Photography etiquette within the parks

[LittleBuford]

I was pretty sure that was the case my friend, but thanks for clarifying you're not some sort of weirdo

Haha! The clarification was for others; I could tell you and I were on the same page.

Unrelated to anything, but I’m also British, and I once taught a student with your (very distinctive) surname.

 

[mergatroid]

Haha! The clarification was for others; I could tell you and I were on the same page.

Unrelated to anything, but I’m also British, and I once taught a student with your (very distinctive) surname.

I'll be honest, Mergatroid isn't my name or anything to do with me. I stole it from somebody who I play online poker with as it's just so random and anonymous (not that I have anything to hide, other than my collection of photos of strangers from theme parks)

 

[LittleBuford]

I'll be honest, Mergatroid isn't my name or anything to do with me. I stole it from somebody who I play online poker with as it's just so random and anonymous (not that I have anything to hide, other than my collection of photos of strangers from theme parks)

Believe it or not, my username is likewise unrelated to what I’m called in real life.

I wonder if it’s my student you’re playing!

 

[mergatroid]

Believe it or not, my username is likewise unrelated to what I’m called in real life.

I wonder if it’s my student you’re playing!

Well if e fought in Vietnam and now lives in Texas, there's a possibility. If not, then no

 

[eliza61nyc]

You nailed it! Tolerance and courtesy by all! But I think so many try to live through the camera lens, they forget to experience what is actually happening in front of them at that time (the walking zombies holding up the ipad videoing as they walk or entire nighttime show is ridiculous). Stopping abruptly in the middle of a busy path is as foolish and rude as it would be to stop your car in the middle of a busy freeway abruptly-Disney or not. I agree it is definitely a societal thing and not generational as I see as many grandparents as guilty of it as teens. People are so self absorbed and oblivious to what is happening around them and then to the extreme of the entitlement (I paid for this so I deserve to do whatever I want regardless how it affects others), is why etiquette has become an issue. .

Yes. It's one of the reasons why I haven't videoed any of my trips yet. I don;t want to spend the entire trip looking through a view finder.

 

[NelsonRD]

You have absolutely no control over who may take photos of your children at Disney. Your request is unreasonable. It sounds as if you'd be pleased by the law in Hungary: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/14/hungary-law-photography-permission-take-pictures

I have no control over anything other people do. My request is not unreasonable. What is unreasonable is to see my children interact with a character, only to look up and see somebody else photograph it. Why do you want a photo of my kid? You want a picture of a character, get in line.

 

[NelsonRD]

At the same time, don't let your kids walk into my photos.

Ok, but my kids are not packs of wolves wondering with no direction in the park try to get in other peoples photos.
I am discussing interactions with characters, where other families in line, taking photos before their turn.

 

[NelsonRD]

Do others feel this way? I've taken pictures of characters when there are people (adults and/or children) around them. And what about general views of Main Street or the castle? Those are almost impossible to take without random guests (including children) being in shot.

Why take my argument out of context with the "What if" scenarios? I am pretty clear that I am discussing character interactions, where you wait in a line. Then, when it is your turn, I look up to see other people in line taking pictures of my kids. What is wrong with that?

 

[LittleBuford]

Why take my argument out of context with the "What if" scenarios? I am pretty clear that I am discussing character interactions, where you wait in a line. Then, when it is your turn, I look up to see other people in line taking pictures of my kids. What is wrong with that?

My post began with character interactions (“characters when there are people . . . around them”) before asking about other situations. I’m not sure how that constitutes taking your argument out of context. As I made clear in my subsequent post, I’m genuinely curious to know people’s views on the matter.

Is it only when the photos are being taken by people in line that you object? If I were in that scenario, I wouldn't photograph others’ interactions, not because I consider it inappropriate, but because it’s pointless. I only ever take such pictures if I’m walking past a meet-and-greet and don’t have time to stop and queue for it.

 

[mergatroid]

I have no control over anything other people do. My request is not unreasonable. What is unreasonable is to see my children interact with a character, only to look up and see somebody else photograph it. Why do you want a photo of my kid? You want a picture of a character, get in line.

Not wanting to argue with you or take sides, but I'm guessing that people are wondering why you're so concerned about your child being caught in a picture? I imagine that if your child is interacting with a character (you've made it clear that's the scenario that bothers you) that anyone taking a photograph is more than likely just trying to photograph the character primarily with your child being of little to no importance to them (no disrespect to your undoubtedly lovely child) with their main focus being the character.

