Corona Del Mar - Park Rangers Q's

I'm planning an early AM trip to Corona Del Mar within the next month to shoot the tide pools and arch. I called the city office to see what time the parking lot would be open. Along with that they told me that the park rangers may ask for a permit if they think I'm a professional which I am not. A permit is currently $758 for one day. One person told me setting up a tripod would be a hint that I'm a pro. Another said if I'm shooting people and had reflectors and what-not that I'd be a pro. I can see the latter as a possibility, but a tripod? I'll need one for the long exposures I plan on taking before and just after sunrise.

I understand the concern about the tide pools and respect that, but how can I get the shots that I want, similar to the ones seen at POTN, and not get hassled or asked to leave by someone that thinks that I'm a pro. If he/she sees a 7D (amateur) and some L glass along with the tripod could I be asked to leave?

Just curious as to what I may run into and what I should know. This Sunday afternoon I plan on going there for family fun and to get myself aquainted for that early AM shoot alone. I may talk to a ranger or two about shooting. This may answer all my Q's.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks

I can't imagine getting hassled for a permit unless you had a bunch of light stands, reflectors, etc.

I keep hearing stories of photographers getting hassled by CA rangers. Up here in Seattle you need permits for pro shoots in parks as well. I called the city office of film here and asked what definition of professional they were using and they simply stated that if I was making money then it would be considered a pro shoot.

I have never been questioned while shooting though.

I would call the city back, state you are not pro and tell them how to respond to a ranger that may think otherwise.

If you have a business card showing that you have a different profession it probably wouldn't hurt to make sure you have one on hand while shooting. If anyone questions you just say you are shooting personal pics, state you are an ameture photographer, and show them that you are employed in a different field.

Thanks Robert,
I did call just before they closed and they transferred me to the ranger supervisor and left a message. He called me back and I explained that I'm an amateur and that I'd like to come down one AM. He said if I'm approached to tell them that I'm an amateur and not making any money from it, just like you said. He said that there's been a lot of public complaints in the past about rude photographers telling people to move and whatnot, so they're getting more strict. I assured him that I wouldn't be rude and respect the tide pools also. The odd thing is that he could not assure me that I wouldn't be hassled. He said that the rangers look for professional equipment and if they think you're a pro they'll ask you to leave. Now I don't consider my gear to be pro grade, but maybe a ranger would.

I like the card idea. Thanks. I'll have to come up with something.

Stop by and introduce yourself to the ranger, tell him what you're doing and mention you've spoken to the guy in charge. You should be ok.

+1 to what Rick and Robert said. Be pro-active, go and introduce yourself at the Ranger station and have a business card or at least a quick and clear story as to what you do for a living.

Also use a silencer. That way you won't tip off the Rangers when you shoot people who walk into your shot. - You also wont disturb the local wildlife which is another plus.

1. Get business card
2. Introduce self
3. Use silencer

Got it! Thanks people.

I have shot many times on CA beaches and state parks - As long as you arent being disruptive to other park-goers and are there with, lets say, a model, or lighting gear, making a big spectacle, you will be fine.

I got married on Huntington Beach back in 2010- called the city, got the run around about them needing blueprints, permits (about the same price as you were quoted) and such - when I explained to them that we were going to be walking out to the sand as a group for about 20-30 minutes, getting married, taking photos, and going back into the adjacent hotel, with no seats, no furniture or structures, all of a sudden, they didn't care, they even had the lifeguards and rangers keep the area where we were all clear.

Thanks Justin, sounds like I shouldn't have much to worry about.

What happend to innocent until proven guilty? If somebody comes up to you andask if you are a pro just tell the truth

Ynot wrote in post #15165939
Thanks Justin, sounds like I shouldn't have much to worry about.

no worries, have a great shoot!

Kirill, I agree completely and don't have a problem with that. The thing is I was told that if I have what appears to be pro gear they'll call me on it and assume I'm a pro.

Either way I'm going next week, now with much less worry than what I OP'd with.

Thanks for chiming in.

Just remind them what ass u me indicates.

??????????

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #15172581
Just remind them what ass u me indicates.

Ynot wrote in post #15175796
??????????

Old joke: "When you assume, you make an ass of u and me."

But it's probably not a good idea to call a ranger an ass if you want his cooperation.