Ultimate Disney Parks Photography Guide

ByTom Bricker
255 Comments

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 July 17, 2024.)

These tips 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 UnderstandingExposure, which covers the technical side of photography. For understanding what makes for an aesthetically pleasing photo, read The Photographer’s Eye, which covers composition.

All of the expensive equipment in the world won’t help you if you haven’t learned the basics, and those two books are the best way to learn the basics and how to take photos that aren’t just snapshots. Books are how I taught myself photography and many others have done the same. Books are a lot cheaper than a new lens, and if you’re a beginner, those will improve your photography more than a new gear. You are better off with an iPhone plus skill and knowledge than a $10,000 camera and cluelessness.

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 fancy camera 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…

Disney Photography Tips

eternal-sea-light-tokyo-disneysea copy

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:

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.

For the vast majority of people, modern camera phones are more than capable. Newer models of the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel–and probably other phones with which I’m unfamiliar–are all fantastic. If you’re simply sharing on social media and don’t have demanding conditions, specific use cases, or need the highest quality, camera phones are probably good enough. They are the right answer for 90% of people, which is a big reason why the camera market is shrinking. I even regularly forgo taking my big camera bag and just use my phone!

Let’s assume that, for whatever reason, you want a dedicated camera. When thinking about which type 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.

We think the Sony RX100 is the best point & shoot camera line on the market. I’ve used multiple different versions of this camera since it launched over a decade ago, and have been wowed by all of them. Unfortunately, Sony hasn’t updated this line in a few years and the RX100 VII is still really expensive despite that. You might be able to pick up a used or older model cheaper–and I’d recommend considering that. Mine is still going strong 5 years later.

Another alternative would be opting for the Sony ZV-1, which is a newer camera that costs less than half the price of the Rx100 VII. It’s marketed at vloggers, meaning that it’s also very capable of video. As someone who exclusively does photography, this isn’t a selling point for me. But it’s fairly undeniable that the Sony ZV-1 offers better bang for buck, and is a nice upgrade from iPhone quality photos and videos.

monorail-epcot-sky-color-walt-disney-world-2 copy

Everything above that is either going to be a DSLR (if you’re old school) or a mirrorless camera. My two main cameras now are the Nikon Z7 II full frame mirrorless camera and Nikon D850 DSLR. Both of these are pro grade cameras that offer unparalleled performance. They’re not cheap, and are only recommended for those who are truly serious about photography and have unmet needs by lower-tier cameras. I would not recommend anyone learning photography purchase either of these.

Honestly, I’m not sure which entry-level “big” cameras I would recommend at this point. My camera testing and reviewing days are behind me, and I’ve been so satisfied with the Nikon D850 and then the Nikon Z7 II that I haven’t bounced around trying other cameras in the last ~5 years. Consequently, I’ve become a bit out of touch with entry level models and what Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other brands are doing to innovate.

If you want look at the equipment I currently carry, check out What’s In My Camera Bag for 2024. That’s going to be the best resource if you’re interested in going with a full frame Nikon mirrorless camera and are wondering which lenses to purchase.

Ultimately, which of these cameras you buy depends upon how serious you are about photography. If you’re just getting started, no matter how excited you are about photography, it’s probably smart to not buy anything above an entry level model, no matter how large your budget.

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) wide angle lens, 3) prime portrait lens or mid-range zoom lens. I’d say these are the 3 best purchases a new photographer of 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. 🙂

photography-equipment-reviews-tom-bricker

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!

You might also like...

255 Comments

  1. Tom,

    Do you have any general edits the you apply to Disney photos in light room to help speed up the process? I have a lot from our last trip and am just getting acclimated with light room and feel a little overwhelmed. Any tips you could provide would be great.

    Reply

  2. I can’t afford to upgrade the body beforehand, but would love to purchase a wide angle lens for my D3200 before our Disney trip (it shoots quite well, manually!). Can I use the 2.8 you recommend above? If not, what do you recommend?

