VENT : Permits for parks for non-Wedding sessions

I have to do a family session this weekend and I have been researching parks because i'm not familiar with the area. I need to do a session in around Mississauga/Oakville. It seems like any park that is worth taking photos of requires a permit. This particular park wants me to pay $300 for a permit for family photography.....

How do you all get around this? What family will pay $300 for a permit...I've been running into this issue alot in the GTA (greater Toronto area)....

Get some studio space. Find private property that you can shoot on. Raise you rates, another cost of doing business.

ALL the parks require a permit? I would opt for an urban session then, unless the client wants to cover the cost of the permit.

Is this for a 1-day permit? Seems awfully high if it is. Buy an annual permit for your favorite park space. Cost of doing business.

Around here park police WILL ask for your permit and ticket if you don't have it. When we did our engagement and bridal sessions the photographer gave us the option of taking the chance. No thanks. Add the $50 x 2 to the package.

-F

I though UK was xrap for all the permit they ask you... seems like you guys are not doing any better...

I personally will pass and do something different...

forevercha wrote in post #12294992
I have to do a family session this weekend and I have been researching parks because i'm not familiar with the area. I need to do a session in around Mississauga/Oakville. It seems like any park that is worth taking photos of requires a permit. This particular park wants me to pay $300 for a permit for family photography.....

How do you all get around this? What family will pay $300 for a permit...I've been running into this issue alot in the GTA (greater Toronto area)....

if canada is anything nicer than america, you are fine. Most people don't obtain permits as no one really enforces them. And even if they do, people should be kind and respectful enough to only ask to leave. If they ask, tell them its your family and you are doing this for fun. Dont sweat it.

Make it quick and simple. get the couple situated. set the lights. snap and move on.

Out of all the landscapes in the Toronto area you can't find a spot that doesn't charge. I've spent alot of time there when my daughter was doing to university. I did many outdoor portrait sessions there and was always able to find a spot that didn't charge.

Ok, you've come on here and vented and that sometimes makes us feel better. You are upset with the amount being charged, have you taken the time to contact your local elected officials to voice your concern. As long you leave it unsaid to those that matter nothing will ever change.

Did you talk to them directly regarding the permit? There are some parks around here that have a "professional photography" fee. When I called about it, they said that was a fee to set up several sets. A photographer, assistant, subject and a couple lights didn't fall under that category and a permit was not needed. Couldn't hurt to ask.

lol...How much is the ticket?

forevercha wrote in post #12294992
I have to do a family session this weekend and I have been researching parks because i'm not familiar with the area. I need to do a session in around Mississauga/Oakville. It seems like any park that is worth taking photos of requires a permit. This particular park wants me to pay $300 for a permit for family photography.....

How do you all get around this? What family will pay $300 for a permit...I've been running into this issue alot in the GTA (greater Toronto area)....

Is this really a per-session fee?

This could well be the actual situation. In the US, the primary consideration for permits is to control major productions, which would have a high propensity for park damage, safety risk, and disruption of normal visitor enjoyment, if not controlled.