How to get "permits" to take photos

[AberyClark]

Hello, we were in Bethesda, MD taking photos in the subway system and was told by their manager, due to security reasons, you need a permit. She said the typical tourist shooting was ok...but I was there with tripod and practicing various camera settings photographing the trains as they went buy. I understand the policy (people, security, etc). How does one obtain a permit. I understand many places will not allow tripods without permits. Any suggestions?

[nitekatt2006]

Well, a makeup artist, a model and I were shooting pictures in a city park when a ranger came upon us and asked if we had a permit for commercial use. We said no because we were just doing a test student shoot with no commercial usage. The makeup artist said she even called the media office to find out if it was ok to shoot there and it was cleared. But when the ranger had us go to the media office to confirm, the office denied there was any permission given. We had shot there several times before and even asked rangers if it was ok. They said go ahead as long as it is not for commercial use.

Permits are usually give from the facility media office. Always check because we were issued a citation for over $100, an expensive shoot katt

[samnz]

I usually go through my local city council. If it's something like a botanical garden, or historical monument, you can try approaching the main office. Subways and malls get tricky mostly because of advertising copyrights. My favourite photographic supplier is situated inside a mall, therefore it's always a hassle trying to test new gear (both inside - and out). As a courtesy I go around and tell the retailers what I am doing and they're usually ok with that.

The Christchurch Botanical Gardens require a permit for Wedding Photography. There is a fee however (either casual - or annual), and you are given areas in which you may photograph. The reason behind this (I am told), is the cultural sensitivity of photographing Native fauna. I may be wrong, but I personally think it's a crock-a-sht!
To do wedding photography (as a professional) at a "certain" venue in Christchurch, you must pay a fee (casual or annual) and upon payment you receive a lovely armband which you must don whilst photographing on the premise. If you mention you're 'just taking photos for a friend' - it's FREE! Hmmm - you can guess which option I choose.

But all in all Abery, it's a courtesy thing. Let the locals know what you're doing - and you'll be sweet. Get nabbed - act dumb. Get chased - get out!!! :) Sam

[mdmedicgod]

Well, acording to WMATA's policy still photography is allowed with out permit. (no tripods or light stands)

That being said. I have read an incident report from november.

Read for you self:

http://www.palal.net/wmata_incident.html

If it were me. I would contact wmata and ask for a permit anyway. It obvious the employees don't know the rules....

[cowpix]

Generally, when shooting on location, you need to contact the supervising agency of that location. You may be required to show proof of liability insurance as well.

[canonphotog]

Hello, we were in Bethesda, MD taking photos in the subway system and was told by their manager, due to security reasons, you need a permit. She said the typical tourist shooting was ok...but I was there with tripod and practicing various camera settings photographing the trains as they went buy. I understand the policy (people, security, etc). How does one obtain a permit. I understand many places will not allow tripods without permits. Any suggestions?

This would have been a perfect question to ask their manager. After all, if you need a permit and they don't know anything about how to get one, How would they know if the permit you show them is legit?

[sjafari]

a funny note.. New York City parks will not allow tripods without a permit, though it specifically mentions the use of tripods (not "supports" or any other term). I had to spend 5 minutes explaining the difference between a tripod and monopod, before i was threatened with prosecution and arrest.. so i lit up a cig and walked away. I absolutely hate all of this post 9/11 paranoia and utter bull****.

[mdmedicgod]

I have an answer from WMATA:

Dear Mr. Davis:

Thank you for your recent inquiry. WMATA has no policy prohibiting photography
in Metrorail facilities, and doing so is not illegal. The only thing not
permitted is the use of a tripod, and that is for safety reasons only. I should
point out that, in the changed climate since the September 11, 2001 attacks,
taking photos in Metro facilities may be seen as suspicious, and the Metro
Transit Police Department sometimes investigates such activity.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bessy
Consumer Representative
Office of Customer Relations
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
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