Our 2018 Disney Vacation and 5 tips to photograph your own
Disneyland: The Most Magical Place on Earth. As a 33 year Disney fanatic I have to agree. I grew up in a household where we had almost yearly trips to Disneyland. Sounds excessive? Well, maybe it is. But it was a chance for my family to spend quality time together, creating memories and it was fun watching the resort grow from one small park to the amazing place it is now.
My favorite place on Earth
When my ex-husband and I got married, he saved his pennies to take me back to my favorite place. Any time we found ourselves venturing from NorCal to the Anaheim area, we always maxed out credit cards or drained savings accounts just to spend a few hours in the park. Naturally, when my eldest was born, her first trip to Disney was when she was about 9 months old. With my second baby, I was a single mother, so the trips were fewer and she didn’t get her first Disney experience until she was 13 months old. Soon we’ll be headed back, along with baby 3 and the whole family. It’ll be chaos, but my Dad is going to love having all 5 of his grandkids there at the same time.
Whole family fun
Back in February 2018, we took our first trip as a family with my now-husband and our two kids. For Emi (my eldest) this was probably her 4th or 5th trip, and for Gracie, it was her second. My husband hadn’t been since he was a kid, so to say he was overwhelmed might be an understatement. Sharing the Disney experience with my family is one of my favorite things to do, and we continue to plan for yearly/bi-yearly vacations.
Tips for photographing your own family Disney vacations:
1. Get Low:
A popular saying in the photography community is that the most boring photographs are taken from eye level. So snag your camera (or cell phone. See #5) and squat down behind your kids while waiting in line. See what they’re seeing and photograph that way. It’s also super fun to relive the memories of your family trip through the eyes of your littles.
2. Don’t be afraid of low light
Low light for most photographers is such a drag. But bump those ISOs and lower your shutter speed to snag some fun and funky interest shots to your album. Some of my favorite rides for this are Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Roger Rabbit. Just make sure to wear your neck strap cause they get a bit bumpy.
3. Pack light. Don’t take all your gear
I LOVE a good challenge. On our Disney trips I tend to bring a few lenses, but I try to only carry one at a time in the park. Not only does this better protect my gear, but it also makes me shoot differently. As photographers, we get spoiled being able to switch lenses at will. Usually, I’ll switch between my 24mm and 50mm, only taking the 85mm when I really want to snag those far away shots. It’s fun to see each day with a different lens as well. I highly suggest carrying your 50mm if you plan to do any family shots during that day.
4. Get a waterproof case, or make sure you’re packing gear that’s watertight
My pro gear is watersealed, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be immersing it in water (or carrying it on Splash Mountain) anytime soon. But it’s pretty well sealed for everyday exposure. If you’re planning (or wanting) to keep your camera on you at all times, it’s worth investing in underwater housing for those rides that guarantee you’ll get wet (Grizzly River Run, I’m looking at you). Even if you don’t take your camera on those rides, it might be a good idea to avoid damage to your gear in case of spills (kids are messy).
5. Use your cell phone
Really want a challenge? Leave your gear at home and shoot with JUST your cell phone. Many cell phones now have pretty awesome camera capabilities. If you have Lightroom, download LR mobile so you can use your favorite presets on your photos as well! Want something a little more dynamic on your phone? There are many app options to allow you to control the exposure, depth of field and more straight from your camera.
Rule #1: Always have fun
Whether you choose to shoot your own photos, or use the photographers in Disneyland and California Adventure, don’t forget to have FUN! Turn off your social media apps (email too!) and concentrate on enjoying your family vacation. The Disney Magic just never gets old!
