Tips for Photography at the Parks?

[snoopboop]

I'll be at the parks next month, and I'd like to bring my DSLR and spend a day taking photos. I'll probably bring a few lenses and a tripod as well.

I'd love to hear any and all tips you have for maximizing a "photography day" at the parks. Tips for getting great shots? Suggestions for neat/unusual shots to add to my list? Tips for setting up a tripod without getting trampled by the crowds, LOL!?

TIA!

 

[wookiebeck]

Take this with a grain of salt and maybe do a web search on the topic.

Tripods may not be allowed unless you clear it with Uni (or WDW for that matter). Once they see the tripod, it is assumed that you are a pro. They do not want pro pics without getting their cut or conspicuous footage taken. You might have to request taking it in ahead of time.

I'm not a pro, just read a lot of threads...

Good luck and have fun.

 

[PoohLover78]

Take this with a grain of salt and maybe do a web search on the topic.

Tripods may not be allowed unless you clear it with Uni (or WDW for that matter). Once they see the tripod, it is assumed that you are a pro. They do not want pro pics without getting their cut or conspicuous footage taken. You might have to request taking it in ahead of time.

I'm not a pro, just read a lot of threads...

Good luck and have fun.

Can you elaborate on this a bit? I was intending to bring a tripod to the parks because I love to shoot lights at night. I checked Universal's website and it's not listed as a prohibited item at all.

If you have to request it ahead of time, where would you do that? Go to guest relations the day of or email Universal?

 

[SweetJesus]

Iv seen loads of folk use tripods etc when in the parks.


I dont see a issue with it again as long as you make them aware of what it is when they search your bags etc

 

[Bluer101]

There are plenty of people that use tripods. Just don't be in there with lots of cameras and big equipment bags.

 

[wiigirl]

Iv seen loads of folk use tripods etc when in the parks.


I dont see a issue with it again as long as you make them aware of what it is when they search your bags etc

 

[PoohLover78]

So I emailed Guest Services about this. Universal indeed has a policy about tripods in the parks. You are not allowed to set up tripods anywhere on Universal property without permission. I was asked what kind of camera and tripod I was planning to take. I emailed them back and received a reply that they would pass it on to a manager who will get back to me with a permission slip that I'm supposed to carry with me when using the tripod.

The manager emailed me shortly after and thanked me for asking and understanding. He explained to me that larger tripods have become a liability issue and therefore are not allowed to be brought in. He reviewed my tripod model (it's a small travel tripod that is only 13" when folded and 50" max when standing) and said it was ok to bring in and please print the email and show to security should there be any problems.

So yes, you there is a policy about no tripods at Universal but which apparently is only for tripod of certain sizes (kinda like Disneyland where your folded tripod can't be over a certain size either).