Polaroid at Disney?

[rebeccaariel]

Has anyone ever brought a Polaroid camera to WDW, either an old one or one of those new, compact ones? The reason I ask is because I had a little idea to use a Polaroid to take pictures of the characters, and then get them to sign them, and when I get home I can make something for my wall using the pictures. Any thoughts on this idea? It might be annoying to carry it around but they do have quite compact ones now.

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

They wouldn't allow you enough time with the character to wait for the photo to develop, so they'd be writing on it blindly. I don’t know about the newer instant cameras, but the Polaroid I had back in the 80s took absolutely terrible photos by today’s standards. You also can't cut those photos because of the chemicals inside.

If it were me, I'd give the characters a standard autograph book to write in. I'd then scan those pages and overlay their inscription onto the photo using Photoshop.

[rdunative]

or you can take a frame matte and have them sign it and fill in the pics later.

[rebeccaariel]

Originally Posted by rdunative

or you can take a frame matte and have them sign it and fill in the pics later.

Oh that's a good idea, I never thought of that!

[rebeccaariel]

Though now that I think about it, a frame matte might be more awkward to carry around. Hm, I'll have to think about it. I really like the idea of decorating with polaroids but I'd have to be okay with them signing them before they develop. Would they even let me get the undeveloped pictures signed?

[photo_chick]

Using an instant camera is something most people do for the look of the final picture. It's definitely a very different feel than digital. If you're good with the look, then go for it.

If I were doing it I'd just shoot and have the character sign on the white area while it's developing. Just make sure you get film that you don't have to shade while it's developing. I'd also avoid the mini instant films... they're just too small. And be prepared to spend a decent amount of cash on the film.

You could also consider cutting squares or rectangles of mat board that they can sign then you can mount in a frame with the pictures, as a collage, etc...

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Originally Posted by rdunative

or you can take a frame matte and have them sign it and fill in the pics later.

We have people sign picture frames whenever an employee is leaving our organization, and give them a framed picture of the building. Over the years, I've learned to start putting about 1/4" of blue painter's tape around the outside edges. This keeps people from writing in the part of the matte that will be hidden by the frame.