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News PhotoPass at some character locations being replaced by automated cameras
- Thread starter ToyStoryMiss
- Start date
MickeyMinnieMom
Well-Known Member
Thx for posting — very cool. I think that this posed photo op is quite different in practice from capturing an interactive experience like a M&G - especially when some of those meeting are children... kinda’ doubt the product will be as good.
I’ll be interested to see how it turns out...
JustAFan
Well-Known Member
ok ... definitely not bad. I sure wouldn't want this replacing all PhotoPass photogs though.
SirWillow
Well-Known Member
Waiting to see how the photos from the boxes turn out, but not a fan. Someone a couple of pages back linked my video reaction to it.
As a former photopass photographer, I hate this. I understand that not all photopass photogs are great- especially since so many are now CP's and short term employees- there just isn't the time to fully train them and get them out shooting like there used to be. But a photopass photographer can still get a ton of shots that regular guests quite simply can't. Whether it's angle, whether it's people in the photo, whether it's even getting everyone to look at the camera.
I enjoyed the one post by the person who knew how to fix their settings on their camera to get a decent photo. 95% of the people out there don't have a clue on how to do that, and will end up with dark, underexposed photos. Yes, phones are better, but they still don't have the zoom capability and other functions, and an attendant taking 2 posed shots with your phone while also attempting to keep the line moving and straight, monitor the character and what's going on, counting, and other things is not going to get you the candids, hugs, autographs, or other special moments that the photopass photographer can.
But sadly it's all about the money. No one is "losing" their job, but many will see their hours cut because of it.
As a former photopass photographer, I hate this. I understand that not all photopass photogs are great- especially since so many are now CP's and short term employees- there just isn't the time to fully train them and get them out shooting like there used to be. But a photopass photographer can still get a ton of shots that regular guests quite simply can't. Whether it's angle, whether it's people in the photo, whether it's even getting everyone to look at the camera.
I enjoyed the one post by the person who knew how to fix their settings on their camera to get a decent photo. 95% of the people out there don't have a clue on how to do that, and will end up with dark, underexposed photos. Yes, phones are better, but they still don't have the zoom capability and other functions, and an attendant taking 2 posed shots with your phone while also attempting to keep the line moving and straight, monitor the character and what's going on, counting, and other things is not going to get you the candids, hugs, autographs, or other special moments that the photopass photographer can.
But sadly it's all about the money. No one is "losing" their job, but many will see their hours cut because of it.
Andrew C
You know what's funny?
Not sure we can say this is accurate considering it is only 9 of the 100 or so of photopass locations.
tissandtully
Well-Known Member
Does the facial recognition in the water slide photos ever work on the DCL cruises? I don't think I've ever seen it actually work reliably, always end up with someone else's photos.
SirWillow
Well-Known Member
While it might be 9 "locations" it is many more than 9 photographers. E.G. one of those locations is Character Spot- which is multiple characters and photographers. In total it's actually about 20 photographer locations/ slots that are being cut out, which is a pretty significant percentage of overall locations, when there's only about 100 locations left.
KBLovedDisney
Well-Known Member
This really looks like it belongs in the queue of ToT
No one there to take your picture. So eerie and dead.
geekza
Well-Known Member
Heck, there were Character Spots that didn't have a photographer when we were there recently. We even had to use my phone when we met Mickey in the Town Square Theater. I think that was due to a malfunctioning camera, however, so that's understandable. We saw at least a couple of other semi-permanent or permanent M&G that didn't have photographers either, though.
EricsBiscuit
Well-Known Member
It was in front of Phantom Manor at nightThis really looks like it belongs in the queue of ToT
DisAl
Well-Known Member
This "system" was probably sold to management with the promise that it would work just as well as live photographers. Sadly they were stupid enough or knew little enough about photography to believe them.
There is no way you can get good family photos that include kids without the interaction and creativity of a live photographer. Anyone who thinks otherwise obviously knows nothing about photography.
I have already said this in another post but we will not be purchasing Memory Maker for our upcoming trip in March unless they go back to all live photographers.
There is no way you can get good family photos that include kids without the interaction and creativity of a live photographer. Anyone who thinks otherwise obviously knows nothing about photography.
I have already said this in another post but we will not be purchasing Memory Maker for our upcoming trip in March unless they go back to all live photographers.
Magic Feather
Well-Known Member
As (I believe) has been said before, and should be reiterated: This will not simply be a photobox with a preset angle that takes photos at random intervals. This is field testing of one of the (IMO) more interesting Disney Research projects that should utilize a variety of angles and technology. The purpose of this is not to skimp out of Photopass (for now), but instead to see if this is viable technology for photography in an intimate setting.
SirWillow
Well-Known Member
From what I have heard from photopass photographers, and the photos I've seen, I'm afraid that you are likely mistaken. Every photo of these boxes has been one camera in a fixed location at a preset angle. Not anything that can move around, change angles, etc. There are photos showing them already in place in certain locations and there's absolutely no way it's going to be able to shoot multiple angles from one fixed lens, which is all that is in there.
The limited tests they did earlier this year the picture quality was terrible, flat, with multiple shots from that one location. Time will tell when more photos of and from the current system roll out, but nothing I've seen or heard has lined up with your optimistic view, and sadly most has been the opposite.
mikejs78
Well-Known Member
Since you're new here: @Magic Feather is one of a few highly reliable group of insiders who frequent these boards. The info he writes here is usually more accurate than not, as he has sources from within the Disney company. The picture you placed was of one camera and not consistent with the camera setups I've seen elsewhere (small camera boxes). From what he and others have said (including Disney) there *will* be several cameras taking multiple shots from different angles (Disney has stated this).
It's quite possible the installation isn't complete, or that the earlier field trials were not the full setup. The tweet you reference above was from before the new system went into effect.
DisAl
Well-Known Member
When the "box" can interact with my 3 1/2 year old grandson and get him to cooperate THEN they may have something. Otherwise it is useless for my family.
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Much-Pixie-Dust
Well-Known Member
Or what happens when a CM accidentally drops cell phone and it shatters because phone isn’t in protective case? I can see that ending very badly for the poor CM who is handing phone back and owner isn’t paying attention and it drops and busts.
mikejs78
Well-Known Member
How is that any different than if the photopass photographer drops your phone?
AndyS2992
Well-Known Member
This doesn't really bother me that much. I'd rather a person of course but I've had many photos taken by the photopass CM which have been terrible, out of focus, heads chopped off, over saturated and so on so a static camera can't be any worse. When I do characters I go up, hug if they want, stand there (I don't usually pose unless forced) and thank them and walk off so for me personally it's not a big deal really but of course I can see why people with kids who are completely unpredictable and want to play with the characters and such that this will not work. Most Disneyland Paris characters do not have a photographer and sometimes not even a CM at all so I have no problem asking other guests to take my picture and offer to take theirs in return so I'm used to this already.
MickeyMinnieMom
Well-Known Member
I suspect it'll happen more now when people realize their only PP pics will be taken by that box...
