Ultimate Disney Parks Photography Guide
Looking for the best camera or lenses, tips for taking great photos or to improve your photography? This guide offers tutorials to take better photos in a variety of scenes at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond! (Updated March 22, 2020.)
These tips are key, and will help you take better photos of Disney fireworks, dark rides, Cinderella Castle, and much more that’s specific to the parks. However, the first thing you should do is learn the basics of photography. For this, I highly recommend a copy of Understanding Exposure. Seriously, just get it.
All of the expensive equipment in the world won’t help you if you haven’t learned the basics, and that book is the best way to learn the basics. It’s how I taught myself photography and many others have used it to do the same. A book is a lot cheaper than a new lens, and if you’re a beginner, that book will improve your photography more than a new lens.
Along those lines, realize that no camera “takes good pictures.” Some cameras can help an adept photographer more than others, but if the person taking the photos doesn’t do things right, photos taken with a Nikon D850 can look worse than photos taken with an iPhone. Likewise, many experienced photographers can take better photos with an iPhone than inexperienced photographers can with expensive DSLRs on Auto Mode.
This guide will primarily focus on providing you with resources for learning more about photography, so you can really take your photos to the next level. If you’re sitting around at home practicing social distancing or self-quarantining, the good news is that this is the perfect time to learn photography!
It’s surprisingly easy to improve your photography at home, alternating between reading books and practicing with subjects around your house or in your backyard (my #1 subject for testing out new photography techniques is our cat!). Knowledge is so much more important than equipment, and once you learn more about photography, you realize you don’t need to waste additional money on more equipment!
With that update out of the way, let’s continue with a few of my favorite photography books…
Books
Understanding Exposure – Again, this is the newest edition of the book I used to learn photography. If not for this, I might still be using automatic mode. It is the definitive photography textbook, but written in a way that is accessible for everyone, without being dry and overly technical. It’s a wealth of information, from the basics to some more advanced techniques, this book is the perfect jumping off point.
The Photographer’s Eye – Great composition is paramount to a great photo, but unfortunately it’s one of those things that’s difficult to learn. This book helps any aspiring photographer really learn composition. This is a book to read over and over again.
Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4 – A four part series of beginner and intermediate books with plenty of useful tips for veteran photographers, too. The information in these books really runs the gamut, and if ever there were to be a single (or 3 book) series for mastering the craft/business of all types of photography, this would be it.
***Click here for our full list of Photography book recommendations***
Disney Photography Tips
We’ve done a number of blog posts providing tips for improving your photography at Disney. I can’t stress enough that knowledge is the biggest component of taking good photos at Walt Disney World (and beyond!) so you should really read some of the tutorials I’ve written. They have helped a lot of people.
You should read these after you read Understanding Exposure. These guides all assume you have a decent foundation to understand the basics of photography, and you might be confused by these if you don’t know the basics:
- Disney Dark Ride Photography Guide
- How to Photograph Fireworks
- How to Take Great Photos with Your Point & Shoot Camera
- Top 10 Lenses for Disney Parks Photography
- 5 Indispensable Tips for Disney Photography
- Unique Family Photo Ideas at Disney
- Top 10 Tips for Night Photography at Disney
- Tips for Improving Your Photo Composition at Disney
- Tips for HDR Disney Photography
- Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Spots
- Best Disneyland Fireworks Spots
- Tips for Using Prime Lenses at Disney
- Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses at Disney
- Main Street Electrical Parade Photography Tips
- World of Color Photography Tips
- Fantasmic Photography Tips
- Christmas Photography Tips
- Top 10 Cinderella Castle Photo Spots
- Top 10 Sleeping Beauty Castle Photo Spots
- Neutral Density Filters for Fireworks Photography
This just scratches the surface on the photography guides we’ve written. To read and learn more, browse the photography category of posts on the blog. Once you’ve learned a bit, it might be time to buy some new equipment to help you take better photos. Read on for our buying suggestions…
Cameras
The first thing you need to do is determine which type of camera is right for you. Over the past decade, I’ve tested 20+ cameras and talked with hundreds of beginners who wondered which camera to buy. From that, I’ve learned that the “right” camera for a beginner is almost entirely a matter of personal preference and goals. (If you want look at the equipment I currently carry, check out What’s In My Camera Bag for 2020.)
