Creeping Government vs. Photography
Jan 16, 2014 15:28:16 #
I just ran across this, and wonder what your reaction is.
"The Overland Park (KS).city council has approved charging a permit fee for all professional photographers using the city parks. They determined a professional photographer is anyone who intends to sell their photos, set up, carry or use equipment such as a tripod, long lenses, light meter, strobes, interchangeable lenses, reflectors or other equipment not normally carried by casual park visitors, or someone who uses models, sets or changes of clothes in their photography." I put the "or" in bold, because it makes it clear that they have set up three categories and meeting the terms of any one of them makes one a "professional."
Where does "amateur" end and "professional" begin? And where does "artist" figure into the equation.
"The Overland Park (KS).city council has approved charging a permit fee for all professional photographers using the city parks. They determined a professional photographer is anyone who intends to sell their photos, set up, carry or use equipment such as a tripod, long lenses, light meter, strobes, interchangeable lenses, reflectors or other equipment not normally carried by casual park visitors, or someone who uses models, sets or changes of clothes in their photography." I put the "or" in bold, because it makes it clear that they have set up three categories and meeting the terms of any one of them makes one a "professional."
Where does "amateur" end and "professional" begin? And where does "artist" figure into the equation.
Jan 16, 2014 15:46:50 #
Most cities have a permit clause for professional photographers and filmmakers. Without it you might see a film crew shooting a movie down main street without warning.
Jan 16, 2014 15:56:25 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
I just ran across this, and wonder what your react... (show quote)
Amateur stops at P&S and phone cameras.
MAYBE a bridge.
The major cities have done this for a long time.
If you make money doing it, we need our cut.
And, if you think that's bad, there are parks where you need the permit whether you're a pro or not.
http://www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/SRPHAphotopermit.cfm
And just *try* to get in DisneyLand/World with anything more than just a camera.
Jan 16, 2014 16:00:14 #
Just shoot until a park ranger comes up to you and asks to see the permit. If you are willing to pay the fee, then do so and continue shooting. If not, then apologize, pack up your gear and leave. Whichever park you go to, there are always rules to abide to - be it setting up tents, fishing, climbing trees, making loud noises, etc. Perhaps things were getting out of hand at Overland Park, with photographers setting up tripods and reflectors everywhere, which potentially can be a nuisance to other visitors. I've experienced that at New York's Central Park - I had to get off the paved walking path because it was blocked by photographers and their equipment.
Jan 16, 2014 16:01:45 #
Crap! Overland Park is right across the street from me!
Luckily I shoot in my little suburb and the parks are just fine there.
I am a pro but sometimes do freebies for friends.
Wonder if they would fine me if I put my iPhone on a tripod?
Luckily I shoot in my little suburb and the parks are just fine there.
I am a pro but sometimes do freebies for friends.
Wonder if they would fine me if I put my iPhone on a tripod?
Jan 16, 2014 16:07:21 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
rdgreenwood wrote:
I just ran across this, and wonder what your react... (show quote)
It's annoying for us, especially if we don't expect to make money but want to use our better gear, but it makes sense.
The "artist" doesn't really figure into the equation, because they're too broke to be able to pay the permit fee. :-)
Jan 16, 2014 16:08:52 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
I just ran across this, and wonder what your react... (show quote)
They need the money.
Jan 16, 2014 16:12:36 #
Wall-E wrote:
...And just *try* to get in DisneyLand/World with anything more than just a camera.
I was in California Adventure Land to watch my son's band play with all of my gear and no one said a thing.
From http://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/
What items are not permitted within Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park?
- Professional photographers with professional cameras or recording equipment, who are visiting the Disneyland Resort with the intent to take photographs or recordings of people, Disneyland Resort properties, or icons for professional purposes must make prior arrangements with Disneyland Resort Media Relations.
- Folding tripod stands or monopod stands that can fit inside a standard backpack are permitted.
Jan 16, 2014 16:16:16 #
St3v3M wrote:
I was in California Adventure Land to watch my son... (show quote)
I stand (sit) corrected. That isn't the way it used to be. Anything more than a camera (like a tripod or reflector) and you were a pro needing to go through their media office.
Jan 16, 2014 16:17:36 #
Fascinating! I'm not a "my way or the highway" thinker, so my mind can be changed on this. Here's my problem: you go to the park with your squeeze. You have your high end DSLR on you, take a few shots, and then you say, "Take your sweater off." At that moment an officer of the law steps out of the bushes, quotes Rule #3 (change of clothing)at you, and confiscates your camera. Justified?
Let me give another example: My camera club has an arrangement with a local bank, whereby club members buzz about the region, taking photos that they then submit to the bank for use in the bank's yearly calendar. The 12 photographers whose images are selected each receive five calendars. The person who submits the cover image gets a cash reward. Most of the pictures are taken in local and state parks. Pro or amateur?
Let me give another example: My camera club has an arrangement with a local bank, whereby club members buzz about the region, taking photos that they then submit to the bank for use in the bank's yearly calendar. The 12 photographers whose images are selected each receive five calendars. The person who submits the cover image gets a cash reward. Most of the pictures are taken in local and state parks. Pro or amateur?
Jan 16, 2014 16:17:51 #
Wall-E wrote:
I stand (sit) corrected. That isn't the way it used to be. Anything more than a camera (like a tripod or reflector) and you were a pro needing to go through their media office.
I am sure it is an evolving process.
Jan 16, 2014 16:21:35 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
Fascinating! I'm not a "my way or the highwa... (show quote)
First example, no. All he could do is cite you and toss you out.
Second. Pro, something of value changed hands. 1099's should have been sent.
Jan 16, 2014 16:27:32 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
Fascinating! I'm not a "my way or the highwa... (show quote)
Sweater - Hardly changing clothes, as in models changing clothes for a new shoot.
Calendars - So the police would have keep track of who got free calendars and then arrest them? Then they would go after the guy whose picture made it to the cover?
Neither situation would get me into a sweat.
Jan 16, 2014 16:35:31 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Sweater - Hardly changing clothes, as in models changing clothes for a new shoot.
Calendars - So the police would have keep track of who got free calendars and then arrest them? Then they would go after the guy whose picture made it to the cover?
Neither situation would get me into a sweat.
Calendars - So the police would have keep track of who got free calendars and then arrest them? Then they would go after the guy whose picture made it to the cover?
Neither situation would get me into a sweat.
Geez, jerry. There's the lawful answer and then there's what goes under the radar. Do you ever speed? Or cross against the light? Both are violations, but the vast majority of us don't get into trouble for it unless we're being stupid besides. Same here. There's the letter of the law, and then there's the intent.
Jan 16, 2014 16:46:16 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
Here's my problem: you go to the park with your squeeze. You have your high end DSLR on you, take a few shots, and then you say, "Take your sweater off." At that moment an officer of the law steps out of the bushes, quotes Rule #3 (change of clothing)at you, and confiscates your camera. Justified?
You are lucky he didn't cite Rule #6 No Public Indecency
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