Question about photography in public places

[kat_75]

Okay, I'm going to sound like an idiot for asking this, but I'm going to ask anyway. :D

There's a large garden park that I am considering for a couples photo shoot, but it says this on their website:Commercial photography by permit only
Does this mean I only have to get a permit if I'm taking pictures of the gardens themselves for commercial use (advertising?), but I can take shots of my couple IN the gardens without a permit?

I hope that makes sense...:o I was reading the 10 Legal Commandments of Photography on here and I know if they expressly prohibit the photography, I cant do it...but it's PLANTS, for goodness sake, I'm not planning a terrorist plot and I'm not hurting anyone...and the gardens cover so many acres it's not like they've got the Photography Police out there.

And obviously we will be adhering to all the rules of the garden itself and not stomping any flowers or running nekkid thru the tulips or anything. :p

[Scrapping4Him]

I would take what it says on their website to mean that if you are going to be paid for any photos you take in their garden, then yes you would have to obtain the permit.

Is this a private garden park and requires a fee to enter? If so, that could be the reason they have the requirement of a permit for commercial photography.

I'm sure one of the awesome photography gals that has experience in this area will be along shortly to clarify things more for you.

[Kathleen]

If it is private property, you need to respect their rules. Ask what a permit means, and ask what commercial photography means. It might be that all you have to do is fill out a form.

[debilou]

Or make a donation.

[mariafer]

I know of two gardens in our area where you need to get a permit if you are doing comercial photography. In one you have to ask and they give you permision (I don't think they even charge they just want to know) and the other they have a set of photogs they allow for that and you apply to get in. I would think that you would have to call and ask...

[kat_75]

Thanks for all the info! It's not private, and there's no fee to enter. You are all right - I'll just call and find out. I didnt know if someone had done this before and knew what that meant! Thank you! :)

[scrapbook100]

The pictures taken in public places will always be nice piece. But anyway the persons who maintains the public places will bar the use of cameras or charge a fees for using it.

[Janet]

There's a wealth of great info at http://photoattorney.com on this and lots of other questions you might not have even thought of yet. I've learned a ton there. :)