FYI - Ft Worth Zoo Cubs and Photog Restrictions

[Panther]

They usually ask if I'm a professional photographer or shooting for a publication. Maybe it is because of the equipment I use sometimes but I have been asked at both Ft.Worth and Dallas.

Thanks for the reply, I just have never seen anyone regardless of equipment stopped by the Zoo Staff. They are very protective though, so I wouldn't doubt it.

Thanks!!

[brad]

One other piece of information to add here...

while it isn't kosher to resell those images taken at the zoo, if you burn them to a CD and send it along with a cover letter to the Ft Worth Zoo that they are a gift and the zoo can use them in any way they wish other than to reproduce and sell them (on posters or whatever), they are very grateful and might even send you some free passes. :)

(And I've even heard of one photographer who did this that ended up selling reproduction rights to the zoo for one of the photos he "gave" them.)

[Jim Victory]

Originally Posted by brad

One other piece of information to add here...

while it isn't kosher to resell those images taken at the zoo, if you burn them to a CD and send it along with a cover letter to the Ft Worth Zoo that they are a gift and the zoo can use them in any way they wish other than to reproduce and sell them (on posters or whatever), they are very grateful and might even send you some free passes. :)

(And I've even heard of one photographer who did this that ended up selling reproduction rights to the zoo for one of the photos he "gave" them.)

I did this exact thing at the Dallas Zoo when Jabari was killed. I had a very extensive archive of him from the time he was a baby. They later used them in their advertisements and for press releases.

[snidow]

I was at the Ft Worth Zoo this past weekend and no where did I see the photo regs posted or printed. I think if this is their policy they will be hard press to enforce it without it being posted other wise how are photographers going to know about it. I also get asked why I am taking photos, at the Dallas Zoo I can honestly say it's to help raise money for animal enrichment and for conservation efforts, in particular the Rhinos conservation.

[RHoldenSr]

I checked the Ft Worth Zoo website this morning and they do have an official press release on the new lion cubs dated Tuesday 11/01/2005. It was not there when I checked prior to this date.

I'm also trying to get more information on the Photography restrictions at Ft Worth Zoo and if I do I will pass it along.

My main issue right now it trying to get in touch with my Dr for my back. The kink is our house phone is dead and the phone company said there is a break in the line someplace and are sending a crew out to check it. My cell phone (LG) does not get a reliable connection out of the house so I do not dare try to use it calling the Dr.

[Roy]

Sorry about your back, get well soon and thanks for the zoo updates. Looks like we are going to get a membership.

[brad]

Originally Posted by snidow

I was at the Ft Worth Zoo this past weekend and no where did I see the photo regs posted or printed. I think if this is their policy they will be hard press to enforce it without it being posted other wise how are photographers going to know about it. I also get asked why I am taking photos, at the Dallas Zoo I can honestly say it's to help raise money for animal enrichment and for conservation efforts, in particular the Rhinos conservation.

Just like shooting pictures of someone's pets or livestock, you have to secure a release to use the photos for any purpose other than editorial. So no, they don't have to post the restriction that you can't sell the photos commercially. It should be a given.

[snidow]

Originally Posted by brad

Just like shooting pictures of someone's pets or livestock, you have to secure a release to use the photos for any purpose other than editorial. So no, they don't have to post the restriction that you can't sell the photos commercially. It should be a given.

Thanks Brad, I really wasn't aware you had to obtain a release if you photograph peoples pets or livestock. Learn something new everyday.

[suzyjazz]

RHoldenSr - Sorry about your back

Originally Posted by brad

Just like shooting pictures of someone's pets or livestock, you have to secure a release to use the photos for any purpose other than editorial. So no, they don't have to post the restriction that you can't sell the photos commercially. It should be a given.

Hmmm, I think I disagree on the pets. With livestock I can see it because while taking the photos of livestock you are probably *on* their property. But I disagree on this with people's pets out in public.

[laurielblack]

I've never been asked at Dallas, Ft. Worth, or Tyler about the pictures I take, so I guess I don't look "pro" enough to be asked...or maybe it's just the three kids I have in tow when I go. LOL ;)

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

Hmmm, I think I disagree on the pets. With livestock I can see it because while taking the photos of livestock you are probably *on* their property. But I disagree on this with people's pets out in public.

Public or not, you would still need a release to use the image for commercial use. But keep in mind the zoo is not a public place (assuming it's privately run as most of them are these days). They can set whatever rules they want on any variety of issues including photography.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

Public or not, you would still need a release to use the image for commercial use. But keep in mind the zoo is not a public place (assuming it's privately run as most of them are these days). They can set whatever rules they want on any variety of issues including photography.

Totally agree. I am talking about pets you see at the city park, not the zoo.

[RHoldenSr]

This is the reply I got from the Communications Coordinator in an email when I asked for a copy of the restrictions covering Photography and Selling Photos taken at the Ft Worth Zoo:

For any type of video, photography or audio that you plan to sell, the Zoo requires the shoot be coordinated through the public relations department. And, because you will be using it commercially, the Zoo charges a location fee for the shoot. The fees are listed below.

Fees

Motion Picture/Video Location Fee $200 per hour

Still Photo Location Fee: $200 per hour

Audio Recording Location Fee: $100 per hour

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you’d like to schedule a shoot.


Thanks!

Tracy