View Full Version : Photographers - Pictures
Krazy Kruizers
August 16th, 2004, 07:39 AM
(1) What do you think of HAL's ship photographers? (i.e. - too pushy?)
(2) What do you think of the prices of the pictures?
(3) Do you buy a lot of pictures?
(4) Would like to see more of the 5 by 7 photos rather than a lot of larger photos?
doone
August 16th, 2004, 07:54 AM
They are just trying to do their jobs.
Orcrone
August 16th, 2004, 07:57 AM
(1) What do you think of HAL's ship photographers? (i.e. - too pushy?)
I have never sailed with HAL. However, I one time read a thread about the gangway being backed up at a port due to everyone having their picture taken. If that's the case it's too pushy for me.
(2) What do you think of the prices of the pictures?
I feel they're too expensive on all cruise lines. They print them all out, and whatever is not purchased is tossed. Therefore, regardless of their final sale price the cost of printing the pictures is constant. If the cost were lowered, I would definitely purchase more pictures and probably spend more total money which would yield a larger profit in my case.
Since the cost to HAL is fixed I guess they've found the price point that gives the highest possible income.
(3) Do you buy a lot of pictures?
We probably purchased four pictures on our last cruise.
(4) Would like to see more of the 5 by 7 photos rather than a lot of larger photos?
Definitely. I find 5 X 7 pictures to be a lot easier to find a place for.
jazzsea
August 16th, 2004, 08:12 AM
Some cruises have better photographers than others. The picture formats and sizes are okay, but we seldom buy the "picture in picture" formats.
I will buy a couple of stock pictures of the ship if it is our first time sailing on her.
When we travel with family I will buy any picture that is half way decent. Six years ago we took my parents on the Veendam for their 60th wedding anniversary. I prize those pictures. They are 92 and 94 now and their cruising days are over.
The last time we were in Alaska, I purchased one of the pictures taken with us in the foreground and the Hubbard Glacier in the background. We asked the photo staff to put it on a commemorative plate. I have the plate and stand in my office and smile every time I see it. We are thinking of getting a plate made on every cruise that we take in the next 12 months. We're celebrating our 25th anniversary for the entire year.
We were supposed to sail on Ryndam in Alaska for our actual anniversary but had to cancel when both of my parents became ill. We decided to have champagne on the first of every month and celebrate for the whole year. Works for me!
sail7seas
August 16th, 2004, 10:59 AM
I think it awful they way they have so little regard for our pleasure and enjoyment that they set up at any location that will demand/require we all must wait in line and are unable to simply pass on by.
The prices are ridiculous and we buy very few photos these days. We used to buy a few now and then but it is rare when we bother now because of their greed (as I perceive it). If they charged a fair price and IMO they would make more money by selling more photos.
The large photos are too large for my taste. I have many framed and set out in an arrangement and their big photos take too much space. Another reason I do not buy many.
The ultimate greed IMO is when they come into the dining room; interrupt our dinner and then DEMAND they are going to take a photo of him and then one of her. A few times I have said, "If you take one of us as a couple, we would consider it. We do not want individual photos. That means nothing to us." They always refuse to do that. They want to sell two photos rather than one. Their "dumb attitude" assures they sell us None.
elmorejj
August 16th, 2004, 11:18 AM
On some ships the photographers are more pushy than on others. We used to buy one or two, but now seldom buy any. Re the DR, I politely tell them, that ,no, we do not want our picture taken. I refuse to stop eating my dinner for a photo op. The prices, IMO are way out of line. Setting up for formal pics outside of the Ocean Bar is riddiculous, and I for one, refuse to go around them. I just keep walking, they should never block a public area.
The pirates, should be made to walk the plank.....jean :cool:
peaches from georgia
August 16th, 2004, 11:31 AM
Naturally we all tend to blame the photographers, as they are the ones directly inconveniencing us. We should be blaming HAL management who are allowing the photographers to be in the dining room at our tables (used to just formal nights; on the Maasdam it was every night), all over the public areas on the ships, and at the end of the gangplank holding up traffic, now both getting off and getting on the ship.