When thinking about which camera to buy, you have to think about your intent. Are you primarily interested in capturing quality photos of your family’s memorable moments on vacation? Consider a nice point & shoot. Concerned about camera size and weight? Go point & shoot. Want an starter camera that will make learning easier? Again, think point & shoot.
Sony RX100 – This point and shoot has been described by just about everyone who has reviewed it as a game changer. I was skeptical at first, but I drank the Kool Aid, and am loving it. This point and shoot somehow combines a large sensor and a great f/1.8 lens into a compact package. We carry this camera just about everywhere. (Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples.)
We think the Sony RX100 is the best starter camera for 75% of people reading this post. The other 25% should consider an entry level DSLR or just stick to using their iPhone for photos (the newer iPhone cameras are exceptional–but still not as good as the Sony RX100).
Nikon D3500 DSLR – This is the perfect entry level DSLR for beginners, offering great bang for your buck in a small size. It has solid image quality when compared to higher level cameras, and only lacks some of the features–definitely a great value.
Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera – If you’re upgrading or are more serious about photography, go straight to the Nikon D7200. The benefits of the D7200 over the lower models are improved dynamic range & high ISO performance, better build quality, better HD video capabilities, and more.
Nikon D750 DSLR Camera – The best bang for buck camera for taking Disney photos. Awesome autofocus, excellent high ISO performance, and amazing image quality. The controls and functionality are great, making this a really versatile camera.
Nikon D850 DSLR Camera – The newest, biggest, and baddest (in a good way) DSLR that offers unparalleled performance. It’s not cheap, but it can outperform pro-grade cameras that cost twice as much. I’ve had this camera for nearly 2 years now and absolutely love everything about it (read my full review for more info and sample photos).
Ultimately, which of these DSLRs you buy depends upon how serious you are about photography. If you’re just getting started, no matter how excited you are about photography, I don’t recommend buying anything above an entry level model, no matter how large your budget.
For more experienced photographers looking to make an upgrade, the Nikon D850 is an amazing camera. It’s pricey, but the results are potentially worth it if you’re serious about photography. I have zero regrets about purchasing it!
Lenses
If you are serious about photography and opt to purchase a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll also want to think about lenses. We have used a lot of lenses over the past few years, and we have reviewed many of these lenses on the blog. So many, in fact, that considering which to buy when your first upgrading your camera gear can be a bit intimidating.
Fortunately, we’ve put together our Top 10 Lenses for Disney Photography List that offers ideas for the best upgrade options at the beginner and intermediate level. There’s a variety of lenses on this list, from prime lenses that are great for portraits and dark rides to fisheye lenses good for fun, creative shots.
The majority of my photos are shot with ultra-wide angle lenses. I love the wide panorama look, and also using these lenses to my advantage to intentionally distort a scene. If you’re considering going wide, read my Ultra Wide Angle Lens Guide. It’ll help choose the right one.
Some of my favorite lenses include the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens, Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, and Sigma 30mm f/1.4. You can read about all of these lenses, and our other top picks, on that top 10 list.
***We have a lot more reviews on our Lens Reviews Page. Read that to decide what’s right for you***
Bags, Tripods & Accessories
A lot of beginners make the mistake of only budgeting for a camera and lens when starting out, only to find out they need other accessories. These things quickly add up and can cost far more than expected.
Some of these things are gadgets and trinkets that can real help out in certain situations, but aren’t universally applicable. I’ve put together a post of the Top 10 Photography Accessories for Disney Photography that are items that will really help with taking photos in the parks (in my experience, a lot of these are useful elsewhere, as well).
