A Sunny Anniversary Session at Disneyland! Another one in the books!

This was Miranda and Matthew’s sunny anniversary session at both Disneyland and California Adventure. Miranda had sent me an email inquiry about booking a session for their trip to Disneyland while she and her husband Matthew would be visiting California from Houston, Texas. The next thing I knew, we were booked for February 5th! Since she’s a big Disney fan, she wanted most of the images taken around Fantasyland with the timeless and iconic Disney elements in the background, including (big gulp) THE CASTLE!

How does one get Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in the background on a busy day without other guests? Scroll to see how we got creative with it! I also used this technique for the images with the Matterhorn.

THIS is how one can grab a shot with the castle in the background without guests swarming everywhere; squat down, wait for a lull in the crowd, and pose the couple so they’re not looking into the camera with squinty eyes from the direct sun! Just out of frame – guests everywhere! This can be tricky because shooting in the direct sunlight isn’t my style and I have to sometimes break these rules every once and a while when it’s against something I can’t control. Just have to make it work!

For some tips on how to plan a shoot at Disneyland as a guest or a photographer, check out this blog post, chock-full of tips! If you’re also seeking a photographer for a shoot, I work with each client who books with me on how to plan a session around the resort so we maximize your photography experience, including tips on what to wear, time of day to visit the areas of the park, etc.

I’ve always wanted to shoot in this cute little spot! It’s a little alleyway that leads from Fantasyland into Frontierland through Rancho Del Zocalo.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant:

The Teacups:

Iconic Fantasyland:

The Matterhorn:

Galaxy's Edge:

Pixar Pier:

Getting shots like this one where it appears there are no other people around and you have the entire park to yourselves takes time and patience. It’s important to acknowledge that even if you’re doing a photoshoot inside the resort, that you’re also still a guest and it’s crucial to remain respectful to the cast members and other guests and not block pathways, tell people to move, etc., especially when the photographer you hired isn’t a Disney employee or affiliate. Since they seem to be cool with letting photographers inside the park with their professional cameras, we need to remain discreet and respectful or we run the risk of them enforcing strict rules against this. Be cool! 😉

What a fun day!!! A successful sunny anniversary session complete! -Including one character photobomb! Those are never guaranteed.

Other Disneyland sessions:
An Off-Season Wintertime Disneyland Engagement Session!
Amrita & Tanvir’s Fall Disneyland Engagement Session!