Unfortunately a lot of pax enjoy this so it is profitable to both HAL and the photo concession so it continues. :mad:
RevNeal
August 16th, 2004, 11:40 AM
(1) What do you think of HAL's ship photographers? (i.e. - too pushy?)
I've never found them to be pushy. I HAVE found them to sometimes have something of an attitude ... and not a pleasant one. I've also had some that were able to take good photos, and then there have been those who take just dreadful photos.
(2) What do you think of the prices of the pictures?
If I don't want them, they're too expensive. If they're REALLY good photos -- and sometimes they are -- then I'll pay the price for them.
(3) Do you buy a lot of pictures?
No. I've been on cruises where I haven't bought a single photo. I've also been on cruises where I've bought 2 or 3. And, I've been on cruises where I've bought many more than 5. It all depends upon how good the photos are, who is in those photos, and how WE look.
(4) Would like to see more of the 5 by 7 photos rather than a lot of larger photos?
Yes ... I like seeing a good distribution of photo sizes as well as settings. I'd like to see more shots taken around the ship, at many various times, rather than the many posed portraits.
the2ofus
August 16th, 2004, 11:47 AM
We used to buy two or three pictures on each cruise when they were the 5 x 7 size and lower in cost. Now we rarely buy even one. It is such a waste of resources that they take such a huge amount of photos and then charge such outrageous prices. So many of them just go into the trash. I really believe that lower prices would result in greater sales for them.
Pictures in the dining room...we simply refuse to cooperate...why should we interrupt our dinner?
Pictures at the gangplank....recently we have had no problems as there seemed to be enough room to step around them and keep walking.
Formal night photos...again, recently there have been opportunities to walk around the area and avoid being caught in the line-up. Guess it depends on the ship and also on the photographers. Sometimes we choose to pose and sometimes not. Somehow, candid shots of us seem to turn out better than the posed ones. Our personalities come through better when we are caught unawares.
user8
August 16th, 2004, 11:47 AM
I find the photographers to be too pushy for my liking. I resent being stopped evey time I try to get on or off the ship or when I go to a function like the Capitan's reception. But, what I especially dislike is when they disturb my meal and want me or my companions to get up from the table so they can pose us.
I never buy any of their pictures and I have never tried to learn what they charge. I get all the pictures I want without extra cost by having someone take my picture with my digital camera. I can look at them immediately to see if I like them and later print them out at whatever size I like. If I don't like the picture, it is no problem to erase it and try again.
In spite of my dislike of the ship's photographers, however, there are times I find it quicker to let them take the picture than to try to argue with them. All it costs me is my time; I don't buy and I tell them so.
tomc
August 16th, 2004, 12:04 PM
If they need to lighten the ship due to bad weather, the photographers should go over the side first, along with their attitude. That should do the trick.
When I am leaving the ship at a port, I am smiling and jovial [on the outside] as I walk past them [on the inside I am questioning their ancestry and giving them the finger]. When they insist, I tell them I don't buy photos, so I am doing them a favor and I just keep walking and smiling.
In the dining room, I am the most pleasant and jovial noncompliant person you'd ever want to meet. As they get near the table, I put on my sunglasses and, when they make mention of it, I tell them I have epilepsy which is triggered by flashing lights; if they take a photo of me while I am looking at them, I will most likely end up convulsing on the floor and getting injured. If they don't get it, I tell them, "You have been warned; you are now legally liable for any injury." At this point, I am mentally referring to them as an IQ-challenged musical orifice (and I don't mean lips that whistle). Think of Vanna White turning letters. Two words, six letters in the first, seven letters in the second.
dakrewser
August 16th, 2004, 12:06 PM
I've never had a problem walking "around" the photographers, even if that means having to walk between them and their subject. We have noticed that HAL photographers, for the most part, are unimaginative hacks. Its never been a problem to ignore them.
Our best experience with a ship photographer was on the R7 in the eastern med a few years ago. This guy was brand new to the area, the ship and the line - but was an experienc4ed photographer. He and my wife spent lots of time exchanging opinions about the best views and venues, as well as about "technical stuff" I don't understand. He didn't "set up" any single place, but would occasionally stop us and suggest we go with him to a nice venue for an interesting shot. We bought more pix on that cruise than all the others put together!
localady
August 16th, 2004, 12:06 PM
We will purchase a picture if it is exceptional, most are not, so we generally do not buy any. Our digital camera provides us with lovely pictures and we have always found fellow passengers to be very very helpful when it comes to getting a shot of the 2 of us together!
On my way onto the Ryndam, there was a huge line that was being held up by the photographer. My husband and I pleasantly said excuse me, and went around the line and the photographers. One photographer tried to tell me I had to wait, I looked at him and told him that thank you, it was our umpteenth cruise on HAL and we had plenty of pictures already. (If looks could kill....:rolleyes: )
Most of the time getting off the ship at ports we are able to scoot right on by them. I try not to let them put a damper on our good time and have learned to avoid certain routes to the dining room on formal night!!!:cool:
Krazy Kruizers
August 16th, 2004, 12:10 PM
We have found that some of the photographers have gotten too pushy. We are tired of sometimes waiting in long lines to get off the ship while everyone is having their picture taken. And like many of you, we are also tired of having our meals interrupted. At least on our last Maasdam cruise we weren't bothered each evening in the dining room. We are also tired of trying to go from one part of the ship to another and having our access blocked by photographers.
The prices have gotten out of hand. We rarely buy a picture any more. And that is due to price and size. We used to buy 2 or 3 pictures at $6.95 a piece when they sold the 5 by 7's. I think if they lowered the price and reduced the size of a lot of the photos, people might buy more.
lknick
August 16th, 2004, 12:11 PM
For those who think the photographers are too pushy, think of those who want photographs and the photographers were hard to find.
In my experience, it's rather easy to either walk around the photographers or have them go away by just saying 'No thank you'.
tomc
August 16th, 2004, 12:14 PM
Some will, indeed, back off when you indicate you are not interested. But I have found that becoming increasingly unusual. "Pushy" seems to be more the norm and, unfortunately, a little more than pushy on one occasion.
I realize it's their job and HAL's commission, but I paid to be on a cruise, not to be a target of opportunity. They exist for me, not the other way around.
lknick
August 16th, 2004, 12:36 PM
TomC...are you talking policy or personality?
I seem not to experience many of the problems aired on this board. Maybe being blind in one eye helps.
jhannah
August 16th, 2004, 12:44 PM
I know the photogs are simply trying to do a job. We walk around them when we're leaving the ship in a new port. Most often walk around them other places, too. We have no need for another Titanic staircase photo. If the photogs are set up in a spot that is unique to the ship we're on, we'll consider posing for a shot.
It's the dinner time photos that irk me. I'm in the dining room to enjoy a good meal. I don't want a pseudo-pirate hunkering down on my shoulder for a photo. It irks me more when they won't take 'no' for an answer.
Yes, the prices are too high and the sizes are too large.
tomc
August 16th, 2004, 12:50 PM
Lew -- Not sure what you mean. If I read you correctly, I think the answer is, "There are individual photogs who don't have manners." I don't think it's company policy, unless the policy (or onboard management) is, "More pictures = more money. Fewer pictures = next job is McDonald's."
ryansmemom
August 16th, 2004, 01:08 PM
I guess I'm the odd ball here. I enjoy the photographers and having my picture taken. We usually by several each cruise. We by at least 1 each formal night and at each port when we get off early enough to get our picture taken. The only picture we usually skip is the embarkation picture because it is usually not the most flattering one because we are so tired.
We are hooked on pictures because of my dear father. He was a picture enthusiast to the max. For as long as I remember, my father always insisted that every occasion, large or small, be memorialized with pictures. He always insisted on portraits and for many years and over many protests we took many pictures.
Now, we cherish those pictures. They are a record of who we were, where we have been, who we were with. The portraits show us at our best. In our family we share them with yet another generation who never met my father or the generation who came before him. Yes he memorialized his parents, too.
The portraits of my family, parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents all hang on the wall in my family room. I look at them all the time. I show them to Ryan all the time. (And Emily too, even though she is a bit young to apprciate them)Ryan also looks at the portraits in the albums. He enjoys seeing us all dressed up and formal. It's priceless, as far as I'm concerned.
If you don't want photographs taken by the ship's photographers, don't buy them. I have never known of any tactic pressuring people into buying photographs. If you don't want your picture taken, just tell the photagrapher so. I have seen people do this. I can't imagine anyone will force you to have your picture taken, or force you to stand in a line if you just want to get by. I have passed through a line by just politely saying "excuse me, I just want to walk through".
I honestly don't understand why this is a problem. Perhaps someone could expain it to me.
Linda
TedC
August 16th, 2004, 01:22 PM
We used to buy a photo or two and usually gave them to our children. But after awhile they nicely told us enough was enough - they apparently know what we look like.
Now we just walk around the photogs and never have a problem. Sometimes I'll tell them I'm in the witness protection program (which may or may not be true).
I take a lot of pictures on a cruise and always worried about the film being spoiled by airport X-rays, especially in other countries. Last May I had 12 rolls developed on the Westerdam and the processing was excellent!
But I expect to buy a digicam before our next cruise, so the X-rays will no longer be a problem.
ekerr19
August 16th, 2004, 01:30 PM
We rarely purchase them anymore. I purchase them if they are of the kids and it is a good photo - the kids like them. The kids have posed with some of their friends and the photos have come out well.
My DH cannot stand the dining room intrusion. We are trying to enjoy our evening and the pirate comes by and puts the knife to your throat - and the flash is blinding! Very disruptful, IMO. We have politely remarked that we DO NOT wish our picture to be taken in the dining room - many photogs will take it anyway or cop a really nasty attitude. :(
I don't get it. We don't want it, won't buy it - why take it? Same with the gangplank photos... we try and breeze by with a "no, thanks" - and the photographer gets mad? Take them of people who actually want them!
NJsharon
August 16th, 2004, 01:32 PM
We purchased one picture on our first cruise (zuiderdam) that we got put on a plate & that was from the formal night, where we had to wait online to get the picture taken. That is the only pic we have purchased.
Yes I do think they are rude, and yes they are overpriced.
When trying to disembark the tender at Half Moon Cay we had a long line as the photographer & assistant were holding everyone up trying to get everyones picture. We walked passed & said "excuse me... excuse me" to which the assistant told us we should wait on line, to which we said "we don't want a photo," then walked by them. I think they are rude. Yes they have a job to do, but not everyone wants their picture taken. Can't they set up to the side so people that aren't interested can walk around them easily?
As for the shots in the dining room, I think they are very wrong. We took our own camera & asked our server to take a picture of us as a couple, then one with all our table mates. That is enough for us.
~Sharon~ :)
Sweetpea2978
August 16th, 2004, 01:38 PM
What are the price of the photos
Orcrone
August 16th, 2004, 01:55 PM
While I do feel that the cost of pictures is way overpriced, I was pleasantly surprised by the cost of photo developing last year on the Carnival Inspiration. A 24 exposure roll of film cost $4.44 (or was it $8.88:confused:) to develop, with double prints and overnight service. That's comparable to a good deal at a local drugstore.
It was great being able to develop it on the ship. We took some pictures with friends we make on board,and this allowed us to give them a copy of the pictures with them in it.:)
ekerr19
August 16th, 2004, 02:00 PM
What are the price of the photos
The price of the professional photos can be pretty pricey. If I remember correctly, the last one I purchased on the Maasdam of my son and his friends was $24.95 for the 8x10... they will try and rope you in to the package deal and buy more than one - if you are interested in purchasing photos, look for the package deals.
We purchased some stock photos of the Maasdam (5x7) and were given a small HAL photo album along with the 5 photos. I think the cost for all five and the album was $29.95.
Hope this helps. :)
Navy_Chief
August 16th, 2004, 02:17 PM
Think I'll stick with my digital and print them up when I get back.:D
sail7seas
August 16th, 2004, 02:21 PM
I agree with those who say it is no big deal; walk on by and say No, Thank you. The problem is there are times (such as when arriving at HMC) when it is not possible no walk on by. The path is blocked by the Photographers.
Sometimes the gangway backs up when pax are trying to get off the ship. If you are back in line and cannot even see the entryway to the ship let alone the bottom of the gangway.....how can you walk on by? You would assume you would be 'line cutting' to go ahead of others who were there before you. We have every reason to think that persons with mobility issues may be having trouble getting down the gangway; perhaps the machine that scans the ID cards is 'acting up'; or folks are waiting until they get to the scanner to start digging it out.......How can one know it is the jerky Photographers blocking the bottom of the gangway taking pictures that is holding everyone up.
That is totally unacceptiable IMO
tomc
August 16th, 2004, 02:33 PM
Linda --
I honestly don't understand why this is a problem. Perhaps someone could expain it to me.
Someday, you will understand. You will hit a photog who is attempting to make the quota, or increase his commission. He (most likely) might start getting desperate and become a little too forward, a little snarky. When it's working on a nice cruise ship or taking photos of fussy little kids for the rest of your life, you'd get desperate, too.
ekerr19
August 16th, 2004, 02:34 PM
We don't try to cut to the front of the line... we wait til we get to the bottom, when they try and get us to pose, DH puts his hand up and says, "no thank you" - on occasion, they've actually still grabbed his arm pulling on him to get him to the "toe-line" for the picture.
We don't care for the aggresiveness of some of the photogs.
If, for some reason, we want a photo taken, we will... I think they should respect it when someone politely declines... :)
Tvisitor
August 16th, 2004, 03:32 PM
I have to admit that I like the formal pictures that were taken of us on two of our cruises, and another picture taken at our table in the dining room on a third cruise is also quite nice. They are some of the best pictures we have of us. I like looking back on what we used to look like "looking our best." As far as pictures on the gangway go, I think the process just gets in the way and slows down everyone else (like me who won’t buy a gangway picture), but some people like those pictures, and I have no problem extending the courtesy of not getting in the way of the photographer and his/her subject. I extend that courtesy to tourists in my home town all the time. Why not extend the same courtesy to the folks who are on a cruise?
ekerr19
August 16th, 2004, 03:34 PM
Linda --
Someday, you will understand. You will hit a photog who is attempting to make the quota, or increase his commission. He (most likely) might start getting desperate and become a little too forward, a little snarky. When it's working on a nice cruise ship or taking photos of fussy little kids for the rest of your life, you'd get desperate, too.
Tom-
You are killing me! I love your edited "one liners" :D
I am so glad they got rid of the pirate in the dining room too! It was my least favorite photo-op!
Vicar
August 16th, 2004, 03:47 PM
Man, after reading this thread now I know why Sinatra used to punch out photographers *LOL*
gizmo
August 16th, 2004, 03:49 PM
Linda --
Someday, you will understand. You will hit a photog who is attempting to make the quota, or increase his commission. He (most likely) might start getting desperate and become a little too forward, a little snarky. When it's working on a nice cruise ship or taking photos of fussy little kids for the rest of your life, you'd get desperate, too.
Tomc you are right. Sooner or later you are going to run across one of these photo people who get snarkey. It has only happened to us on one cruise. Most of the time a No Thank You does the trick.
There are times you cannot walk by. There was a group of us that got off the tender at HMC and got stuck standing on the ramp. The photogs had the top of the ramp blocked. One person in the party has had 2 hip replacements. This was not very pleasant for him, because of the angle of the ramp.
tomc
August 16th, 2004, 03:50 PM
Actually, I liked the pirate. She was cute and I bought the picture. What I'm grateful for is the keyring from formal night (posed as we went in) with my mother and me on it. She's gone now, but the keyring goes everywhere I drive.
ekerr19
August 16th, 2004, 03:53 PM
We had a male pirate - he was not so good looking... ;)
It sounds as if you have fond memories and momentos of past cruises. :)
We have many formal and professional cruise photos, even a couple of pirate ones. I just don't feel we need too many more. :)
Especially, when we feel we are being forced into posing while trying to eat. :(
Orcrone
August 16th, 2004, 04:01 PM
I have to admit that I like the formal pictures that were taken of us on two of our cruises, and another picture taken at our table in the dining room on a third cruise is also quite nice. They are some of the best pictures we have of us. I like looking back on what we used to look like "looking our best." As far as pictures on the gangway go, I think the process just gets in the way and slows down everyone else (like me who won’t buy a gangway picture), but some people like those pictures, and I have no problem extending the courtesy of not getting in the way of the photographer and his/her subject. I extend that courtesy to tourists in my home town all the time. Why not extend the same courtesy to the folks who are on a cruise? The problem is not one of extending courtesy to fellow cruisers. There is no reason that these photo opportunities could be set off to the side. If you want your picture taken getting off the gangway, then you can do that. However, they purposely put them in locations that block the gangway, exiting the tender to HMC, etc. on purpose, to try and prevent people from escaping without their picture being taken.
Tvisitor
August 16th, 2004, 05:01 PM
However, they purposely put them in locations that block the gangway, exiting the tender to HMC, etc. on purpose, to try and prevent people from escaping without their picture being taken.
I have not been to HMC, so I will not try to speak about what goes on there.
It might be that you are right. Perhaps it is all about making sure the photographer is not avoided, but I doubt it.
In a perfect world, perhaps gangways are wider. I don't know what "perfect" is. In this world, there are some gangways that are not wide enough for people to pass easily behind the photo-op, however, I am not prepared to conclude that they were designed that way to prevent passengers from avoiding the photographer. I imagine that it might be that they were designed to be sure that no one could walk down without being within reach of a handhold at every step of the way, and it might be that they were designed to discourage people from pushing past others in front of them. In short, they might have been designed with safety in mind. The designers might have viewed an orderly line as safer than a rushing crowd.
gizmo
August 16th, 2004, 06:07 PM
The problem is not one of extending courtesy to fellow cruisers. There is no reason that these photo opportunities could be set off to the side. If you want your picture taken getting off the gangway, then you can do that. However, they purposely put them in locations that block the gangway, exiting the tender to HMC, etc. on purpose, to try and prevent people from escaping without their picture being taken.
Agree 100% with this. A couple of times I saw them off to the side, but lately they are blocking the way. There is no reason to do this. The same thought crossed my mind, they do it on purpose. :mad:
localady
August 16th, 2004, 06:51 PM
Now we just walk around the photogs and never have a problem. Sometimes I'll tell them I'm in the witness protection program (which may or may not be true).
TedC- What an original excuse!!! You wouldn't mind if we borrow it would you??? Regardless of whether you are in the program or not, that comment is bound to make the photographer stop and think, at least long enough for you and yours to flee!!! Thanks for the laugh!:cool:
sail7seas
August 16th, 2004, 08:04 PM
We don't try to cut to the front of the line... we wait til we get to the bottom, when they try and get us to pose, DH puts his hand up and says, "no thank you" - on occasion, they've actually still grabbed his arm pulling on him to get him to the "toe-line" for the picture.
We don't care for the aggresiveness of some of the photogs.
If, for some reason, we want a photo taken, we will... I think they should respect it when someone politely declines... :)
"grabbed his arm pulling on him" That is awful. They best never put a hand on me. No one touches me without my permission and I am not shy about telling those who put a hand on me for any reason to kindly remove it now!!
Grabbing a person's arm and pulling on him is assaultive. IMO
mattR
August 16th, 2004, 08:37 PM
What is the cost of the pictures on the Zuiderdam
8x10
5x7
4x6
Peggy Sue
August 16th, 2004, 09:27 PM
who knew pictures could envoke so much passion in all of us?
May of 03 - zuiderdam - back before the early boarding I read about now...we waited and waited to board. We were in an S suite, so we had priority boarding. Finally, around 1:30 we were allowed to board..but a line immediately started to form....you guessed it, the photographers were at it and holding up the line.... We were all sitting and waiting for hours..couldn't they have set up a station and let people know it was there to get their pictures taken while we were waiting? Pictures were taken IN the terminal..not on the ship.....
I don't like the 8x10's .. take up too much space I think a 5x7 is a nice size picture.
We usually do seek out a photo op on the formal nights. but, we were dismayed photo's are only sold in 8x10 size. We do usually purchase one, but we find ourselves making a smaller copy at home for display. (I know, photo copy rights, but I bought it..and I'm not selling it ....)
We love our digital camera..and there are always friendly folks around happy to take our picture. I know we always offer to take photos of others too.
I think it's great photo services are offered. And we do usually purchase 1-2 pictures each cruise. However, I wish they weren't so pushy and I really wish they would set up out of the traffic patterns. People will seek them out if they want a photo. They may find they will waste less paper ......
Peggy Sue
RevNeal
August 16th, 2004, 09:48 PM
For the most part I prefer making my own photos -- group and otherwise -- with my digital camera. The ones taken with my camera -- even why done by the table stewards -- are superior to the ones done by the photographic staff.
I've seen some photographers be a little pushy ... but I have no problem telling the photographers to lay off. Since I usually let them take photos (even though I'm not buy many) when I've told them "no" they've usually been good about it. However, I'm with S7S: anytime anyone touches another person, uninvited and for any reason other than to help, assist, or keep someone from being injured, that is unacceptable.
ASM
August 16th, 2004, 10:03 PM
Most of the time, I've found "no thank you" to be enough. I agree that HMC is the biggest offender. I also got 5x7s instead of 8x10s by refusing nicely to buy the larger ones. They don't like selling the smaller photos but they will.
anniecat
August 17th, 2004, 12:57 AM
last week on the Amsterdam.. the photo developing was about $14 for a single set of 24 and $20 for a double set. They use the usual machines found in any drug store these days. Normally I wouldn't have had any developed...but my first roll spent time in too many airport and ship xray machines to risk two more exposures. the other ones I brought home with me (should be back tomorrow) as I could count the number of xray exposures (3 or 4) and according to a photo-freak friend film under 800 asa should be fine at that level. BUT DON"T PUT ANY UNDEVELOPED FILM OR INSTANT CAMERAS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS. they really get zapped...and do we get glow in the dark clothes also?
the photo's taken by the ship's photog's varied from $7 for a small one to $20 for a 8 x10 of the formal night. I did buy several since I practically have to hog-tie my mother to have a photo taken...and the ship's photog's were pushy enough to get a couple of great ones (and they do have really good camera's)
so there's a benefit to the pushy-ness
Anniecat
Ryndam, Feb 14 2005
Amsterdam, August 8 2004
carmzav
August 17th, 2004, 01:09 AM
(1) What do you think of HAL's ship photographers? (i.e. - too pushy?)
On the Statendam, I didn't feel like they were pushy... but they were mildly annoying.
(2) What do you think of the prices of the pictures?
I was appalled by the prices!! OUCH!!
(3) Do you buy a lot of pictures?
We didn't buy any... but if I had liked them, I may have considered it.
(4) Would like to see more of the 5 by 7 photos rather than a lot of larger photos?
I would definitely be more likely to buy a 5x7, and even *more* likely to buy a 4x6!!
Has anyone else noticed people who go into the photo gallery with their digital cameras and take pictures of the pictures instead of buying them? :rolleyes:
PrincessMelody
August 17th, 2004, 01:48 AM
We were on the Maasdam in January, and didn't find the paparazzi pushy or rude in any way...In fact, the 8x10's are all over the house!! They turned out great...plus it's not like we have time to get all dressed up in formals and go to a professional photographer and have pictures made. I was glad to have our picture taken, and even happier when they turn out well, and most all of ours were fantastic!! What wonderful memories!
Maybe it's because it was our first cruise, and we were just too giddy to be annoyed!!
Melody
Krazy Kruizers
August 17th, 2004, 08:27 AM
ASM
You mentioned that you were able to get some 5 by 7's made from larger photos. We have asked in the past to have a smaller photo made when we saw something we liked and we were refused. So we haven't asked anymore. After all they do keep the negatives until the cruise ends.
What price did you pay for the 5 by 7 photos?
Krazy Kruizers
August 17th, 2004, 08:29 AM
carmzav
As yet I haven't seen anyone taking pictures with their digital cameras in the photo gallery. But I don't spend much time there as we rarely get a picture taken.
But you can bet I am going to stop by there more often and see how many are doing this.
tomc
August 17th, 2004, 09:20 AM
Either I saw a couple doing this, or someone mentioned it to me. As much as I despise the photographers, I think this is wrong. They are doing the work and providing the product; if you want it, you should pay for it.
Vicar
August 17th, 2004, 09:46 AM
I never found them to be pushy at all.
Yes they hold up the line when you are trying to get off in port, but as far as any where else on the ship, if we didn't want to stop and have our picture taken , we just walked on by.
My last cruise was GFs and my first cruise together, so we did have one nice portrait taken on formal night. Also we traveled with several other couples so we bought the group photo of all of us at the table.
Things like that are nice, but I never buy the "port of call" pics or anything like that.
HeatherInFlorida
August 17th, 2004, 10:02 AM
The photograhers have never gotten in my way. We always encourage the group picture at the table and always buy it. Often we wave them away for the other shots and have not gotten an attitude from them.
When they charged $5 for the 5x7 I usually bought 8 or 10 of them. Now I buy 2 or 3. So they made more money in the past. As you all say, they develop them anyway so why not sell more for less? Makes no sense to me at all.
If I want a head shot of DH, I take it myself!!!:rolleyes:
And we NEVER wait in line for a formal shot anymore. We have a wonderful one from 5 years ago. I look better, DH looks better and we just leave it at that:D .
ekerr19
August 17th, 2004, 01:32 PM
"grabbed his arm pulling on him" That is awful. They best never put a hand on me. No one touches me without my permission and I am not shy about telling those who put a hand on me for any reason to kindly remove it now!!
Grabbing a person's arm and pulling on him is assaultive. IMO
Sail:
I think she thought he wouldn't mind - he did, but didn't say anything other than, "we're not interested" - she wasn't listening, just kept propelling him to the line - he just kept walking and so did we. I was pretty surprised that they did that - now we just try and walk faster before we can be coralled by the photog staff.
sail7seas
August 17th, 2004, 01:40 PM
Your husband is a very polite gentleman.....that Photographer's Assistant is lucky he is.
IMO, it is inexcusable and totally unacceptable for her to put a hand on anyone in an attempt to encourage them to pose for a photo.
Glad I have never been approached quite as vigorously as that.
ekerr19
August 17th, 2004, 02:37 PM
Your husband is a very polite gentleman.....that Photographer's Assistant is lucky he is.
IMO, it is inexcusable and totally unacceptable for her to put a hand on anyone in an attempt to encourage them to pose for a photo.
Glad I have never been approached quite as vigorously as that.
Sail-
He tries :) We have tons of cruise photos, I don't even mind the fact that they are pretty pricey. We now just have more than we need or want.
I think it was Heather who posted something I can relate too - we looked good back then and like the pictures we have... why change them? :)
I think the photogs must think everyone is a first time cruiser, looking to get photos - which is fine, but not the case for us - and it seems they get pushier and pushier, IMO. The staff on the Maasdam last April were pretty aggressive.
Vicar
August 17th, 2004, 05:05 PM
I go to NYC quite a bit and very block you walk there is someone trying to sell you something, trying to slip a handbill in your hand , or trying to hit you up for a handout .
You have to look straight ahead, hands at your sides and just keep walking *LOL*
carmzav
August 17th, 2004, 05:17 PM
Tom- I agree, that the photographers should be paid for their work. I have been on two cruises, and *both* times I saw people doing what I mentioned earlier, taking digital pictuers of the printed photograph. I just can't believe that anybody would be *that* cheap!! :rolleyes: And to do it in public, and not even appear to be ashamed about it!! :eek: Then again, they're probably the same people who go and ask to have their tips removed from their bill!