Here are some specific things I recommend:
Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW – This bag provides great bang for your buck, and can store your camera with a lens mounted, plus two additional lenses. It’s possible to cram three additional lenses into this in a pinch by using the top pouch for the 50mm f/1.8 or another small lens. It’s much better than the 100AW that it replaced, because you can carry a tripod on the side of it!
Velbon Luxi-L III Tripod – This is a GREAT tripod: incredible value, height, and it collapses to a small size. It’s not perfect, but it’s a balanced tripod and perfect for travel.
Tiffen 77mm Circular Polarizer – A great option for deeply saturated blue skies, but is by no means a necessity. It also acts as a neutral density filter, of sorts. Be careful using polarizers on wide angle lenses. You may not like the uneven results.
Guide Conclusion
As mentioned above, the vast majority of people just getting started in photography are probably best suited by a high-end point and shoot camera, with my absolute top pick being the Sony RX100. This is a great way to get a taste of serious photography with customizable settings and excellent image quality, but in a compact package. Most people won’t outgrow that camera, but if you do, then look at DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
If you’ve already decided that a DSLR camera is your best option, you’ll want to think about everything you need to go along with it to really take your photography to the next level. If you’re on a limited budget, start out by making 3 upgrades: 1) tripod, 2) Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8, and 3) Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. I’d say these are the 3 best purchases a new DSLR photographer who wants to photograph the Disney Parks can make to improve their game.
However, if you really want to take your photography to the next level, gear is not what you need–at least not exclusively. What you need is knowledge. You will never take amazing photos in auto mode. You need to start by getting a copy of Understanding Exposure to learn the fundamentals, and then read more advance books, tutorials, and practice like crazy. Anyone can become great at photography, but you can’t get there just by purchasing fancy toys. 🙂
Finally, a word of warning. Don’t take shortcuts when buying photography equipment. Yes, it’s expensive, but I’ve discovered first-hand that buying photo gear on eBay or Craigslist is a huge risk. You don’t know how the seller took care of their gear, if it’s grey market (meaning US manufacturers won’t service it if there’s a problem), or what problems may come up down the road. You also don’t save that much over buying new. Finally, you don’t get a warranty. Things do go wrong with cameras, seemingly inexplicably, and it would really stink for that $1,000 investment to break with no recourse for you.
We’re Amazon Prime members, so we almost always order from Amazon.com. I also recommend Adorama.com, B&H Photo, or Abes of Maine, but I generally avoid all other online photo retailers (I STRONGLY recommend avoiding J&R Cameras due to two negative experiences I’ve had with them). By the way, if you are considering a purchase of any photography equipment, lenses, or anything else for that matter we would greatly appreciate it if you use the links in this post to make your purchase. It benefits the site, doesn’t cost you a dime, and helps us to keep providing you with useful(?) content!
Your Thoughts
What have you found helped improve your photography? Have other photography tips of your own to add? Other gear recommendations? If you have questions, please leave them in the comments below and I’ll try my best to help!
I am surprised that you say to avoid J&R. I don’t remember buying anything from them, but I do know that I have considered them on purchases in the past as I thought that they were a reputable company.
Is there any particular reason they should be avoided?
We have had two negative experiences at J&R, the second of which sealed the deal. I was one of the first people to pre-order the D7000 (from them), and when other retailers started shipping their cameras, mine didn’t ship. So I waited, and waited, and finally called when Amazon had shipped its THIRD round of cameras. The person on the phone was incredibly rude, and wanted us to re-place the order through him over the phone (presumably for commission). Didn’t do that, but accepted his ultimate assurance that it would ship in the next couple of days.
The next week (it still hadn’t shipped), I read of other people having a similar issue on forums, and the rumor was that instead of filling pre-orders, they had been putting the cameras on the shelves of their NYC superstore. Regardless of whether that was true, I decided to cancel my order.
The very next day, B&H got inventory in, I placed an order, and had it 2 days later. I’m convinced that had I placed my order with B&H or Amazon to begin with, I would have had the camera on release day, and wouldn’t have dealt with J&R’s crap for over a month.
I’m sure other people have had fine experiences with them, but for that, I will never buy from them again, and recommend that others don’t, either.
Wow, that stinks. I wouldn’t return to them after that either. I guess the old adage is true: “Give somebody good service, they’ll tell one person. Give them bad service, they’ll tell ten.” Although, in this case is probably more like hundreds or thousands. 🙂
I, too, like B&H and use them for just about all my large purchases. Even though they close business often for religious observance, they’re very quick to ship and I’ll often have my item before the estimated delivery date.
On a related note, are there any places you use beside B&H and Amazon? I’ve been looking to get the Lowepro Flipside 400AW backpack and B&H had it for something like $115 around Christmas. Now it’s $200 and Amazon has always had it around $180 (although it’s now on sale for $160). However, I’m the kind of guy who’ll wait for the price to come back down knowing that they’ve offered it for such a low price before.
Most of the time, I use Amazon (we have Prime and there’s a shipment center near us, which means next-day delivery most of the time). B&H sometimes, and Adorama on rare occasions. I’ve used a couple others, like Beach Camera, here and there, but you have to be careful with camera gear, as there are so many shady stores.
For something like a camera bag, you’d probably be safe checking eBay. Not for a used one–they should have new ones.
Hi Tom, Just FYI I came here just to see what tripod you recommend and the amazon link is broken!
Fixed!
Hi, Tom,
I have a Canon Rebel T3, with the 18-55 and 75-300 mm kit lenses, as well as a 50mm f/1.4. We will be going with a large group to Disney this fall (first trip!) I’m wanting a good, multi-purpose lens…have been looking at Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 30mm that you recommended. What would your opinion be? My 50mm is my favorite, but I know I won’t be able to use that for everything.
Thank you!
Do you have any suggestions for external flashes for a Canon camera? I have the T3i. I loved this post and I love your photo a day app.
Thanks!
What is your opinion on whether lens hoods are a “necessary” accessory? Should it be something we all should buy? Only for certain lenses? “Brand” hoods or “cheap-o”?
Since the Velbon tripod you recommended is no longer available, is there another lightweight, study, & not $$$ tripod you’d recommend? I’m using a Nikon D5200 with the 16-85 lens, also have the 55-200 kit lens.
Thanks!
After reading WAY too many reviews…I ended up getting the new Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Travel Tripod… weighs 3.6 and supports up to 17.6lbs…folds up to 15.4″. I also got the Custom SLR M-Plate Pro to use with the BlackRapid Metro strap. I’m headed out to Arizona to do some hiking & nature pics…will report back when return.
http://www.amazon.com/MeFoto-A1350Q1A-Roadtrip-Travel-Tripod/dp/B009A17FN0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=32A2ZVKRJP7G2&coliid=I2FQS4GOTT0M9A
Thanks for all your help…appreciate all the info on the website & podcast!
Really looking forward to what you have to say about this tripod. I’ve added it to my list of ones to potentially purchase in the near future.
Hey Tom! I’ve read through your guides and subsequent other and had a few questions as I’ll be spending a good deal of the next several months at WDW: Would you recommend a point-and-shoot (S95 or G12) or a new lens?
I already have a Nikon D3100, and just looking for an addition to shoot dark rides, fireworks, and Architecture while visiting. I see the point-and-shoot as convenient. Just looking for the best option. Thank you Sir!
I’d go for the DSLR. It’s a personal thing, though.
hi tom, i will be heading to WDW soon and wanna know if the new tokina 11-16 dx ii works fine with 5D iiii??! or sigma 12-24 a better choice on FF system? thx a lot!!
Tokina 11-16mm is a crop sensor lens, so by default, the Sigma 12-24 is a better option.
This great. Noticed that most of the wide angle or super wide angle lens are for APSC sensors. Can we get the similar ones for full frame 35mm.
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 is the king of FX wide angle lenses. No other lens comes close to it.
Cannot wait til the day when I need to actually use this guide for a fancy new camera! What a magnificent resource. Thanks for all you do. Really.
Tom, great content and photos. I am a novice with a DSLR with a D5100 for approximately a year. Work and an infant have hindered my development. Santa delivered CS6 extended, with hopes that I will better capture our family memories and create family portraits. I have a handful of RAW files from a recent trip to WDW and Christmas that I am tinkering with. Do you suggest any books or online classes to help learn Photoshop? I have been using the adobe site and searching you tube for help so far. I did notice that you have an older Kelby book on your blog. Any help is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Tom, this is really a great article. I just bought a Canon EOS Rebel T3 yesterday that came with an 18-55mm IS Lens. I’ve been looking to get into the DSLR game for a while, and got a great deal on Woot.com for this one, so I jumped on it. And I have to say, your pictures are one of the main reasons I wanted to hop into the wonderful world of photography.
Thanks for all the resources you’ve posted here. I think I’m going to pick up a book or two you’ve recommended.
Thanks again!
Hey,
I saw that you mentioned you didn’t like the Nikon D800…..why?
And is this what you do for a living?
Jack
I mentioned that the D800 is ‘disappointing for my shooting style,’ which is the case because the files are so large, and I shoot in high volume. Memory (CF, HD, or RAM) is not yet cheap enough for this to be a realistically viable camera for me. Otherwise, it looks absolutely amazing.
I am not a full-time photographer.
I just bought a D3100 for my first DSLR and somehow missed the fact that there is no wireless remote for it. Apparently Nikon decided to downgrade to a wired one from the d3000. Any suggestions?
I was wondering if you can give me some advice on what would be the best camera lens to bring to Magic Kingdom. I have a Canon Rebel EOS T3i with 18-55mm lens and 55-250mm lens. I love your pictures, especially the ones with the castle before the CP breakfast. What lens did you use? Should I invest in another lens. This is my son’s first vist to MK and I want to capture the moments the best way I can. Thank you.
Which do you use more, the 18-55 or the 55-250? If the 18-55 (which I assume is the case), you can’t go wrong upgrading to the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens reviewed here. It’s a gem of a lens! Make sure to read the full review I wrote on it (see the link here).
Thank you for your advice. Your pictures are absolutely amazing!!! Did you use a tripod and remote for the castle and statue picture prior to your CP breakfast? Again, thank you and please do not stop your site. You truly have helped me plan my son’s trip to make it the best ever!
Tom,
When buying a new DSLR camera do you think it’s generally worth getting the most recent model of a camera eg. a D5100 over a D5000?
If money allows. I’d be more concerned with getting nicer lenses if at all possible, though.
Hey Tom –
With your extensive camera strap collection, I’m guessing you change them out quite often. Is there a “clip” that can be purchased that makes changing straps a faster process? I have the black/white/gray film strip Mickey strap and, when it is threaded through my camera, it’s a bit short and time consuming to change. I’ve looked around and cannot seem to find anything – thought you might have a suggestion.
Thanks!
One of the straps I purchased had very thick metal clicks attached to it, and I use those. Prior to that, I tried to find clips (to avoid the exact problem you described) to no avail. Try looking for a random old camera strap on eBay with the metal clips I’m describing.
Great idea….I’ll check it out and see if I can find anything. You wouldn’t think it would be such a novel idea…apparently so!
Thanks Tom!
I have the newer Disney strap and I used the clips from my lanyard pouch worked great- the pouch only cost $5= so $10- and they are small enough to clip on the camera and the strap will feed though the bottom . Look up lanyard pouches on the Disney web site and you can see how useable it might be for you.
What about hybrid cameras like the SONY NEX C3? what do you think about those?
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Can you please send me the code for this script or please inform me in detail concerning this script?