Well, here's the dealio...
Just like any other building in the WORLD, rehabs need to take place. As unfortunate as it is, even the castle, after 30 years, needs a rehab. I don't recall the castle receiveing a major rehab in the time that ithas been up. Now, If I know Disney, the cranes will mnost likely be retracted during the day and hidden as much as possible. If not, here are some alternate photo locations that are just as magical and can only happen in the magic of Disney...
Group photo in front of the Tree of Life
Group photo in front of the Partners Statue
Pics on front of Space Mountain, taken from the bus depot at the Magic Kingdom, are nice also
If you really want to try, take some pics in front of the castle from the bridges around the castle (Tomorrowland and Liberty Square) and try to have the subjects block out as much of the cranes as possible.
Don't let a rehab ruin your trip. Be creative. Go to a character dinner and take pics with them. I don't think that I have taken a pic in front of the castle in years....
Above All, Have Fun!!!
Oh, and visit the Exposition Hall on Main Street. They do Computer Generated pics, one of which is an awesome one in front of the castle. Check it out.