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.