Hermann Park permit is expensive!

[ilove2eatcake]

I have a couple that really wants their engagement pictures at Herman Park. I called the park to get a permit and it's $115 per session (yikes!) and you're restricted to where you can go. I don't mind paying for a permit, but that's a bit much. Maybe I called the wrong number. Has anyone else gotten a permit for the park and paid less than that?

thanks!
margaret :)

[MaggieP]

I've shot several sessions there and never had a problem with needing a permit. It has always just been myself, an assistant and the couple/family. I was told that you're okay as long as you don't have major equipment out there (lighting, etc) and you aren't blocking off a huge section of the park.

I was under the impression that the only place that was off limits was the Japanese Gardens.

[ndsimm]

What part of the park are you trying to access? I've shot several places, several times at the Park (green wall, pond, Sam Houston Statue, bridge, etc.) and never had an issue, but as the Maggie said, it has only been me and the couple I was shooting...

[Steelsun]

Technically you need a permit. Most people don't get them, but the police/park staff have been cracking down. As you noted, the Japanese Garden is even harder to get one for.

The permit price is set for all city parks in Houston.

Write your city councilman to complain of the pricing of the permits and refer them to places like New York, where permits are only required if you are interfering with the use of the park by others. (and being a photog doing an engagement shot is alot less intrusive than the games of soccer and football some people have there, yet those don't require a permit and do alot more damage to the parks)

[venchka]

or...

For $125 you can have access to Rice University across the street for a whole year. You can even schedule locations and have that place all to yourself.

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by venchka

or...

For $125 you can have access to Rice University across the street for a whole year. You can even schedule locations and have that place all to yourself.

That's a nice illusion to have. You never get that place to yourself on the weekend unless you go there after dark.

[venchka]

What? No truth in advertizing? Shame on them.

Last Saturday about dozen of us had free use of the Japanese Gardens and nobody hassled us. There was even a photographer with clients there.

[khanhfat]

i went to Japanese garden and found a spot with no people walk back and forth, then set up 2 strobes and umbrella to shoot :). Otherwise outside Herman park is pretty much "free" since most of my friends shot engagement session there without a problem.