Working out in California for such a respected company has truly changed my perspective. Because I have such a hectic schedule between my forty hour work weeks and taking classes, I find myself more determined to learn and take advantage of my time at Quinnipiac University. I have been researching internships for the fall.
I have been researching careers that would be best suitable for my skills. Working for Disney and being inspired by professionals has made me think of the best area for me. As a freshman in college, I knew I wanted to be an animator. I was determined and thought that would be my career. However, now I am considering a career in print design and visual development.
I have also learned so much about Photography. I find myself photographing the characters much faster and finding better ways to photograph the iconic locations. I have also memorized the different settings for the different locations throughout the park, something I have struggled with from the beginning. Learning the camera is a great opportunity because although I knew how to edit photos and compose them, I am now learning the other side. I love my job and am so grateful for this experience.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Week Three
After working at the Disneyland Resort for almost a month, I find myself becoming more comfortable not only with the camera, but with being a Disney Cast Member as well.
My average day involves clocking in, conditioning, roll call, and then shooting. Disney requires us to do stretches and conditioning before every shift, enabling us to avoid injury. As photographers, we are constantly moving to get the best angles. After stretching, we continue on to roll call and are informed of all the changes, events, and need to know information of the park about the upcoming day. Our “lead” lists our locations and instructs us to prep our cameras. With this process, we have a half an hour to be at our location.
Normally, our shifts are 8+ hours for 5 days a week. I love working because everyday I remind myself that I am able to go to Disneyland five days a week. “We work while others play…”
My average day involves clocking in, conditioning, roll call, and then shooting. Disney requires us to do stretches and conditioning before every shift, enabling us to avoid injury. As photographers, we are constantly moving to get the best angles. After stretching, we continue on to roll call and are informed of all the changes, events, and need to know information of the park about the upcoming day. Our “lead” lists our locations and instructs us to prep our cameras. With this process, we have a half an hour to be at our location.
Normally, our shifts are 8+ hours for 5 days a week. I love working because everyday I remind myself that I am able to go to Disneyland five days a week. “We work while others play…”
Photo of the Day
I received photo of the day in my department three times thus far! Two times being this week :)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Week Two
Before I began the Disney College Program, I have never used a professional camera. I was not familiar with shutter speed or flash settings. During my first week of training, I learned so much about the art of photography.
Disney’s Photo Imaging involves taking photos in multiple locations throughout two different parks. Because of the difference in areas, they require us to have different settings depending on the location. For example, if you are at the Disneyland entrance, the settings would be ISO 200, White Balance set to Auto, and the Flash set to TTL BL with center metered weight. On the other hand, if you are inside Mickey’s house, it is quite darker, therefore needing a lighter tone. The settings would involve the White Balance set to K mode and setting your camera to Manual rather than “P.”
As a photographer in the Disneyland Resort, I am placed in a different location every shift. So far, I have worked in front of the Castle and at the entrance, as well as with Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell.
Although I am still learning the technological aspects of the camera, I understand the importance of the composition in a photograph. I did not realize how much work is involved taking photos. Framing, focusing, and getting children to smile and look at the camera is quite difficult.
Working with characters is a different responsibility than working at an icon location. For instance, at the castle, you are composing your own show. You take the photographs and suggest magical poses that can create an unforgettable memory. However, when you are working with characters, you need to be quick and focused. Our job is to shoot four successful photos: a reaction photo of the child, an activity photo of the child such as hugging, a sign and share photo of the autograph books, and lastly the classic portrait photos of the child with the characters. There is much thought and consideration that goes into taking character photographs as well as icon location photographs. However, through this journey, I am not only learning how to use a camera, but learning the importance of guest service as well as time management.
Disney’s Photo Imaging involves taking photos in multiple locations throughout two different parks. Because of the difference in areas, they require us to have different settings depending on the location. For example, if you are at the Disneyland entrance, the settings would be ISO 200, White Balance set to Auto, and the Flash set to TTL BL with center metered weight. On the other hand, if you are inside Mickey’s house, it is quite darker, therefore needing a lighter tone. The settings would involve the White Balance set to K mode and setting your camera to Manual rather than “P.”
As a photographer in the Disneyland Resort, I am placed in a different location every shift. So far, I have worked in front of the Castle and at the entrance, as well as with Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell.
Although I am still learning the technological aspects of the camera, I understand the importance of the composition in a photograph. I did not realize how much work is involved taking photos. Framing, focusing, and getting children to smile and look at the camera is quite difficult.
Working with characters is a different responsibility than working at an icon location. For instance, at the castle, you are composing your own show. You take the photographs and suggest magical poses that can create an unforgettable memory. However, when you are working with characters, you need to be quick and focused. Our job is to shoot four successful photos: a reaction photo of the child, an activity photo of the child such as hugging, a sign and share photo of the autograph books, and lastly the classic portrait photos of the child with the characters. There is much thought and consideration that goes into taking character photographs as well as icon location photographs. However, through this journey, I am not only learning how to use a camera, but learning the importance of guest service as well as time management.
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