I imagine those without kids who want a picture of a character may decide that it's pointless getting in line for ages to then say "No that's ok Mickey, just smile for the camera I just want a picture of you". Alternatively perhaps they're just catching a moment that makes them think "Aw, how sweet" as they see one of your lovely children enjoying a cuddle with Mickey and even though they don't know those involved, decide to catch that lovely moment as it's made their day. I've often smiled and enjoyed watching strangers (especially children) interact with characters so I suppose at a stretch I can see the possibility of somebody maybe doing this, though I wouldn't do it personally.

The other reasoning is the obvious and sinister one of the worry that somebody into children is taking photos of somebody else's kids for their own sordid reasons? The thought of this is obviously very disturbing and understandably upsetting, if this is the reason then I get your unhappiness. However if this is your reason then it's probably worth remembering that not everyone who smiles, talks to or even photographs your child when you're present is up to no good. Teach them to keep safe and 'stranger danger' etc (I'm sure you have already) and watch over them safe in the knowledge that a photograph they don't even know is being taken can never hurt them.

 

[NelsonRD]

Not wanting to argue with you or take sides, but I'm guessing that people are wondering why you're so concerned about your child being caught in a picture? I imagine that if your child is interacting with a character (you've made it clear that's the scenario that bothers you) that anyone taking a photograph is more than likely just trying to photograph the character primarily with your child being of little to no importance to them (no disrespect to your undoubtedly lovely child) with their main focus being the character.

I imagine those without kids who want a picture of a character may decide that it's pointless getting in line for ages to then say "No that's ok Mickey, just smile for the camera I just want a picture of you". Alternatively perhaps they're just catching a moment that makes them think "Aw, how sweet" as they see one of your lovely children enjoying a cuddle with Mickey and even though they don't know those involved, decide to catch that lovely moment as it's made their day. I've often smiled and enjoyed watching strangers (especially children) interact with characters so I suppose at a stretch I can see the possibility of somebody maybe doing this, though I wouldn't do it personally.

The other reasoning is the obvious and sinister one of the worry that somebody into children is taking photos of somebody else's kids for their own sordid reasons? The thought of this is obviously very disturbing and understandably upsetting, if this is the reason then I get your unhappiness. However if this is your reason then it's probably worth remembering that not everyone who smiles, talks to or even photographs your child when you're present is up to no good. Teach them to keep safe and 'stranger danger' etc (I'm sure you have already) and watch over them safe in the knowledge that a photograph they don't even know is being taken can never hurt them.

Why am I concerned? Its creepy. If they want a picture of a character, get in line, whether you have a kid or not. I liken it to cutting in line at an attraction. You want a picture, then its not pointless, get in line. You want a picture of just Mickey, get it at the parade. In the open, yes, I have no argument, I am talking about character interactions, where there is a line, and my kids are interacting with the character.

It's not sinister. People take these photos, whether ill intended or not, and post them on social media, and it is something I am against.
Again, we are discussing photography etiquette , therefore a picture of just Mickey and my girls, should not be on other peoples phones, as a matter of respect.

 

[mergatroid]

Why am I concerned? Its creepy. If they want a picture of a character, get in line, whether you have a kid or not. I liken it to cutting in line at an attraction. You want a picture, then its not pointless, get in line. You want a picture of just Mickey, get it at the parade. In the open, yes, I have no argument, I am talking about character interactions, where there is a line, and my kids are interacting with the character.

It's not sinister. People take these photos, whether ill intended or not, and post them on social media, and it is something I am against.
Again, we are discussing photography etiquette , therefore a picture of just Mickey and my girls, should not be on other peoples phones, as a matter of respect.

Indeed we are and thanks for replying and explaining your reasoning.

 

[LukeS7]

Why take my argument out of context with the "What if" scenarios? I am pretty clear that I am discussing character interactions, where you wait in a line. Then, when it is your turn, I look up to see other people in line taking pictures of my kids. What is wrong with that?

Without being critical of your request (I do get why it could make you uncomfortable), I will say that I have done this before for the sole purpose of testing the lighting on my camera. I carried my own camera around on both of our trips and asked the Photopass photographers to take a picture using it. I'd adjust all of my settings beforehand by taking test photos which were never meant to be photos of other guests but lighting tests of the area that we would soon be standing in ourselves.

 

[jloucks]

Depending on my mood, this could go two ways:

1. I’d offer to take the group picture myself. Selfies are overrated and should only be used sparingly.

2. I’d lose my patience and photobomb them.

I do both, at almost the same frequency.

Which, now that I think about it, is fairly bizarre behavior.

 

[NelsonRD]

Without being critical of your request (I do get why it could make you uncomfortable), I will say that I have done this before for the sole purpose of testing the lighting on my camera. I carried my own camera around on both of our trips and asked the Photopass photographers to take a picture using it. I'd adjust all of my settings beforehand by taking test photos which were never meant to be photos of other guests but lighting tests of the area that we would soon be standing in ourselves.

