Ship Photographers

[lullyloo]

My husband and I are getting ready for our fifth cruise. I like to see the photographers before dinner. However, every time, they set us up like a prom photo and don't seem to be flexible at all if we want to do something different. I've said "We just want to have some fun so please just go with it and we'll stand how we want." That really throws them off and I wish they would just relax. Does anybody have any fun pics that they were able to take on the staircase or anywhere else in the lobby, or is everything always very "posing like it is prom?"

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Within reason you can request things, they have to do a lot of people in a short time, but if you ask and it can be undertaken quickly they will normally accommodate you, I have seen many random photos, they just want to sell photos. Do not ask in character breakfasts but when thry gave time.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts

• If the photographer is busy.... I usually return to the photographer 10 minutes later or later in the night. There's always a moment where traffic gets quiet and the photographer is looking for things to do. That's the time for fun.
• If you want to have fun.... you need to be at the same location. Often photographers have set up the lighting at one location. If you want your picture a few feet away... the exposure will be off as the studio lights are not pointed there.

 

[Quellman]

They will typically pose people in a way that is flattering and in a light that is advantageous. Then again, they'll also take blurry uncentered photos too.
You should always feel comfortable telling the photographer that you have a photo in mind that you would like to get. You should also be a courteous guest and not expect the photographer to take 30 photos when the line is wrapped across the lobby.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Almost always we tell the photographers that we want "fun" photos - sometimes they will pose us other times they just let us interact with the characters. They have told us that they are not allowed to take a picture though if they can't see your faces.. so when interacting try to make it so your are all somehow facing the camera. Another constraint that they have is how the lighting is set - sometimes it is set for standing so if you go to sit the flash will not bounce correctly. I wouldn't give up on your request for "fun" photos - but yes, it is better to go when the line is not at its max, pick an off time. We have gotten some exceptional photos this way. Here's an examply... all that I have handy at the moment. Yes, we also have "fun" photos of us adults too with and without characters.

 

[Shelley Chiarats]

I know we did one on the stairs where they always put the man on the top step and we wanted to put the lady on the top step so we were the same height. At first they thought it was weird because it was just not the way they were used to doing it but after they took the shot they agreed that it turned out really well. It was a little different from what they were used to but not so different as to upset the lighting setup.

 

[MelInAZ]

I was taking pictures of my daughter in her pointe shoes in the atrium one day while the photographers were setting up for dinner. One photographer came over to me and asked me to come down with her in her pointe shoes about 15 minutes before they started taking dinner photos. He probably spent 7-10 minutes with her taking photos and seemed to really enjoy it. I think some photographers get bored with the same old thing day in and day out and welcome changes while others just want to stick to the script and get people in and out. Perhaps come down early while they are still setting up and talk to them? Maybe that way you could find out who is open to having a little fun?