Photography in Grapevine = Prostitution and "worse"

[smdebnam]

Originally Posted by brad

Hehe .. maybe we should go to Bone Daddy's. (Actually, I like the food there.. I told the staff at the Arlington store that the food was good enough they didn't need the gimmick of the half naked wait staff to bring people in.)

So pick a place that can handle our groups and suggest it for the next one.. I really want to try to start having them once a month this year.. maybe 3rd Wednesday..

Since Bone Daddy's is one mile from my office I could agree to that. I've been once and I have(hate) to admit the food was pretty darn good.

[janikphoto]

The no pros rule would make sense. Technically, you are supposed to get a permit for a commercial shoot in Dallas, too. However, most bridal and engagement shooters don't, because the cops never hassle you about it.

[texpic]

Reminds me of a bus driver who stopped and asked why I took a picture of his bus. He said he was supposed to on the look out for suspicious activity. I told him to knock himself out. I phoned his headquarters and complained. They asked if I knew his name, said I had a picture with the bus # and the EXIF data gave me the time.

I'm in the middle of the road with a 16-35 lens, and a flash on a bracket with a large diffussor. I was trying to sneak a shot. What an idiot, LOL.

To make a long story short his headquarters apologized.

[Emyers]

Wow. Seriously?! I definitely want to know how this turns out! I can't believe that.

[Joe1234]

Originally Posted by camera shy

Perhaps a local media outlet would be interested in the story ?

Yes,

I'd like to post the letter on my website if permission were granted.

Grapevine, Texas : Grapevine Texas Online

Thanks,

Joe

[Joe1234]

Originally Posted by msk2193

All,

I did not receive a letter, but did get a call from the Parks Director today who apologized for the miscommunication within his office.
The policy against any cameras is for commercial photographers who are required to pay a fee.
All amateurs are welcome with any camera, and this has been communicated down the line.
The gentleman was most concerned about "all the traffic" on the forums and wanted to be sure I posted his response.

Who is up for some shooting in Grapevine?

THANK YOU SHELLEY

Okay, I guess I should have read the whole thread.

My apologies.

[Englishtouch]

Wow we drove around Lake Grapevine and decided we didn't want to pay to go into any of the parts we had to pay but really glad we didn't.

[dessertmaker]

Does anyone know what the commercial fee is to shoot at the parks in Grapevine for us portrait photographers and is it an annual fee?, mainly interested in anyone who has shot in front of the old trains, have you been hassled or stopped from shooting and had to go get a permit? I'm just one guy with a camera and not a big film crew but I assume the fee is probably the same for any size shoot.

[amadjuster]

"Photography that involves photographing people (whether individual or groups) inside of Rockledge Park requires a signed contract and pre-payment of $50.00 per hour (with a one hour minimum). To schedule your appointment, complete your contract and make arrangements for payment, please contact Mona Burk."

I just copied this from the City of Grapevine Parks website. Looks like they snuck this in after the original posting found no such policy. This is not a commercial fee, it is a fee for taking pictures of people! Plus you have to have the signed contract when you arrive.

There is also a $50/hr with 2 hr. maximum for a Commercial Photographer at the Botanical Gardens, but there is no charge if it is a wedding.

[amadjuster]

In reviewing this thread, it would seem the fine folks within the City of Grapevine bowed to the objections of several people here and rescinded a policy that was not a policy, but just a misunderstanding. I had reviewed the ordinances and policies of the City of Grapevine and the Parks Department and nowhere was there any mention of a ban on or fee for photographers, either commercial or otherwise.

This thing popped up again with a question about how much is the fee and where does one pay for it. Well, I did a little Googling and found that suddenly there are now 2 requirements for a permit. The first is at the Botanical Center and it states it is for Commercial photographers at $50/hr and a 2 hr. maximum. However, they waive this if this is for a wedding. Then looking further down the list, there is a fee and contract required for taking pictures of people at Rockledge Park. It is also $50/hr. There is no mention of this being for professional or commercial photographers, not is there any requirement for such a fee or contract at any other park. I guest this means that if you take your kids to this park and get caught taking their picture, you will be sent to a concentration camp, or something else. Nowhere is there an ordinance mentioned or any comment on what the fine is for breaking this rule.

What, exactly, is the deal about this one park? Also, does this mean that a pedophile is OK if he has his permit or contract before he takes pictures of little girls? Is there something in the water at Grapevine that causes governmental lapses in common sense?

Maybe Pixtus can print up some shirts stating "I AM NOT TAKING PICTURES OF PEOPLE!"