Re: Permits for tripods (Was: Santa Barbara Soap)

[Charles Tait <charles.tait@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi there

The same applies in UK, but the permission does not cost anything, at least I
have never paid.  Realistically  a small fee would be OK, as all these
monuments do need to be maintained.  Having done a lot of work on ancient
monuments I can well understand why the authorities need to control
"professionals".  Film and TV crews are normally particularly intrusive and
arrogant (not all are I hasten to add).  The advantage of official permission
is invariably helpful and enthusiastic staff at sites, help regarding access
and perhaps access to closed areas.

This all works as long as the photographers stick to the often arcane rules
(which are often bent).  What is most important is to realize that when we take
photos of these places we must not impinge too much on the pleasure of others
who are visiting the site, and also that the protection of the site is far more
important that any photo that may or may not be achieved that day.

"Gary A. Braun" wrote:

> I'm planning a trip to India and discovered that I also need to have a
> permit from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to use a tripod at such
> sites as the Taj Mahal and other historic locations.  I don't know what the
> permit would cost, but in any case I don't have the time on my schedule to
> visit the ASI office in New Delhi.  I'm hoping that I can purchase a permit
> at the Taj directly (or pay a little "baksheesh" if anyone hassles me.)
> Has anyone had any experiences with this in India?
>

Why not speak with the Embassy?   And anyway do you really need to use a big
tripod?  My little Gitzo attracts almost no attention as it looks spindly I
suppose but supports quite large cameras OK.

>
> Gary
>
> At 1:17 PM -0800 1/25/99, M. Denis Hill wrote:
> >I've been chased from the Trocadero in Paris for shooting with a RoundShot
> >on a tripod sans permit. The next day, when I went to the palace at
> >Versailles, I investigated the price of a permit: $5000 per day!
> >

I have never had a problem in Paris.  Maybe playing the I'm Scottish card is a
useful one.

>
> >It seems, in France, that an amateur can't use a tripod, and a
> >professional must pay through the nose. I learned that an amateur cannot
> >get a permit, even if willing to pay the price.
> >
> >C'est ca, mes amis!
> >--
> >M. Denis Hill | Area 360 Communications | Coupeville, Whidbey Island,
> >Washington, USA
> >360-202-6373 | mailto:denis@xxxxxxxxxxx | http://www.area360.com
> >Documentation, photography, marketing communications

Usually these petty officials can be placated by gentle soothing that I am a
tourist spending money in your country and the photos are simply for our own
personal memories.  On the other hand you could get one of these Mamiya 7
cameras which look like they come out of the ark, but are excellent (and
light).

C'est la vie...
Charles Tait