April Meeting - Update II (long but informative)

[Richard Schneider <richard.schneider@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Colleagues,

I am certain that taking (panoramic) photographs of the Cherry Blossoms (and springtime in DC in general) is one of the reasons why you are considering attending the April Meeting. 

Be forewarned that the use of a tripod (an absolute necessity for some panoramic
photography) is allowed only with a permit on virtually all federal lands in the DC area. If the 
Park Police see you using a tripod let's say, at the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, 
they will ask to see your permit. If you do not produce one, you will be asked to remove the 
tripod from the premises or store it away.

I have embarked on getting permits for about 20 or so attendees to be used in several DC 
locations. The trouble is, some federal agencies have separate rules for commercial 
photography and individual use photography. If you know for certain that the photographs
you take will be for a commercial purpose, then I'd suggest you apply for a permit separately.
I've sought to get permits to cover the duration of the meeting (April 6-8). If you are planning
to arrive before or plan to stay later than those dates and wish to photograph, then once
again, apply for a permit separately. In the "Gray Area" category: What if you take a picture
"for yourself", but at a later date decide that you'd like to use it for a commercial purpose??
My answer: I wouldn't worry about it. 

The following locations require a permit in order to use a tripod on the premises. I have 
included as much pertinent information as I could find regarding contact:

National Park Service
- has jurisdiction over the Mall, Tidal Basin, Grant Memorial, C&O Canal Park in Maryland and
Virginia - 
Contact: Robbin Owen or Richard Merryman
Phone: 202-619-7225   FAX: 202-401-2430
Please note: My application is under consideration for 20 people. The permit, if issued, would
only cover Thurs. April 6 and Fri. April 7. NPS would not issue a permit to me for the weekend
but remember, if you hand-hold your cameras, you are "in business" here and everywhere.

National Arboretum
- a relatively unknown property which should be beautiful in the Spring - it is in North East
Washington on New York Avenue -
Contact: Nancy Luria or Lisa Baldes
Phone: 202-245-4523   FAX: 202-245-4575

US Capitol - House Side
Contact: Teresa Johnson, House Sergeant of Arms Office
Room: H-124
Phone: 202-225-2456
Please note: I already have the permit for 20 people. All tripods need to be utilized on grass
and not on concrete or marble.

US Capitol - Senate Side
Contact: US Capitol Police
Room: ST-3
Phone: 202-225-3121
Please note: Yes, you do need separate permits for the House and Senate sides of the US
Capitol!! These permits are only issued the day you plan on using it.

On April 6, the Meeting will commence at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs 
Division Office - Room LM-337 (3rd floor). The time will likely be between 9:30 and 10:00 am.
This office is in the Madison building of the L of C. Large, modern in appearance. Located at Independence Avenue and First St. NE.

After our tour of the Library, we will have an opportunity to photograph on the US Capitol
grounds. If we have any desire to take a group photo, this might present a good opportunity.

I still have several possibilities for afternoon activities, including a tour of the Smithsonian's 
photo facility. On the way down from Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian, you may want to stop
in and see two photographic exhibitions - one at the National Gallery and the other at the 
National Archives.

I will let you know more in "Update III", which will be sent in a week or less.

Thanks,
Richard