victorcajiao’s posterous

There are so many stories of just this kind of thing every day and it really needs to stop. Places like parks, museums, etc. need to catch up with the times and realize that publicity through pictures that are taken by visitors can be nothing but beneficial for them. I don't understand the logic behind demanding a fee just to take pictures. Is it nothing more than a money grab? And the fact that if you had walked in there with a point and shoot instead and it wouldn't have cost you a dime is just idiotic. I don't know what we as the photographic community in this country can do but we need to do something.

I agree with everything you said there Victor.
Imagine what our image of the world in the past would be like if those photographers hadn't been allowed to take photos.

Also, it's appalling that almost _everyone_ who doesn't appreciate photography as an art thinks that everyone who carries a big SLR (digital or otherwise) around is a pro and anyone who carries a smaller camera is just an amateur.
In fact, in many cases, it's the exact opposite...and a lot of smaller cameras (particularly film rangefinders) can even surpass the quality of the most expensive SLR (the equipment doesn't matter)
These people, especially the police and such, need to be more educated about these issues.

Have you considered getting a tiny film rangefinder? They're never considered 'pro', the quality of the lens (often just one on "amateur" rangefinders) is pretty damn good. And you still get the full frame 35mm advantage.

If this is a park supported by tax dollars, there should not be a fee associated with photographing the sites. If it is a private facility, they should be able to have control of the images that are taken. They are trying to guard against pictures being taken that are unflattering or do not properly represent the image they are trying to portray. Personally, I agree with you but it gets down to who owns the subject of what is being photographed. Should the owner of a property have any control over the images being taken?

This is a good issue for a broader discussion. This could be a show idea for the Typical Shutterbug Podcast. I know I need to understand different points of view on this topic.

Joel, I agree with you about the public park vs. private issue. However how can you justify charging someone with a DSLR but not charging someone with a point and shoot? There is no justification for that.

thanks for all the comments I have a blog post that details the events and my thoughts here http://bit.ly/1aA4VW