How to Capture Unique Theme Park Photos - Planning Your Photos

Spaceship Earth’s geodesic sphere at EPCOT in Walt Disney World

Ready for the next step on our photography journey? In this series of articles, we’re talking about how to elevate your theme park photography and really stand out from the crowd! In the first article, we talked about how to stand out through unlocking the manual settings of your camera, using light in creative ways, and how to use composition to enhance your photos. Now, let’s dive into planning your theme park photography adventure! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a local looking for fresh angles, this section is all about making the most of your time in the park and capturing those one-of-a-kind moments.

Researching Park Layouts and Attractions:

Jurassic World: VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on a Stormy Day

Before you even set foot in the park, it's time to do a little homework. If this is a theme park that you don’t frequent often, do some research on different social media platforms to see what people are currently photographing the most. Familiarize yourself with what you do like and what you don’t —what looks common-place, and what looks unique. Sometimes learning the lay of the land and identifying the must-see attractions and iconic spots can be helpful, but sometimes being open to exploring on the day of your visit can be the most inspiring tool in your arsenal. No one sees the world the same way that you do, so use your unique perspective to find what YOU like!

Pro Tip: Speaking from experience, it's not just about the big attractions. Sometimes, a quiet corner or a charming alleyway can lead to some of the most memorable shots!

Crafting a Shot List: Finding Unique Angles to Capture Iconic Landmarks:

A wide angle view of Cinderella Castle against a cloudy, blue sky at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World

Alright, let's tackle a common photography dilemma: capturing those iconic landmarks, like Cinderella Castle, without making your photos look like everyone else's. Trust me, I've faced this challenge countless times. There's something about famous spots that makes us all want to capture the perfect shot, but how do we make it stand out? It’s easy to feel discouraged when you think you have the perfect shot lined up, and then when you’re reviewing your photos what you ended up with looks just like the millions of other photos of Cinderella Castle. Here’s the question: we all know what these locations look like, but how do we capture something that is uniquely our own?

Poseidon's Fury looming above the Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Well, PART of the secret sauce is in finding those unique angles. Remember what we talked about with composition! Framing is 90% of the photo, and with famous landmarks that statement is even more true. Think of photography like a puzzle – you're trying to piece together a new perspective that others might not have thought of.

Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom peeking through the trees and towering over guests.

I remember being at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and wanting to capture Expedition Everest. I started off in the same situation we’ve been talking about — taking tons of the same photos we’ve all seen and feeling discouraged by it. However, what unlocked something inside of me was when I had not just a mental shift, but a physical shift. Instead of the usual straight-on shot of the mountain and coaster, I wandered off to the side and found a few different spots where the mountain was framed by lush greenery, architecture, and other objects I could place in the foreground. It turned a familiar sight into something fresh and captivating.

Ever since, I’ve stuck to a few rules. Firstly, remember the ideas of composition we talked about in the previous article. Always shoot with depth (find a foreground, middle ground and background). And secondly, always find a unique perspective. After following these simple guidelines, I started viewing these magical locations we all love with a sense of exploration, and everything clicked into place.

A unique vantage point of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

So, when you're crafting your shot list, be sure to include those iconic landmarks but also challenge yourself to find alternative angles. Allow yourself time to go explore and wander down a path that you see is less crowded. Again, oftentimes the best photos are taken where other people aren’t going because those are the angles that people are the least familiar with! Think outside the box of perspective! Maybe it's a view from the back, a shot from ground level, or even a close-up that highlights interesting details. These are the shots that will make your collection truly your own. After all, exploring the parks and admiring the beauty and details is part of the fun and magic of theme park photography! It helps us understand and love these places even more fully.

Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World

So, there you have it—your mission is to capture the essence of these iconic parks while adding your unique perspective to each shot. In the next part of our adventure, we're going to explore the parks at different times of the day to uncover the best lighting conditions for your photos. Get ready to make the most of the golden hour and capture the parks in a whole new light. Stay tuned, because we're just getting started!

Previous Article: Stand Out From the Crowd

Next Article: Maximize Golden Hour

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