Most people take hundreds or thousands of pics during their trips. I’ve learned some things within the last few years that can help you improve them and I share my Disney World photography tips with you in this episode.
I also have a not-so-quick tip on buying luggage for your trip.
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These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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Disney World photography tips
Before your trip:
- Make sure you have enough memory space for pics.
- Before every trip, I use Dropbox to back up all pics, and then the Bulk Delete app to clear out the main camera roll.
- Planning to edit pics during trip? Install and learn apps beforehand to do that.
- Turn your flash off by default. It should only be used in rare instance when you need extra light on something close to you.
- Get to know all of your phone/camera options beforehand.
During your trip:
- Take lots and lots of photos so you can choose the best ones later
- Don’t take pics/videos of things that have better versions on YouTube
- When taking pics, hold your camera at eye level, not above your head
- When taking and editing pics, focus on composition. Follow the rule of thirds or make things symmetrical, have a focal point, simplify pics by removing things that are distracting, zoom in if that makes more sense, use lines/paths to draw your eye, frame your pic with natural frames like trees or doorways. Check out Tony Northrup’s tips to learn more.
- You’ll almost always want to crop your pics before using them.
- Edit your pics, but don’t use filters. You can adjust settings manually with built-in tools, but I use presets in the Camera+ app.
Quick tip of the day
Some tips when buying luggage:
- Consider hard-sided luggage for durability and protection from the rain
- Dark colors often work better for wear and tear, but maybe pick a color other than black so it stands out on baggage carousel
- Pick luggage with spinners to make it easy to use
- Choose lightweight luggage to make it easier to meet luggage weight limits on flights
- Brands like Samsonite and Travelpro Crew are popular. American Tourister has a line of Disney bags.
- Shopping at stores like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less can be a good way to save money on brand name luggage, though full sets are harder to find.
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Randall
Tuesday 27th of June 2017
The "don't photograph/video something that's has better versions on youtube" is absolutely the BEST advice. No matter your camera setup, no matter your camera skills, someone with equal or better skills and equal or better equipment is going to have a better video on youtube because they had the TIME to document the attraction far better. People film these attractions for a living (quite the gig), so they dedicate days or weeks and tons of money to get the best possible video. So why waste your preciously limited time on something someone has already done? As said, capture things that are once-in-a-lifetime. It alleviates so much stress not having to worry about it getting the perfect shot of that show/ride.
Kerri R Liles
Sunday 19th of February 2017
Some of my favorite pictures at Disney World are during the parade, but they aren't of the parade floats or characters, they are of my kids and husband watching the parade! Memories documented forever!!!
Becky
Wednesday 18th of January 2017
What's the name of the photo app you use again? There are a ton that came up and I wanted to make sure it was the correct one before I download it.
Shannon Albert
Wednesday 18th of January 2017
It's called Camera+ and I still love it and use it on all of my pics. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camera+-for-ipad/id550902799?mt=8
Sarah
Friday 26th of August 2016
IT Luggage makes a line of lightweight luggage I highly recommend for carry-on and car travel. I find it at TJ Maxx or Ross, usually for less than $60. Amazon and Bealls are good on-line sources.