At 08:01 12/14/01, Scott Gomez asked:
What National Park Photography Policy? Do we now have to have (probably buy)
a permit to take pictures on public land?
---
Scott Gomez
Scott,
There is, indeed, a policy statement about it. Park regulations allow the
NPS to require a permit *and* charge a fee for photography on park
lands. However, if you read the regulations and the policy statement, it
is intended for cinema or television film crews, and for professional still
photography that would employ an army of crew to operate an armada of
equipment. It also applies if the photographer desires special access to
areas not open to park visitors . . . in which case permission for that
alone must be sought (the usual situation is a special documentary
filming). There are some special cautions about interfering with 1st
Amendment rights and coverage of "newsworthy" events.
It's *not* intended to encompass anyone using a camera, even if it's on a
tripod. Common sense must prevail in respecting "Keep Out" areas and not
becoming a nuisance to other park visitors. Serious photographers do
occasionally encounter over-zealous park employees who assume anyone with
more than a pocket P&S must be a professional requiring a permit. If
challenged, ask to see the park director, and have a copy of the policy
statement (which clarifies applicability of the regulations) in your pocket
as Ag-Schnozz suggests.
IMO the regulations and policy make sense if they are administered
sensibly. Without some regulatory control, the Hollyweird studios (and
others with similar mountains of equipment) would think nothing about
overrunning a national park to make a motion picture or do a magnificently
massive model shoot.
-- John
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