To Use a Flash or Not at Walt Disney World

This is a subject I cover at least once a year.

If you own a digital camera that allows the addition of a flash unit (sometimes referred to as a Speedlight), I highly recommend investing the money and time into getting and learning how to use it. Like tripods, I know people do not like to carry a lot of equipment into a Disney park but, in my opinion, a flash unit is a must.

For example, I took this photo of a family member without a flash. I knew as soon as I did it would be a dull and murky one.

No Flash
Guest with Christmas Mickey Mouse Ears hat in the Emporium shop on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Taken without a Flash. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/4.5, ISO 400, EV 0, 40mm Focal Length.

Could I work on it in post? Sure, but it would never be as sharp or render correctly.

I told him to hold that pose and quickly placed my Nikon SB-700 Speedlight onto my Nikon D750  digital SLR camera and re-took the photo.

Using Flash
Guest with Christmas Mickey Mouse Ears hat in the Emporium shop on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Taken using a Flash. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/4.5, ISO 180, EV 0, 40mm Focal Length, Bounce Flash.

Much, much better. The advantages of a flash for both indoor and outdoor (see Fill Light) photography can not be overstated.

For more information on using Bounce Flash, review these past posts: Bounce Flash and More Bouncing Light.

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Scott's "Photographic Innoventions" blog focuses on intermediate to advanced photography concepts and techniques relevant for Point and Shoot and Digital SLR cameras.

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2 Replies to “To Use a Flash or Not at Walt Disney World”

  1. Just as important, learn and follow the rules as to where flash can be used. Using flash can improve your photos, but familiarize yourself with the settings to be able to turn it off in restricted areas…like dark rides!

    1. Well said, John. It gets old on dark rides when this happens or I see people taking a night photo of Cinderella Castle with the flash on. Flash is very limited to how far it is useful.