Do I need a Permit to shoot at Trinity?

[msabas]

I am going to be shooting at Trinity Park the Duck Pond area and i didnt know if i need to have a permit like i do at the Botanic Gardens. Does anyone know?

there are a few areas around the park in general that I will do a family shoot and a future Bride shoot.

Any info will be helpful.

[JohnT]

Isn't that area open to the public free of charge? I'm 99 percent sure you don't need a permit to shoot down there.

[mike_sax]

That area is free to use. The reason you have to purchase a permit at the Botanical Gardens is because that is a privately owned and maintained park. Contrary to popular belief that is not maintained by the city. With that said, the Water Gardens downtown Ft. Worth are city owned/maintained but you have to purchase a permit to shoot there.

[toverman]

And the reason I was told by one of the FW Botanic Garden employees that permits are required is to limit the number of pro photographers there at any given time. It's not about collecting a fee, he said, but helping sure a pleasant experience for the photogs and subjects. Also, to ensure no the photography won't bump into any other scheduled events. I was assisting another photographer at the time, and we were the only ones granted a permit for that period of time in the Japanese Gardens.

[msabas]

Ok thank you guys I did try searching the forwrth site but it gave no info so most city parks since are open to public i can assume will be no charge unless privately owned.

Would it be the same if I shot Downtown FW on sidewalks and what not..?

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by msabas

Would it be the same if I shot Downtown FW on sidewalks and what not..?

Don't use a tripod, light stands, etc. that block sidewalk traffic. Be aware of where public property ends and private property begins. You should be all right. Otherwise, you might get stopped by police or security.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by msabas

Ok thank you guys I did try searching the forwrth site but it gave no info so most city parks since are open to public i can assume will be no charge unless privately owned.

Would it be the same if I shot Downtown FW on sidewalks and what not..?

Here's the deal about downtown.
FWPD and BassSecurity patrol the downtown area on bicycles and in vehicles.
If you set up a light stand, a tripod and have a model and you are not interfering with anyone you will likely be OK. The City does have a permit available for commercial photography in the city. It costs a fortune and is meant for video of commercials, etc. but can be used against you if there is a complaint.
The LEO's are very friendly and I think if you are respectful and polite you won't get hassled.

A box a Krispy Kreme wouldn't hurt either......

[msabas]

I wont be setting up any light stands but prob just using a monopod. I will have to give it a try and see whats up hopefully all goes well.