NO Permits Required

[blaccicephotos]

Ok, maybe Im late learning about this but are you freaking kidding me! A permit to shoot in a public park! Houston City council is loosing their minds. First red light cameras, now pimp out the photographers. I almost fell out me seat when I read some of your grievances about permits. My question is can we get a list of places that are great to shoot at in houston where you DO NOT NEED A PERMIT to shoot? Also, I like walking around downtown shooting my couples do I need a permit for that as well? My God this is ridiculous!

[venchka]

Last month several of us spent several hours in/around the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. We exposed a lot of film. During that time an obviously professional photographer, assistant and clients used the Japanese Garden for portraits. I know that none of us had permits. I don't know if the Pro had a permit. Nobody hassled us.

[blaccicephotos]

Ive been there as well, and wasnt asked for a permit. I guess it just depends on the day and who is patrolling and what mood they are in. I just called Discovery Green and told her Id like to take some pics and she said its $10 per day. Anything to make a quick buck I guess. Im just going to shoot where I can tell they tell me other wise and move to the next spot, as if our Taxes arent enough.

[zebulus]

Yeah I agree, just go and shoot in the public parks and act like you have no idea how to even spell permit. That's what I do. As much as I pay in taxes to uncle same I shouldnt have to pay to take a few pictures. Jeez.

[JohnP]

I got kicked out of the Pavillions in downtown near the house of blues...needless to say they weren't very pleased about it :/. Now, as far as somewhere like Discovery Green, well, everytime I have been there to shoot everything has been fine there but, discovery green is not a public park. It is actually owned by Discovery Green Inc, and is a collaboration with the city of Houston, so they can kcik you out whenever they want.

[venchka]

The stairs/water features/sidewalk down behind Wortham Center seemed ok too. Out of sight-out of permit range maybe.

[blaccicephotos]

wayne I saw those stairs from the freeway but how do you get to them?

[AllenAyres]

You can park by the aquarium and walk down.

[blaccicephotos]

thanks Allen!

[venchka]

Originally Posted by blaccicephotos

wayne I saw those stairs from the freeway but how do you get to them?

Trying to remember...

We parked uphill from the Wortham Center and walked down to a place where we could get down close to the bayou. Then followed the bayou around the corner. The most direct route is from the park like area between the Wortham Center and building next door that houses a bunch of shops & the Hard Rock Cafe. Park anywhere you can.

[richardsfault]

Originally Posted by zebulus

Yeah I agree, just go and shoot in the public parks and act like you have no idea how to even spell permit. That's what I do. As much as I pay in taxes to uncle same I shouldnt have to pay to take a few pictures. Jeez.

Amen!

[The Philos]

This is why I go to Harris County parks and not City of Houston parks.

[richardsfault]

Originally Posted by ThePhilosopher

This is why I go to Harris County parks and not City of Houston parks.

Amen to that, but I worry the killjoys will catch up with us.

[Steelsun]

Inevitable. Harris County has a greedier top management than the City, so they will probably start as soon as they can figure out a way to do it.
They already require permits and large payments if you want to have a party at one of the parks, just very few people follow it.