Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who doesn’t know who you are?

I’m just a Disney nerd like everyone else reading this. I also happen to be very interested in photography in the parks. I am the Chief Photographer for TouringPlans.com, a blogger for both TouringPlans.com and WDWPhotography.com, and also a contributor to the Unofficial Guide Color Companion to Walt Disney World and Celebrations Magazine.

When did you first become interested in photography?

My wife, Sarah, and I had taken photos of ourselves in the parks beginning in 2006 with our P&S camera (all auto modes–I didn’t know a thing about photography).  I got serious when I bought a Nikon D40 DSLR in July 2008.

Have you taken any courses or are you self-taught?

Entirely self-taught.

You often stay in the parks into the early hours. What’s the latest you’ve ever been in Magic Kingdom?

We’ve been in the park until well after 3 a.m. Evening Extra Magic Hours in the Magic Kingdom during the summer months, especially on Fridays and Sundays, are a photographer’s friend.

Do you have a favourite subject that you like photographing at Disney World?

Tomorrowland, in general. I try to get unique shots as much as possible.

On each visit do you go with a wishlist and ideas of photos you want to take?

Definitely. Invariably, I never seem to look at the list, though. Still, it’s nice to have in chance I would get stuck in a slump.

You take the most amazing fireworks photos! Any tips for beginners?

Tripod and remote shutter release are key.  You’re unlikely to have much success without them.

For the more advanced photographer, do you have any tips for avoiding blown highlights in those final fireworks bursts?

Stop down your aperture and use shorter exposures. It may seem impossible to get the highlights right when you first start, but it’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

What D-SLR camera do you use, and how much equipment do you tote around the parks?

Nikon D7000. I usually carry that, a tripod, 4 lenses, and a myriad of accessories. In other words, far too much stuff.  If you ever see someone resembling a sherpa in the parks, that’s probably me.

Do you ever use a point and shoot camera?

I used to, not so much anymore. While I feel that you can obtain great photos with a P&S, I love the complete control I get with a DSLR.

What technique do you use for shooting on dark rides where no flash is allowed?

Fast lenses, high ISO, and a lot of luck!

Which Disney Resort do you think offers the best photo opportunities?

Unquestionably, the Polynesian.  I swear that place has “exclusive” sunsets that the rest of WDW don’t get. However, it’s my personal favorite resort, so I’m probably a little biased.

Do you have a favourite lens that you use the most?

I’m an ultra-wide angle addict. I have used the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 a lot. I just got the Sigma 8-16 and I anticipate using that even more. However, I will caution against using an UWA just to “get more” in the shot. That’s a terrible use of the lens–use it to create dynamic and interesting layered composition.

For someone just starting out in D-SLR photography, what camera would you recommend?

It’s hard to go wrong with an entry level Canon or Nikon. Others will tout their favorite brand-of-choice. I don’t follow the brand wars at all, but it’s hard to argue with the market share of Canon or Nikon, and the accompanying lens options.

I’ve always had trouble getting decent photos of Fantasmic! and I don’t recall seeing any photos you’ve taken of the show. Is it one you avoid, or do you have any tips for photographing those tricky water screens?

I just posted a shot from Fantasmic! last week. It’s not that it’s difficult to shoot, it’s that I think the show is sort of lousy at WDW (Disneyland’s, on the other hand, is awesome), so we don’t see it much.  Plus, now that it’s only 2 nights/week, it’s difficult to see without waiting in line.

Do you have an all-time favourite photo, or one that you’re most proud of?

These are two of my more popular and influential shots. As best I can tell, I was the first photographer to post shots like either of these on Flickr; since, I’ve seen a lot try to replicate the shots.

I also like these:

Do you print/hang any of the pictures you’ve taken?

I print family photos, but not the ones that are on Flickr.

How did you manage to score shooting in the Castle suite?

D23 event.

Does your wife share your passion for photography?

Not to the same degree, but she does enjoy it.

Many thanks to Tom for answering our questions and allowing us to post his amazing photos here! Tom and his wife have just started up their own website, the Disney Tourist Blog. You can see more of Tom’s photos on his Flickr photostream.

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