Re: Permits for tripods

[Ron Klein <panorama@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Now let me get this straight,

 I hear a lot of people complaining about photographic restrictions but
nobody seems to be doing much about it.  The situation is only going to get
worse for photographers or anyone interested in personal freedom.  But who
is at fault?

Obviously WE ONLY HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS when we are doing our “thing”.  But
it becomes a thin line to the government bureaucrats that must manage a
resource so 350 million idiots can enjoy it.  How many times have you been
to a favorite public place and seen it totally trashed by some Bozo?

I’m not condoning regulations that are hastily made or the overzealous park
ranger.  But it seems that there are not too many options for the officials
approaching you demanding fees or explanations.  You are either going to be
greeted by someone who believes they are just doing the "right thing", or by
a flaming nature nazi on a power trip.

Believe me, I’ve had a few rounds with the enemy, and here is some advice:

1. Smile a lot and act stupid !!!  This will buy you time.  Never get mad.
You might even convince them that you are not “professional” just by the way
you are dressed or handle your gear.

2. Learn the art of camouflage.  Keep your gear under wraps. Haul it around
in paper bags from Safeway.  Use an ugly “beater” tripod.  Make everything
look like you are having a picnic until you are ready for the “kill”.  If
you have kids, bring them along.

3. Don’t volunteer any information as to what you are doing.  Who ever you
are working for is your concern NOT THEIRS.  Remind them that it is none of
their business.

4. When challenged about taking photographs, Ask where the sign is that
prohibits you from working.  It seems to me, if it is a law then it needs to
be posted like “keep off the grass”, NO PARKING, or PERMIT REQUIRED. If it
is truely official it will have the statute quoted as well.  Some signs are
fake, posted by groundskeepers and not legal.

5. Always get the name of the person bothering you.  Hand them your business
card and ask for their I.D. right off the bat.  If you want to harass them,
begin taking notes on a yellow legal pad.  Start by asking a lot of
questions and writing down the comments.  It helps to have an assistant for
a witness.  Don't be in a hurry, you can really enjoy this.  Be sure to
photograph them and tell them it is for evidence.

6. Don’t forget to point out anyone else taking pictures near by and ask
them what they are going to do about it.  It might help to use a decoy
photographer to take attention off of yourself.  If you are working as a
team, chances are that one of you will get the shot before being chased
away.

7. Threaten to sue.  If you got money, you'll probably win.  There are
certain basic rights being violated and with a good lawyer.......

Now if you really want to get what you want, volunteer to help in the park.
Clean off grafitti, rake leaves, do what ever It takes.  By doing something
good for them, they are going to return the favor.  Maybe all they want are
some of your pictures. That's a cheap way to get what you want.  Remember,
this way it is official, and they might even hire you for more work someday.

 I guess it all depends on what you want and what kind of hurry you are in
to get it.  But a little goodness goes a long way.  Our parks really do need
our help and you can't beat them all the time.  This all goes back to
building your reputation as a "professional" photographer.

Now go out and make great pan pictures.  Just try to ignore the bastards.

What else can I say.  Right now we have very long winter nights here in
Alaska and there is not much more to do than complain.

having fun with ya,

Ron Klein