Disney Photography ~ Capturing the “Empty Park” shot

I often am asked how I get empty park shots. Do I work for Disney? No. Do I have special access? I wish. One thing I don’t think people realize is when the parks close, you don’t necessarily have to leave immediately. It still takes quite some time for all the guests to leave and I take this opportunity to start shooting. It is best to start at the back of the parks as these areas are usually closed out first. Usually you can take pictures in between gaps of the crowds to get the empty park pictures. Another method is to shoot multiples of the same shot on a tripod as the guests filter out. Assuming you take enough pictures and the other park guests are in different places in the photo, you can combine and then paint these guests out using masks to simulate an empty park photo! When I shoot I am usually one of, if not the lasts guests to leave the park on a given night. Security is generally very nice and will allow you more than enough time to get some great shots before you have to leave. So next time you are at Disney World at closing time, don’t rush out, hang around and take some pics!