✨ Easy vaca photography tips

How to take insta-worthy theme park shots

10 ways to take better theme park photos

It doesn't require a fancy camera or years of training to get good vacation photos, just a few simple tricks from the pros. I asked my friend, former pro photographer Joey McGirr, to share his secrets for getting those great shots.

You can catch our entire discussion on video, here.

Here are 10 easy ways you can improve your photos on your next theme park trip:

1) Start early
Yes, I am such a broken record 😉 Early morning in the parks means lots of empty space to get that fantastic photo with no one else around. It's also some of the best light, and the time of day everyone looks their freshest.

2) Have a plan
If getting the perfect shot is your aim, think about where you want to take pictures and even what you want to wear. Make a little photoshoot out of it. You just might get the perfect profile pic or Christmas card image!

3) Take multiple shots
Digital photos are virtually free. Don't just tap the screen once, take multiple shots then delete the bad ones later. Burst mode is a fantastic way to capture the moment - especially for selfies.

4) Frame your shot, then bring your subjects close to the camera
Want that iconic picture of your family in front of the castle? Start by lining the castle up, then bring the family as close to you as possible. This makes them the centerpiece, and gets the rest of the crowd out of your shot.

5) Take a picture of your kids every morning
Not only is it a fun "before" shot, if anybody gets lost you'll have a picture of exactly what they are wearing that day. Bonus: take another picture at the end of the day to get the "after".

6) Give the PhotoPass photographer your camera
Disney's PhotoPass photographers are happy to use your camera to take a photo - whether you've paid for the service or not. Ask them to shoot one so you'll have it right away, for free.

7) Take a picture or video of the PhotoPass photographer taking a picture of your friends
Especially at character greetings, it's fun to capture the moment beyond just the pro photographer's image. Shoot video of your kids, or adult friends 🤩, meeting their favorite character.

8) Bring a small tripod
While selfie-sticks aren't allowed in the parks, it's perfectly acceptable to bring a small tripod along. Use it to get those fireworks shots and the perfect selfie. Some even come with bluetooth shutter remotes.

9) Use video in low-light
Flash photography is definitely a no-no in dark rides, but if you really want to capture the moment, video will do a much better job anyway - you can always grab stills from your video later. Just be sure the light from your screen isn't affecting anyone else's experience.

10) Create a shared album for your group
Before you even head off on your trip, set up a shared album on Google Photos, iCloud, or another service. Then have everyone upload their photos before heading home.

What tips do you have? Reply to this email & let me know!

Check out my in-park photos and videos: Follow me on Instagram here.
 

Watch here as we share tons more tips and real-life examples of how to get those great photos on this archived edition of the Disney Hack Chat.

Did you know my co-host Joey is a former pro photographer? Find out all his tips & tricks! Click here to watch/listen now on Facebook.