I think J.Crew and Polo by Ralph Lauren are the best mainstream linen shirt makers.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/...=linen+shirt&kw=linen+shirt&parentPage=search
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Men...ll~mode+matchallany~~~~~linen shirt/82619.jsp

I think Navy or Dark Khaki shorts look best with linen shirts (no full length pants); if you're really adventurous, madras or seersucker, although you may look back at the pictures in 10 years and think "what was I thinking" wearing those shorts. They are also not advisable with larger groups, unless everyone is wearing them.

 

[photographymom517]

Reply to WDWFigment:

THANK YOU!!! No, definitely not too much information!!! That was great...I really appreciate you adding those links to the shirts. That's my biggest problem right now is deciding what to wear, so having exact shirts to look at online makes my job easier! I really liked the J.Crew shirt. I think it would definitely provide the "beach look" that I'm going for.

As for shorts, you mentioned dark khaki or navy...what do you think about dark brown with white linen shirts? Just wondering because we all have dk brown shorts already (just trying to save money if I can!)

Again, thank you!!! I really appreciate all the info!

 

[WDWFigment]

Reply to WDWFigment:

THANK YOU!!! No, definitely not too much information!!! That was great...I really appreciate you adding those links to the shirts. That's my biggest problem right now is deciding what to wear, so having exact shirts to look at online makes my job easier! I really liked the J.Crew shirt. I think it would definitely provide the "beach look" that I'm going for.

As for shorts, you mentioned dark khaki or navy...what do you think about dark brown with white linen shirts? Just wondering because we all have dk brown shorts already (just trying to save money if I can!)

Again, thank you!!! I really appreciate all the info!

J.Crew frequently runs sales and promotions if you spend over X amount of dollars (usually $175). The linen shirt is a summer staple, so it probably won't go on clearance until mid-August (but if you can wait that long, I would). If you're looking to save money, you might want to check out your local outlets. Be warned, though, as many brands have "Factory Stores" that stock lower quality items. So while the value may seem better, the reason the item is cheaper is because the cut and quality are sacrificed (don't even bother stepping foot in a Banana Republic outlet unless you just want to pay for a name...it's all crap). In the end, the "deal" you're getting is all psychological--you might as well have bought a cheaper brand at full price elsewhere.

As for shorts, dark brown should work just as well. I think Navy provides a better color palette against the beach of the Poly, but that's just me and the look is probably only slightly better. I'm neither a professional photographer nor a stylist, so what do I know?

Hope that helps!