I have a confession to make. This post will not have any photos except at the bottom of the post is a link to a page with many Walt Disney World photos (some of which you have seen before). Now that I have the formalities out of the way let me get to my point with this post. I am NOT a professional photographer, yet I do know a bit about photography. Also, I am not a Disney expert, however I do know a bit about the subject, especially Walt Disney World. So, when I blend the two I can give you advice based on my experiences. Remember, this is only an opinion.
First of all, I should warn you that I might speak in photography lingo so if you have more questions please leave a comment. What camera equipment should I take to WDW? I have been asked this before and I have hopefully come up with the answer that fits most. Take what you are comfortable with. Disney World is not the place to experiment with new equipment. If you have never used a DSLR don't buy one the day before the trip and expect to capture great photos when you are lining up your shot of the castle or jostling for position on the parade route. If you want to get a camera for the trip get it before time and use it at home first, play with the settings etc.. If it is not possible to do that then stick with your current camera or one like it. I have seen wonderful images from a iPhone as well as a full-frame DSLR and the opposite is true, I have seen blurry, noisy, photos from both.
When I say "noisy" I mean that grainy look of some photos... sometimes noise or grain adds to the artistic feel of the photo but not always. So the answer is take a camera you are comfortable with and IF it is a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) limit your lenses. I take a wide angle lens for photos of the castle or other park icons, a good zoom as a "walk-about" lens that stays on my camera most of the time and my macro lens for closeups of the details of the park. I also have a longer zoom lens that I take when I go to Animal Kingdom for pics of the animals. DISCLAIMER, my longer zoom stays mainly in the hotel room. Tripods, the only need for them are if you plan on taking photos of the fireworks or photos at night. Another thing I would make sure you have enough memory cards (I usually use two large 16 GB cards per park) and extra batteries and charger if applicable. I take my laptop and download any photos I took that day on it to save memory space on my cards. There are stores in the parks if you need extra memory cards or batteries but they usually cost more than at your local Wal-Mart or Best Buy.
Second question I usually get is what to shoot? The options are endless from iconic castles, trees, statues, and a huge geometric sphere (at EPCOT). There are the characters and other photo opportunities at almost anywhere on Disney property. I said awhile ago that Disney is best at the details and those details make great photo opportunities. I would be amiss if I didn't tell you that there are some places (dark rides etc...) that do not allow flash photography so know how to turn off your flash. Again, shoot what you want but be courteous of your surroundings.
Last question. With the Disney photographers already taking photos in the park why take your own? Your own are your own and they are yours forever. Photopass photographers, although very courteous, still charge for their photos (you buy them online). I still use the photopass photographers and they are sometimes willing to use your camera so you can get in the pics also. Another thing that is great about the photographers is that they usually are near the best views so line up near them and shoot away. One thing I should tell you is not to take a photo of Goofy or Donald or whichever character with someone elses child or some other family member, wait for a clear character only shot. I always ask for a shot of just the character after my family is done and they really know how to ham it up.
I hope this helps and as I said here is a link to a few of my photos from our latest trip in April.
Dragstrem Photos
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