Is Hermann Park a good Location for Casual Shots??

[dlcurrey]

I'm shooting a mother and her 5 year old daughter who want to use Hermann Park for a setting. They prefer to use a location near the Medical Center.

Any thoughts on specific locations within the park that would help me? Also, are there restrictions on photography at Hermann Park? These are casual photos, no lightstands or anything like that.


Thanks in advance for any help.

Dave

[Steelsun]

The Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park are great, but they heavily restrict commercial shoots, so be aware of that.

The Garden Center up on the north side of the park (near the museum) is nice - roses and flowers, even a mini-field of blue bonnets right now.
Near that is a Chinese Gazebo.

Also near the lake in the park are plenty of spots, including the bridge.

A great place there for kid shots is the Hill by the theatre - get the kid running down the hill with glee, etc.
Also nearby is a large wooden "pull toy" that is neat to shoot near. One thing I've been thinking of is a concept shot of the kid pulling the "toy" with a rope (either tied or taped to the front). If done facing the kid with the pull toy in the back over the kid's shoulder, it might be neat (gotta play with DoF there).

[dlcurrey]

Thanks Steelsun. I appreciate the help.

[Daniel W.]

Hermann Park (the newer area near the zoo and the reflecting pool) are nice, but crowded, crowded, crowded. I've shot there with a light kit (1 softbox + stand, assistant with reflector) without any issue but you can do a lot with just a reflector and the right thinking. The hills near the Miller Outdoor (across from the Nat Sci Museum) works better for kids and photogs alike since families are there all the time with camera.

[dlcurrey]

Thanks, Daniel.

Lighting ought to be good today.

[syuan]

There is a sign outside the japanese garden that restrict 'professional' photographer using the garden. Not sure if it applies to only commercial or other types of photographer as well. But I see pro photogs shooting in the garden all the time with security guard nearby.

[richardsfault]

Originally Posted by syuan

There is a sign outside the japanese garden that restrict 'professional' photographer using the garden

That usually means an uninformed person on a power trip gets to decide on a whim if a shoot is commerical.

[digitalshooter]

Originally Posted by richardsfault

That usually means an uninformed person on a power trip gets to decide on a whim if a shoot is commerical.

Can you proove this? or is this one of those "I'm a photographer and I can take a picture anywhere I want to" comments?


Not a fair comment towards somone who is doing what they are directed to do as a part of their job!

JMO

[ACP]

hermann requires a permit from the city (i emailed them) though i haven't shot there yet. has anybody here done it on a whim? and i heard the japanese garden is doable with the proper permit.

[richardsfault]

Originally Posted by digitalshooter

Can you proove this? or is this one of those "I'm a photographer and I can take a picture anywhere I want to" comments?


Not a fair comment towards somone who is doing what they are directed to do as a part of their job!

JMO

It's one of those "I'm an advanced amateur photographer who should have the right not be assumed professional by the uninformed" comments.

As far as doing their job, people in those positions have a lot of discretion to either make an issue of something or not to, so in most cases they are the ones that start the trouble.