Understandable. I don't recall people using a DLSR on us. Not to say it doesn't happen, but it just has not caught my eye.

What I find unacceptably annoying is when my girls are posing for photo or interacting with characters, only to look up and see other people, I do not know, holding their vertical phone at this interaction.

People on this forum may disagree with me but, now that I mentioned it, I assure you, at some point, you will get a picture of a character, and while you look at the photopass photographer you will see somebody on a phone, you don't know, taking a picture of it.

 

[Phil12]

I have no control over anything other people do. My request is not unreasonable. What is unreasonable is to see my children interact with a character, only to look up and see somebody else photograph it. Why do you want a photo of my kid? You want a picture of a character, get in line.

Your request is unreasonable because it's unenforceable. Your concern here is based upon your own personal paranoia.

 

[NelsonRD]

Your request is unreasonable because it's unenforceable. Your concern here is based upon your own personal paranoia.

Having something enforceable has nothing to do with whether something is reasonable or not. Do you want some dude taking pictures of Mickey and your 5 year old little girl? This isn't about being over protective, this is about the idea that it is creepy take a photo of an interaction between a character and a little girl that you have no connection to.

You claim it is paranoia, but if I bluntly took a picture of somebody close to you, and defend it by saying a character is also in the picture, you would question it the same, and wonder why I decided to take the photo at that exact moment, opposed to waiting a second for a better opportunity. I understand it is not criminal and mostly innocent, but I think it is very disrespectful.

 

[Phil12]

Having something enforceable has nothing to do with whether something is reasonable or not. Do you want some dude taking pictures of Mickey and your 5 year old little girl? This isn't about being over protective, this is about the idea that it is creepy take a photo of an interaction between a character and a little girl that you have no connection to.

You claim it is paranoia, but if I bluntly took a picture of somebody close to you, and defend it by saying a character is also in the picture, you would question it the same, and wonder why I decided to take the photo at that exact moment, opposed to waiting a second for a better opportunity. I understand it is not criminal and mostly innocent, but I think it is very disrespectful.

You used the term "creepy" to describe your concern. Synonyms for the word "creepy" include frightening, eerie, disturbing, sinister, weird, hair-raising, menacing, threatening, eldritch, spooky, scary and freaky. Therefore you have attached an ulterior or hidden motive to the intention of the photographer without any other evidence. Just the mere fact that someone takes a photograph of your child while he or she is interacting with a Disney character is enough for you to describe the incident as creepy. That is irrational.

Then you go on to say that "...it is not criminal and mostly innocent...". May I ask, what part is not innocent in your mind? I have no quarrel with your opinion that you feel such conduct is disrespectful. However, if I see a great shot and your child happens to be in the frame, I'm not going to hesitate to capture the moment. You might want to emulate Micheal Jackson and provide masks for your children to wear when they're out in public areas.

As to taking photos of my family members or myself, you may fill up the largest digital card you own and I would not question your motives at all. And no, I would not mind at all if some dude took some photographs of Mickey and my five year old little girl.

 

[jloucks]

You used the term "creepy" to describe your concern. Synonyms for the word "creepy" include frightening, eerie, disturbing, sinister, weird, hair-raising, menacing, threatening, eldritch, spooky, scary and freaky. Therefore you have attached an ulterior or hidden motive to the intention of the photographer without any other evidence. Just the mere fact that someone takes a photograph of your child while he or she is interacting with a Disney character is enough for you to describe the incident as creepy. That is irrational.

Then you go on to say that "...it is not criminal and mostly innocent...". May I ask, what part is not innocent in your mind? I have no quarrel with your opinion that you feel such conduct is disrespectful. However, if I see a great shot and your child happens to be in the frame, I'm not going to hesitate to capture the moment. You might want to emulate Micheal Jackson and provide masks for your children to wear when they're out in public areas.

As to taking photos of my family members or myself, you may fill up the largest digital card you own and I would not question your motives at all. And no, I would not mind at all if some dude took some photographs of Mickey and my five year old little girl.

You probably should question the motives. Or at least, be aware of what they might be.

As parents, it is our job to protect our children. One of the basic foundations of being successful in this endeavor, is being keenly aware of anything unusual going on around them that is, or could be, related to them. An adult male, taking individual photos of my little girl, is unusual and will get you a first class ticket to the front center of my radar. Push it too far, and there will be a scene.

But, I have to agree, a single snap of my kiddo visiting with Mickey would likely result in zero incident.

 

[Tom P.]

We have been to Disney many times, and our kiddos have been in tons of photos with characters. I honestly cannot think of a single time when I noticed someone else taking a photo of the interaction. Is this really a thing that's common enough to even be a concern?