A tripod doth not a professional make....

froggma

4

2 Jan 2009 - 4:03 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Yet again I have had the unfortunate experience of being mistaken for a professional photographer due to using a tripod. Today at Lichfield Cathedral I was accosted by a rather rude lady whose opening line was "Seeing as you are a professional photographer, have you paid " ? I explained very politely that A. I am not a professional photographer and that B. whether it be a Church, Chapel or Cathedral I always leave a donation. Not good enough for dragonlady. "As you are using a tripod, you must be a professional and this will incur the appropriate charges".
Politely, I explained that even lowly amateurs like myself try to do things correctly and will on occasion use tripods, indeed, 99% of all my photographs involve the use of a tripod. Having very nearly finished I made my donation and left. Next port of call on the way home was Sudbury Hall. Glorious sunshine bathing the exquisite brickwork, focussed, cable release in hand........................."I say, are you a professional" ? came the haughty tones from over yonder. "No madam, but I am a fully paid up member of the National Trust and as such wish to be left in peace to continue with my self funding, non profit making hobby !"
Anyone else familiar with this ?

Martin

Strobe

5

2 Jan 2009 - 4:14 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

I normally ask if I can use a tripod and in doing so I have the opportunity to explain that I am an amateur. I have also previously asked permission, via e-mail, to places where tripods are forbidden and received polite responses granting me permission.

EDIT: Where I know I am wrong and have not asked permission I have picked up flack eg London underground

RogBrown (e2 Member)

6

2 Jan 2009 - 4:26 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

I was in Lichfield Cathedral the other day with DaveU & we had no problems whatever.

Strobe

5

2 Jan 2009 - 4:40 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Quote: "A tripod? what's a tripod? Oh so that's what it's called!"

LOL must remember that one

froggma

4

2 Jan 2009 - 4:48 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Probably Dragonlady's day off Rog. Actually, it is the first time I have been asked at Lichfield and I've been a fair few times. Normally I get interested members of the clergy chatting to me and on more than one occasion I have provided photographic material free of charge to use how they consider best. The National Trust varies in attitude, they do not allow photography inside their properties, however, there is no official restriction outside (no need to ask Strobe). It all depends of what scale of jobsworth you encounter on the day I suppose and to be fair this is only the third time for me after photographing their properties for over 30 yrs.

Martin

Patricia Fenn

9

2 Jan 2009 - 4:53 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Or use a professional's beanbag, like 'The Delux' and cut the hassle.
Here in Greece tripods need a spacial paid license in museums and the like. The 2 legged beanbag does the job and cuts the lugging inconvenience too

stevekhart

7

2 Jan 2009 - 4:57 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Quote: It is especially annoying as the NT web site actually invites visitors, who intend to nature watch to take binoculars, telescopes and cameras.

I understand the NT love photographers, cos then they'll take 50% of any takings you get on the images...

Fishnet (e2 Member)

8

2 Jan 2009 - 5:05 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

If bean bags have legs, does that mean they were once alive????

Poor likkle bean bags, being slaughtered for the selfish desires of photographers, what a waste of life