Fotogs May Need Permit and Insurance in NYC

[bob cole]

fyi:


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/nyregion/29camera.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

[flashfirenze]

that is messed up

[oftheherd]

This will make money for a lot of lawyers as the police arrest people and the courts are required to set rules the city refuses to. Nobody else will gain.

Well, actually other cities may if they in fact start enforcing these rules against tourists.

[dovi]

Who benefits?

I can imagine people being arrested and charged while covering protests or some misconduct. Another potential harrasment technique to keep people in line--Maybe.

I hope there is a good reason for this new policy...

[Finder]

NYC is such a special place!

[dovi]

Rangefinders will have an advantage because of their inconspicuousness but it is still a drag to have to look over your sholder for police and thieves (song by Junior Murvin)!

[dmr]

The way I read this, it doesn't apply to individuals, nor to those who don't stay in any one place for more than 1/2 hour.

any group of two or more people who want to use a camera in a single public location for more than a half hour to get a city permit and insurance.

For tripods, it seems like any less than 5 people (is this one tripod for 5 people, or 5 tripods?) does not need the permit.

The same requirements would apply to any group of five or more people who plan to use a tripod in a public location for more than 10 minutes, including the time it takes to set up the equipment.

I'm not exactly thrilled at stuff like this, but I don't see this as "The Sky Is Falling<tm>" for casual amateurs.

[Al Patterson]

Now imagine that 10 members of the forum choose to meet in NYC. Would and RFF group shoot fall into the criteria? What about a large family with mom, dad and 5 kids, all with cameras?

I guess as long as they move fast enough, all would be well?

[Xmas]

Was not planning to see big apple, last place I'd go, Rockies rock scrapers just scrape.

Noel

[dmr]

Now imagine that 10 members of the forum choose to meet in NYC. Would and RFF group shoot fall into the criteria? What about a large family with mom, dad and 5 kids, all with cameras?

I guess as long as they move fast enough, all would be well?

Actually, two kids sitting in the park with cell phone cams would cross the threshold.

My main concern would be arbitrary and overzealous enforcement.

[Al Patterson]

Actually, two kids sitting in the park with cell phone cams would cross the threshold.

My main concern would be arbitrary and overzealous enforcement.

Exactly. While this does bear watching, there is no need to get overly worked up about it.

So, when is the next RFF meeting in New York?

[MadMan2k]

Guess that means you can't do very long exposures in NYC anymore, without paying up.

[migtex]

I hope they just turn down that Non Sense Law... if does not apply to families and amateurs to whom it does apply?
Nah... what's the objective... not a good one for sure.

[Morca007]

This is also a major hinderance for amateur filmmakers. Let's hope it doesn't get passed.

[icebear]

Hi folks,

relax, read the article carefully, it starts with "...the major's office of film, theater etc. considers new rules". That means they are under discussion. When you read about the lawsuit by Indian doc. filmmaker R.Sharma after being detained and questioned for several hours then it becomes obvious that there are just some burocratical loopholes to fill in. America is the Mecca for lawsuits and everyone tries to cover his or her backside. The film office will have to establish rules after the settlement of this lawsuit, not because they want to crack down on amateur photogs or tourists. I wouldn't worry too much. And whenever a police officer is approaching you, use your common sense, explain what you are doing and when something is wrong appologize and you will get off with a warning. There usually is a fair amount of understanding with the NYC police when you are nice and you won't get arrested right away. Happy shooting (only photos:D ).

[BillBingham2]

Icebear is right, NYPD is by in large a great and understand group of guys and gals. Best way around this issue is to walk 10 paces in front of any one in your group or behind.

They need to bring back Ed K, now that was a mayor!

B2 (;->

[Tuolumne]

This will never pass to become law. And if it does, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. It is clearly an unconstitutional restraint of free speech.

/T

[BillBingham2]

Isn't there something too about being able to assemble and all?

(or at least compile? Bad joke for the geeks out there)

B2 (;->

[anselwannab]

Can it get passed in LA so we can stop the non-stop coverage of Paris Hilton?

I guess news crews would fall under this. I wonder if you need a blanket permit or a specific permit? 10 minutes for the production of a report will just lead to more sound bite journalism.

The camera phone angle is kind of interesting.

Damn that George Bush!

[Tuolumne]

Yes, freedom to assemble is another first amendment right.

/T

[amateriat]

This will never pass to become law. And if it does, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. It is clearly an unconstitutional restraint of free speech.

/T
While I have my doubts about this (Roberts) Supreme Court at the moment, I have a feeling it would still smack this law down but good. But things are getting rather surreal, all-around.


- Barrett

[dmr]

While I have my doubts about this (Roberts) Supreme Court at the moment, I have a feeling it would still smack this law down but good. But things are getting rather surreal, all-around.

The Supremes have been rather bizarre lately. :(

IMAO, they are most definitely tilted in favor of the entities with money, influence, and power, and not in the direction of the individual, whether it be in regards to rights or the pocketbook. :(

Can it get passed in LA so we can stop the non-stop coverage of Paris Hilton?

Hey, if the Teeming Millions didn't watch the All Paris All The Time Channel, she would just fade away and go back to ... uh, whatever it was she did before she was famous for being famous. We (collectively) are the ones who let her get paid 7 figures for partying like it's 1999. :(

[nikon_sam]

Why is it and when did it all start, that people with nice camera gear, not the P&S or camera phones, plastic gizmo camera wannabees, are being equated with "skateboarders".
"Photographing is not a crime"...
For the most part the photos we take are for "us"...we're not going to print posters and sell them on the street corners...we're not stealing your storefront ideas or trying to disrespect anyone...we're not perverts trying to photgraph your little kids...
When I am approached and asked to stop shooting, I ask if they (security) have talked with everyone in the area with a camera and have asked them all to stop also...I include people with the teeny tiny digitals, camera phones, kids with their little "one-time thingies" anyone and everyone with a "photo taking device". If not, I ask WHY??? Why are you targeting me??? Why not the parent with the P&S???
This has happened to me several times and it really pisses me off...I'm not doing anything wrong...I'm taking pictures NOTHING ELSE!!!

Okay...I'm better...the voices are going away...(checking pulse) getting lower...back to normal...just my little rant...

[nikon_sam]

OH, OH...The voices are getting louder again...

I'm sitting here watching Fox News and the whole mess in Glasgow, Scotland...
and the talking heads are asking..."If anyone has video or photos of this event please contact us"...or something like that.

Now I axe you...picture this...A security or police officer tell you to stop shooting and then moments later someone robs or attacks them or someone else in the area...Do you photograph the event or just watch and later tell them, "Hey, I didn't want to violate your rules concerning photographing..."

Sorry for the Ranting but it just gets on my last nerve...when did taking pictures become so NON-PC...???