Share your BEST Disney photo tip here!

[WDW Poly Princess]

I was thinking about the old "Share your best WDW Secret!" thread from the parks board, and thought we could use a photo version! What great tip or trick have you learned over the years? Have you found a really great photo spot that is easily overlooked? Share here!

 

[YEKCIM]

Something I tried on our recent visit (second week in July 06) that met with some success was taking multiple shots of the same thing in low light conditions. Specifically, one night at Eppacot, I took maybe 15 shots of SSE, identical composition, handheld ISO 800, on the theory that if I took enough shots, *maybe* one would turn out to be reasonably sharp. Here 'tis:

~YEKCIM

 

[WillCAD]

Two words: POCKET TRIPOD.

Carrying a pocket-size tripod allows me to get long-exposure shots in low light and at night, like this:

 

[hegs65]

OMG! Fabulous shots! I am so loving this board right now! Just a quick ? where do you rest your tripod?

 

[WillCAD]

OMG! Fabulous shots! I am so loving this board right now! Just a quick ? where do you rest your tripod?

Anyplace I can find a flat or partially flat surface, except the ground (I'm 6'4", me and the ground are not on the best of terms). I use trash cans most often, since they are everwhere and are convenient height, but I have also used hand rails (gotta squeeze the tripod onto the top rail) and light poles (gotta squeeze the tripod onto the pole sideways) and restaurant tables.

 

[Greg K.]

That picture's a stunner, Yeckim. Great job

Along those lines ... do not scrimp on photos!

If you're shooting digital, and have plenty of memory, it doesn't cost a thing to experiment and fail and learn and improve.

And, as Yeckim indicated, the more you take, the better the odds of getting that one incredible shot that made it all worthwhile.

 

[pisco]

If you are going to take a pocket tripod I would recommend either the UltraPod II or the GorillaPod. Both of these can easily be attached to lampposts, handrails, etc. for when there isn't a handy flat surface to rest the tripod.

 

[Virgo10]

When I walking around Disney World, I usually don't pass the same place twice. So every once and a while I turn around to see what's going on behind me.

The photo below was taken when I used the walkway between MGM and the Boardwalk. I was heading towards the Boardwalk and stopped to check out the river. Then I looked to the left and saw this unique angle of the ToT.

I guess the moral of this story is that objects behind you may be more interesting than those in front of you.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Great tips so far!

My addition would be to s-l-o-w down! It is amazing all of the great details you'll see around you, many of which make great photo ops, if you just stand still for a minute. After riding TOT last year, instead of just rushing past the exit with the crowd, I lingered around for about 10 minutes, taking a few photos. There are a lot of neat details built into the back of the building that most people never even look back at!

 

[tolookaa5]

WillCad: Great shots!! How do you get the star-like effect from the lights in the hat photo? Is it a special lens or is it done through software? Thanks

 

[marconat]

Yes, wonderful pictures.... wow... and it did pay off to look behind ha! ha! great shots... I'll try to get some great ones on my next trip... keep those beautiful pictures coming... I'm taking notes

 

[WillCAD]

WillCad: Great shots!! How do you get the star-like effect from the lights in the hat photo? Is it a special lens or is it done through software? Thanks

That's a six-point star filter. It adds that star effect to bright light sources.

 

[YEKCIM]

I was inspired by the "post pix average photographers don't take" thread on this board to look for "unusual" shots. WDW is just LOADED with attention to detail, wherever you look. In fact, it is my contention that you can stand in any place, in any park, turn in any direction, and there is a good or even great photo to be taken.

Here is an atypical shot that my 8 YO pointed out to me as an example of looking for the unusual:

~YEKCIM

 

[JR6ooo4]

sweet light
the noon sunlight is very harsh and causes very big shadows on faces, etc and washes out much of the color in a shot ...
THe morning and evening sun is much more rich and your photos will have much better color.
So if you have a "great" shot that you are trying to get (one that is not time dependant, like a parade or fireworks) try to shoot it in the sweet light of morning or evening. Remember that the morning and evening sun is very directional giving great backlighting (or front) affects as well. Which also means that if you want the sun on the front of a structure facing west there is only one time of day to capture it. As mentioned above and other threads, turn around! Sunsets are beautiful but turn around and look at the light from them on the world. It's almost like looking through rose colored glasses.

shoot and review
If you have a laptop I strongly reccomend bringing it. Not only to backup or download memory cards but to review the days/evenings photos. If you have time you can go back for a reshoot on something that did not turn out well. And you will have time to think about how to shoot it differently.

Mikeeee

Also and most important!
financing
Win the lottery or get a seven figure income so you can afford many disney trips!

 

[jann1033]

sweet light
...
shoot and review
If you have a laptop I strongly reccomend bringing it. Not only to backup or download memory cards but to review the days/evenings photos. If you have time you can go back for a reshoot on something that did not turn out well. And you will have time to think about how to shoot it differently.

Mikeeee

Also and most important!
financing
Win the lottery or get a seven figure income so you can afford many disney trips!

good tip...and ? in line with it, does anyone know if the tvs at wdw have someplace you can plug you camera into to see the pics on it?

willcad, what tripod do you use ?( if i remember right you have the same camera as me, rebel xt) and love the star effect ( just bought one of those filters a few days ago so am looking forward to trying it out)

 

[jaycat]

WillCad, Great photos.

My tips - take lots of photos, lots, just to make sure you get the best shots.
Look for different angles for the common pictures.
Stand still, your pictures, esp. nighttime picks, will have less of a chance of blurring.
Be creative, would it not be cool to get a pick of your kid leaning against TOT or holding the globe at EPCOT.

 

[manning]

Take a look at the Gorillapod. Just got one. The have one for compacts and one for DSLRs.

http://www.joby.com/