Re: Permits for tripods

[Charles Tait <charles.tait@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi there

Ron Klein wrote:

> 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?
>

Quite agree

>
> 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.
>

If you are too scruffy they may take you for some kind of undesirable.  No
flashy cases, new cameras, etc

>
> 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.
>

I carry my RZ in a very scruffy old green bag that looks like a fishing bag (it
is).  It never elicits any comment.  Take the small automatic camera too and
take family pix along the way.  My wife often takes part in this to good
effect.  (watch the Japanese on holiday).  Have the picnic too...

>
> 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.
>

I always say that I am an amateur on holiday.  My 12 year old car helps too.
People seem to think that professional photographers are rich.  Another approach
is to be that of the interested amateur historian, archaeologist, botanist, bird
watcher, etc.  It often works well.

>
> 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.
>

I doubt that these signs really ever mean much on public property.  Private is
perhaps different, but not in areas open to the public, paying or not.

>
> 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.
>

I once had a customer who refused to pay a bill depot all sorts of warnings.
Eventually he had a job as a security person at the P&O ferry terminal here.  He
was very rude and abusive to another photographer who he took for me.  A small
complained by the latter lost the former his job which was quite sweet.  Many of
these employees are scared stiff of their bosses, and thus take things out on
their customers.  This is not nice and leaves a bad impression.  Stay calm and
collected and certainly polite.  At the last resort ask for the name of their
superior, and get in touch with them.  Normally I have found all of these people
to be courteous, but they do have rules and jobsworth can apply.

>
> 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.
>

H'm.  They will see what is going on and this will make it much worse for other
photographers.  It is important not to put photographers into disrepute like
this.

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

"They" will have more money (lots more), better lawyers and vast patience.  You
will also get onto a little black list maybe.

>
> 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.
>

Staff who have been difficult can be turned around completely by kindness like
this.

>
>  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

Ah well the days are getting longer, and soon it will be "summer".

Charles