    Reply

  3. I went out on a whim and actually took your advice on the Sigma 30 millimeter 1.4 lens. Purchased it on Amazon last week, received it, and tested around with it just a little bit, & I have to say I absolutely love it and it is not even 10 minutes out of the box. I cannot wait to take this lens on our upcoming trip to Disney in May. I am looking forward to getting some fantastic night shots, which I am always a sucker for. you know, the ones that you could just wallpaper the house with! Thanks so much again for sharing all of your insight and experiences on this website. I have found it extremely beneficial both in planning last years first vacation ever to Disney, and again this year. You guys are amazing!

    Reply

  4. I am looking to buy a camera before my trip to Disneyland in the fall. My budget is extremely limited (college student problems) and I’m not the most experienced of photographers, but I would like something of good quality. I am weighing buying a used Canon PowerShot S95 you suggest here vs a new Nikon Coolpix L330. Both these options are around the same price. I would really appreciate your opinion on which I should buy. I love your photography!

    Reply

  5. What type of screen protectors do you recommend for your DSLR? I have seen the kind that stick on, but I have also seen the kind that are a heavier plastic. What is the difference? What do you recommend?

    Reply

  6. My fiancee and I are planning a honeymoon at Disney World in May 2015. We love your photos. They are amazing. I am relatively new to photography, but want to try improving photo quality. We are trying to pick a camera to take on the trip and are debating whether to go with the Nikon 3200 or a Canon Rebel. Any impute would be appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply

  7. What’s your opinion of mirrorless cameras? They’re all the rage now, capable of taking DSLR-quality images without the bulkiness and heaviness of a DSLR (I think this is because it lacks a viewfinder). I’m thinking of buying one as I move up from point-and-shoots for the first time.

    Reply

  8. Great information here Tom, well written an put together very nicely. I am looking forward to my next trip to the Parks with a bit more knowledge and skills under my belt in photography. I have been to WDW and DLP many times, but never with a DSLR in hand.

    While equipment is very specific to each person, I think yours seems very reasonable and similar to what I take with me on vacation ….one thing I would add, and I have been very happy with so far, is a good Camera Sling. I have the BlackRapid R-Shot Cross Sling and it makes carrying my D5300 so easy and it is right there when I need it. There are many straps out there that are so much better than the OEM one…it is worth a solid look in my opinion.

    Reply

  9. Tom,

    Is it generally going to be best to have some negative exposure compensation? It seems like a fair amount of your shots are dialed back in this way. Is there any loose rule of thumb for decided how to use this particular function?

    As always i appreciate your insight.

    P.S. We leave Tuesday morning for 9 days for WDW, staying at a Old key west villa.

    Reply

  10. Hi Tom,

    I’ve always wondered this when I look at your photography, do you edit your disney photos or is it just your awesome camera?

    Reply

    2. Thank you!I went to school for for photography and have been recently rekindling my passion with the help of your website thank you for that as well!

  12. Hi,
    I would like to know what do you think about the Canon G16?
    I’m looking for a camera to take pictures without flash, using natural light, and night pics as well.
    Thanks

    Reply

  13. Hey Tom,

    I have followed you for 4 years now and love your reviews. Just wondering if you will be reviewing the D750 soon?

    Reply

  14. Hi Tom,

    Love the blog and the breakdown of all your gear, but you did not mention what kind of computer or laptop you use to process all your photos. I am thinking about getting a new laptop so I am curious what you have or what you would recommend?

    Also wanted to say it was great meeting you at Disneyland a few weeks ago, 9/14. I am a fan so it was fun to see you at work. Can’t wait to see the photos and don’t forget to post a Yossarian photo every once in a while.
    Todd

    Reply

    1. I use a Macbook Pro with a 2.6 ghz i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM.

      A Macbook isn’t a necessity for processing photos, but I’d recommend something with speed and a high resolution display.

