DoctorQ9
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
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- Location
- Sacramento, CA
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I am finding more and more family attractions are becoming "photographer unfriendly". I recently heard about the Monterey Bay Aquarium's policy against both tripod and monopod use, so I emailed their Press Office. They took the time to respond to me:
"
Thank you for your inquiry. There are three reasons we prohibit the use of tripods and monopods:
1)Visitor safety. I agree monopods are easier to control than tripods, but we cant make exceptions for monopods for the following two reasons.
2)Visitor access to exhibits. Weve found that photographers using monopods and tripods often take up a prime spot in front of an exhibit and stay there a long time, regardless of how many people are around. Were trying to be fair to the other visitors.
3)Proprietary issues. We prohibit private sales of images of our exhibits and animals, especially as stock images. We state on the visitor maps that people are welcome to take photos for their private use, but any commercial photography must be licensed and falls under location fees. With the advancement of digital cameras and camcorders, we are finding more and more people selling images taken here a private business that receives no public funds without a license. We find these regularly and contact the sites to remove the images, and take further action if needed. Were a non-profit organization, and feel strongly that any sales of images should benefit our education and conservation research programs whether theyre taken by our photographers or outside photographers under contract."
And I completely understand their position. So my question is: how can we adapt so that photographers are welcomed into these establishments?
"
Thank you for your inquiry. There are three reasons we prohibit the use of tripods and monopods:
1)Visitor safety. I agree monopods are easier to control than tripods, but we cant make exceptions for monopods for the following two reasons.
2)Visitor access to exhibits. Weve found that photographers using monopods and tripods often take up a prime spot in front of an exhibit and stay there a long time, regardless of how many people are around. Were trying to be fair to the other visitors.
3)Proprietary issues. We prohibit private sales of images of our exhibits and animals, especially as stock images. We state on the visitor maps that people are welcome to take photos for their private use, but any commercial photography must be licensed and falls under location fees. With the advancement of digital cameras and camcorders, we are finding more and more people selling images taken here a private business that receives no public funds without a license. We find these regularly and contact the sites to remove the images, and take further action if needed. Were a non-profit organization, and feel strongly that any sales of images should benefit our education and conservation research programs whether theyre taken by our photographers or outside photographers under contract."
And I completely understand their position. So my question is: how can we adapt so that photographers are welcomed into these establishments?