My Top 10 Disney World Photography Tips

Top 10 Disney World Photography Tips

Picture it, you have planned and plotted and paid for your Disney vacation, and now it’s time for your trip. Now whether this is your first or 50th trip to the happiest place on earth, I know you want to document your family’s time at the parks.  Today i’m going to share my top 10 Disney World photography tips that I’ve learned over the last few years.

1.Prepare before you leave and make a shot list.

One of the things that I always do, regardless of where we are going, it to make a shot list. Make a list of those shots that you must have, those photos that if you get nothing else, these are coming home with you. Do your research and search hashtags on Instagram, blog posts about Disney and Pinterest. That way, you have your list of must have photos and inspiration and a sense of direction when you arrive at Disney.

2.Take One Lens

If you are taking a DSLR, TAKE ONE LENS. First, there is no way, with all that walking that you want to lug around a collection of lenses in addition to a stroller, a child, and other essentials. Pick either an all-purpose zoom lens, ( like the Canon 24-105) or one good prime storytelling lens ( like a 24 mm or a 35mm lens).

3.Shoot in Aperture Mode or if you are unsure, auto

Listen. If you are not already shooting everyday in manual mode, Disney is not the time to start. There is nothing, ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with shooting in either aperture priority or auto. I usually shoot aperture mode because I know that my aperture is the most important component for me and I go from there. I want to spend less time fiddling with my settings and more time capturing memories.

4. Don’t forget to use basic composition.

Any OK photo can be made better using basic rules of composition.  Using the rule of thirds or with leading lines can tell your story and just make your photo the perfect one to post on Facebook.

5.Capture the Details

Everyone wants a photo of their kids standing in front of the castle. But don’t forget to take in the little details too: sticky hands eating a dole whip, the joy on your child’s face at the fireworks display, balloon in a blue sky or fun times on a ride. It’s the little details like that that will make you remember what it felt like to be at Disney.  And those details will help you remember the trip for years to come

6.Candids and posed shots work.

Not every photo has to be posed or portfolio worthy. A selfie with the family or a quick shot in front of a ride works too. Don’t get bogged down in trying to find the perfect light or the perfect settings. Just take the picture.

7. Use Disney’s Photo Pass

There is actually no charge to Use Disney’s Photo Pass. Just register online and you get to see all the photos that Disney’s photographers take for you. They hang out at all the photographic places at Disney, so they are easy to find. One of the best reasons is that you can get EVERY member of your family in the shot. AND they will even take photos with your camera if you ask them.

8.Get in the Photo

You were there. When you look back on these years, make sure your kids can SEE that you were there too. Hand off the camera to someone else, take a selfie, grab a Disney photographers, but make sure you document that YOU WERE THERE TOO! As chief documentarian, we sometimes forget to include ourselves in the story. I’m here to remind you not to do that.

9. Don’t forget about your camera phone.

Remember: a Camera is a camera is a camera. I shot our last trip to Disney exclusively with my iPhone. All of the tips above( except the one about taking one lens) can be applied to mobile photography. Your mobile device is always with you, and the newer phones take GORGEOUS photos. And the best part is, it fits right in your pocket.

10. Know when to put the camera down.

Yes, this is a post about taking better photos at Disney. But at some point, you have to know when to stop documenting and when to start enjoying. There are some memories that can’t be captured. They live in your memory and that’s ok.  You want your child to remember laughing and talking with you not just you with a camera in front of your face. Get your shots, then enjoy yourself. After all, you are at the happiest place on earth!

So these are my top 10 Disney World Photography tips. Now go plan your vacation and get ready to capture those memories! I’d love to see your photos from Disney! Tag me on Instagram or share them on my Facebook page wall!