  15. I’ve had this article bookmarked since you wrote it! Just so much great info and I’ve been waiting for the time I’d be able to buy a new point-and-shoot. I have a Nikon D60 and have brought that to WDW but honestly, I just don’t want the bulk and have to tote the lenses and weight right now. I am not very mobile anymore and will need to rent a scooter this time. So a REALLY good point and shoot that I can have around my neck that won’t give me a neck ache and I don’t have a long lens to bump into stuff even w/ a hood on it or case would be really what the Dr. ordered. I’m poised to get the Sony DSC RX-/100 for my next Disney trip right now, but wondered if you had an updated preference since you wrote this? Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to read all the comments. You ROCK!

    Reply

  16. Thanks for the detailed review on all the camera equipment, books and advice anyone could ever ask for. You have done amazing research!

    I read your comment on mirrorless recommending the Sony and ended up buying a sony nex-6.

    To be truthful I couldn’t decide between the Sony and Olympus that you suggested I just didn’t know enough about cameras at the time and found all the technical info confusing.

    Enjoy Disney – I loved it (so did my nieces!).

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the advice I tried it and it recommended the camera that I bought for xmas! Nice to be proven right!!!

  17. Hey there! With all of this picture taking, I’m sure you guys make prints. Is there an online photo printing service that you have found is better than the rest?

    Thanks!!

    KT

    Reply

  18. Aloha Tom!

    First off, your blog is a revelation! I’ve read quite a lot of other Disney blogs and forums, but yours is surely on another level. You have me deepest appreciation and thanks!

    Ok, I am visiting WDW next year during the Christmas season (my first time at a Disney park during this time of the year after over 25 visits at various locales). I currently own a Nikon D7000, but am amazed (almost a bit perturbed) by the sharpness and brilliance of images captured by the Nikon D810. The trip is already costing me a pretty penny, so not sure if I want to squeeze out another $5-6,000 to make the jump to full frame photography. If I do go for it (and your advise will be a strong deciding factor), this is what I am thinking:

    Nikon D810
    Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5 or Sigma 340306 35mm F1.4
    Nikon 24mm f/1.4G Prime Wide Angle
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

    I want to shoot parades, dark rides, hotel lobbies and rooms, and of course my wifeQ

    Suggestions? Ideas?

    Mahalo!
    Len

    Reply

    1. Well, after just getting back from my first trip with the Nikon D810, I can say that it’s truly a next-level camera. I loved it, and I’m coming from another full frame camera (Nikon D600). It will be a leap from the D7000.

      As for your lens lineup…that’s a lot of prime lenses. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, a lot of people love primes. I just have a tough time going entirely with primes for Disney. It’s too hectic of an environment to not have some zoom.

      Here’s what I’d suggest instead of what you’re going for:

      Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
      Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (same) OR Sigma 35mm f/1.4
      Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC OR Nikon 28-300mm

      I know there’s a big price difference between the Sigma 35 and the Nikon 50, but I use the Sigma WAY more than the Nikon. It’s a great focal length. As for the Tamron 24-70 v. the Nikon 28-300, the quality of the Tamron is far superior, but the Nikon 28-300 is a great travel lens.

      Hope this helps you and doesn’t just muddy the water even further! 🙂

  19. Hi my name is Deanna i am going to Disney in July. I dnt knoe too much about cameras but i need one to go. Can u tell me the best one to get i love taking pics and i just want it to be perfect

    Reply

  20. Tom,

    First off – I love the site! This has been such a great help for my planning. Your reviews and insights are top notch!

    The three of us (wife and 5 yr old daughter) will be taking our first trip to Disney World in September and I have been having a few discussions with my wife with regards to camera equipment. I was thinking of bringing my Canon 5dMK2. My wife worries about me bringing the camera along and thinks it would be much easier to just bring our nice Lumix. I can see her point with the Lumix, great small camera and not having to worry about carrying around the Canon. You have been to Disney enough, and I value your thoughts – would the Lumix do justice or would I regret not bringing along my Canon?

    Thanks for any help?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *