Behind the Lens: Disney PhotoPass Captures Nearly 3 Million runDisney Photos Each Season

Disney PhotoPass cast members take nearly 3 million photos across a single runDisney race season at Walt Disney World, with veteran photographer Dave Devore — a retired U.S. Air Force servicemember — serving as a standout example of the craft. Dave's dedication earned him the Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor a Disney cast member can receive, and he shared practical tips to help runners get the best shots on race day. More than 1,000 total cast members support each runDisney race weekend across the resort.

Disney PhotoPass cast members capture nearly 3 million photos across a single runDisney race season at Walt Disney World, stationed throughout courses that wind past some of the most iconic backdrops on property. Veteran cast member Dave Devore — a retired U.S. Air Force photographer who has worked with PhotoPass for nearly 15 years — exemplifies the skill and heart that goes into each shot, earning the Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor a Disney cast member can receive. More than 1,000 cast members across Walt Disney World contribute to every race weekend.

Capturing 3 Million Memories a Season

For every runDisney participant who crosses a finish line at Walt Disney World, there is a good chance a Disney PhotoPass cast member captured the moment. Nearly 3 million photos are taken across a full race season — a staggering volume achieved by photographers positioned at strategic points along each course, ready for the smiles, waves, and triumphant expressions that define race day.

One of those photographers is Dave Devore, whose Disney story began almost 15 years ago after retiring from the U.S. Air Force, where he traveled the world with a camera always in hand. "Once I retired, I was able to continue my passion for photography here at Walt Disney World," Dave said.

From Military Service to a Disney Legacy Award

Over his nearly 15-year career at Disney, Dave has elevated his craft through specialized training available to all PhotoPass photographers. Before every race weekend, the team undergoes preparation focused on capturing action shots — learning how to anticipate runners' movements and make split-second decisions that yield the best images. The results speak for themselves: Dave's dedication to the moment earned him The Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor a Disney cast member can receive.

"It's such a great honor to be recognized," Dave said. "Every day I make sure to uphold that legacy and everything that it represents." His connection to runners is genuine: "We cheer on each athlete and share in their excitement. It's a nice feeling when they run by and thank us for being there. You're not just capturing these moments; you become a part of them."

Race Day Photo Tips from Dave Devore

Dave shared his top tips for runners who want to make the most of Disney PhotoPass during a runDisney race:

• Look out for the bright green shirts and lights along the course — that's where photographers are stationed.
• Wave, smile, or show your style to get the best action shots.
• After crossing the finish line, keep the celebration going — visit Disney PhotoPass locations across the resort for fun runDisney-themed Magic Shots.

The Team Behind Every Race Weekend

Disney PhotoPass photographers are just one piece of a massive operational effort. More than 1,000 cast members across Walt Disney World contribute to each runDisney race weekend — spanning operations, entertainment, custodial teams, and more. Adam Ball, Vice President of ESPN Wide World of Sports and runDisney, puts it simply: "My favorite part of any race weekend is taking a step back and seeing our cast in action. They're the reason why runners come back year after year."

For a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to pull off a runDisney race weekend, the Disney Unscripted series features cast members who make it all possible:

What This Means for Runners

For runDisney participants, the race experience extends well beyond the miles on the course. The thousands of cast members working behind the scenes — and the photographers stationed to capture every stride — transform each race into a fully produced Disney memory. Upcoming race registrations and event schedules are available at rundisney.com.