Tripod Rules/Etiquette

[carolina_yankee]

We're going to WDW in 1/8 - 1/13, partly so I can put my new Rebel XT through its paces for some night-time shots. (I'm blown away by how much sharper the images are at ISO 400, 800 than on the Powershots, which only go to 400 anyway.)

I've been practicing around NYC and can get some OK snapshots without tripod, but I want to really use tripod for higher quality and for Wishes. For those of you who use tripods at WDW, what guidelines do you follow to not trip other people up or get CMs frustrated with you? Are there any official rules? I figured I would set up early for Wishes near a railing or natural barrier, and not use a tripod elsewhere until after the parks clear a little but people are still around.

In the past, I've used mini-tripods and trashcans to great effect, but I want a little more height and control over location his time. Since I'll only get about 1 night per park, Suggestions on good tripod locations for Wishes are welcome!

Thanks,
Dirk

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Are there any official rules?

I don't know of any rules - but I believe that the use of tripods is frowned upon - so many people rushing about somebody, somewhere will trip so Disney are trying to avoid accidents

 

[barnum42]

I'm aware that some of the board members use them. I think common sense and keeping the footprint small are the main things to do.

 

[Tim G]

I'm aware that some of the board members use them. I think common sense and keeping the footprint small are the main things to do.

I even know board mebers who tripped over them, bumped their heads because of careless tripod carriers... but for the rest....
It's a bit like strollers without a kid... :lookaroun :lookaroun

Ít's a bit depending on which day, one's bringing those tripods into the park(s)

With christmas or New year, they're hazardous...

 

[carolina_yankee]

I definitely wouldn't bring it on a busy day like that - far too self-conscious about being in the way (Plus I used to manage a shopping mall with 25k - 35k people on a busy day - I well know about trip hazards!).

A Monday night in the middle of January is what I was thinking about.

Dirk

 

[KeithVH]

Guest Services has told me that there are no regs, per se. However, CM's can (and will) tell you to move/remove if you impede traffic or stop in a place that impacts the other guests (which seems to be most everywhere). Do you plan on being in the park or outside? You're going to have to go pretty wide if you're in the park near the castle to get anything decent. Also, just think about somebody's foot hooking a 'pod leg and watching $1,000 worth of camera and lens kiss the cement.

If the station is open, maybe the observation deck above would be a good location. Couldn't hurt to get a cheap monopod too (Ritz, $24.95 for a nice small one) for nighttime walkaround activity.

Past that, use M mode, f16 and ISO400 or f8 and ISO100. Vary your shutter speed between 2 to 15 seconds (shorter to capture single bursts). That's pretty much the accepted standard settings, even for film, for good results.

Luck!

 

[carolina_yankee]

KethVH,
Thanks for the setting tips.

I'll probably stash the tripod in the locker and scout during the day for possible spots. There were several photographers and tripods lined up at the edge of the walk in front of Crystal Palace last January. Crowds were actually pretty light that night, and it was a Spectro night. I stood next to them and got 2-3 not bad shots using the bracing method, but there's a tree blocking the left front corner of the castle!

I figure my partner and I can stand on either side of the tripod and guard it pretty well if it's at the edge of a walk. I'm definitely not putting my camera at undue risk nor am I going to become and intentional trip hazard. I may just pull out m mini and hope for a well placed trashcan or lean the camera against a wall.

More reasons to go frequently . . .

Dirk

 

[PhotoDave219]

We're going to WDW in 1/8 - 1/13, partly so I can put my new Rebel XT through its paces for some night-time shots. (I'm blown away by how much sharper the images are at ISO 400, 800 than on the Powershots, which only go to 400 anyway.)

I've been practicing around NYC and can get some OK snapshots without tripod, but I want to really use tripod for higher quality and for Wishes. For those of you who use tripods at WDW, what guidelines do you follow to not trip other people up or get CMs frustrated with you? Are there any official rules? I figured I would set up early for Wishes near a railing or natural barrier, and not use a tripod elsewhere until after the parks clear a little but people are still around.

In the past, I've used mini-tripods and trashcans to great effect, but I want a little more height and control over location his time. Since I'll only get about 1 night per park, Suggestions on good tripod locations for Wishes are welcome!

Thanks,
Dirk

Okay first things first. Tripos are more than okay in the parks unless its like new years ever or a day where theyre expecting capacity. Happened to me at Epcot last year on NYE, only day ive ever expereinced any trouble.

As for eququette... clearly dont beat people over the head with them.

Well, for my holiday wishes photos i was in the missle of the street between casey's and the ice cream shoppe. That seemed to have worked well.

 

[PhotoDave219]

If the station is open, maybe the observation deck above would be a good location. Couldn't hurt to get a cheap monopod too (Ritz, $24.95 for a nice small one) for nighttime walkaround activity.

The flagpole will obstruct your view and be in the shot.

 

[KeithVH]

The flagpole will obstruct your view and be in the shot.

Even from one of the corners? Now I gotta go look. Leaving Thursday, will confirm.

 

[carolina_yankee]

Even from one of the corners? Now I gotta go look. Leaving Thursday, will confirm.

I think Mouseplanet had a photo of Mainstreet without the flagpole - just rows of Garland, which still obsturct the castle. I wonder if the flagpole relocation is just temporary (parade filming, perhaps?), or permanent?

Dirk

 

[PhotoDave219]

Even from one of the corners? Now I gotta go look. Leaving Thursday, will confirm.

From the corners, the fireworks arent centered.....

The flagpole was just down for the stage for the parade taping.
Its not there now, a giant tree is tho....

 

[sillyspook13]

I know (from working there) tripods aren't allowed at Fantasmic- only monopods. It's the only place I know of that actually has a rule about tripods.

 

[JarettK]

I know (from working there) tripods aren't allowed at Fantasmic- only monopods. It's the only place I know of that actually has a rule about tripods.

How about a tripod that doesnt have its legs opened up, but extended down? It doesnt have the clutter width, but still a bit of stability with handholding.

Is that allowed?

 

[e4ymod]

We're going to WDW in 1/8 - 1/13, partly so I can put my new Rebel XT through its paces for some night-time shots.

Not contributing to the thread, but I'm just excited because I got my Rebel XT yesterday and I'm going to WDW tomorrow to test it out. I'll let you know how it does.

 

[tk421-sw]

I know (from working there) tripods aren't allowed at Fantasmic- only monopods. It's the only place I know of that actually has a rule about tripods.

Yeah, I got asked to put mine away... I maybe did..:lookaroun

 

[EpcoTim]

Consider a monopod, very travel friendly. Or if your going to bring a tripod, get somethig light and portable with a good ballhead. Last time i was there, I carried Velbon Ultra Maxi S. Folds to a footlong, but only goes up to 4 feet in height. But very easy to set up. Also the Bogen 714. Not the sturdiest tripods out there, but they are great for situations like that.

 

[JarettK]

I just got back from disney. I decided on a Gitzo 1098 Basalt. It's small, about a pound and a half. Extends almost to 5 feet with the center column up. The ball head (giotto mh1001) was also small. I kept it on my waist with a leg through my belt.

It had twist and lock legs, so I could get it extended in a few seconds. no one gave me a problem with it.

 

[gemini]

I've had great success using a mini-tripod. Fits nicely in my camera bag and doesn't get in the way at all. I set it on top of a garbage can, which are plentiful, and it does the trick. The examples below were both taken with a mini tripod on top of a trash can. I also use it all the time in my photography at Cedar Point.

 

[barnum42]

Me likeee the one of the monorail beam