This is exactly what we found on our previous trips. I’ve found that striking up a quick conversation or joking around with them, or your group, can really help. If the photographer is more interactive with your group, they’re more inclined to take some extra shots, magic shots, or offer up other suggestions for different shots.
Also agree that the skill level /experience of the PP photographers can really very. If you want that “special shot” of your family in front of the Castle, don’t just take one and figure you got it. If they’ve got multiple PP photographers down Main Street, and believe me they do, try multiple ones. Same goes for different times of the day. We like to get them on our way in and out of the park. So many element are out of your control, or the photographers control, that you’ll appreciate having ”too many shots” to choose from. Nothing worse than getting that ”perfect photo”, if it weren’t for that person shoving there face with food right behind you.
Personally we feel like we’ve had our best luck ”older” PP Photographer. It’s not uncommon to find some that are retired professionals photographers who love interacting with families at the parks. They’ve just got so much more experience and so many things are just second nature. Little things like positioning family to the sun properly, placing a sunset behind you to get that special glow, etc. Also, don’t find it uncommon that they took additional photos that you weren’t even aware of. Nothing against “younger“ PP Photographers, many are great, but you never know.