(Houston) Japanese Gardens

[EagleGirl]

Has anyone been there recently? I took some shots of my son there two weekends ago and he noticed the sign that said photographers need a permit. So I decided I'd do the right thing and called about it today.I have a family shoot there on Sunday. I was informed that photographers are no longer allowed in the gardens. How crazy is that? I told the lady I'd seen plenty of photographers there recently and she said that there are rangers to make you leave. I remained insistent and she referred me to someone else who I'm now waiting to get in touch with. His secretary seemed pretty sympathetic so I'm crossing my fingers. I told her that I'm not a professional but just taking pictures of a friend. Didn't mention that I was getting paid. I'll report back when I get an answer from the guy. I have no idea where else I could take this family since the Mom has already seen pictures of the place and it is just what she wanted.

[LWimages]

Wow, I'd love to know the outcome of this one.
I was thinking of this place for an upcoming bridal.

[kamari]

keep the fact that you're getting paid out of the convo. I was specifically told by the folk there that as long as i'm not getting paid I can shoot without a permit. So take their photos for free and sell them a coke can for $300

[Jay Henley]

It was my understanding that you needed to reserve the date and pay $75.00 if you are using a tripod or doing professional portraits (for hire). I just went this last weekend (no tripod). I paid my $3.50 and just walked around taking shots. I believe that on the brochure at the gate is a guy's name and phone number to call to make reservations. The color out there right now is great with the red leaves on the Japanese Maples.

[EagleGirl]

Since it is for someone I know, all that won't be a problem. I'll post as soon as I hear something

[EagleGirl]

Jay, you must be talking about the Chinese Gardens. I'm talking about the Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park.

[brad]

No, he's talking about the FORT WORTH Japanese Gardens... your original post wasn't specific... I can think of at least three major ones in Texas.

That said, he's right on target about the Fort Worth Japanese Gardens.

[LWimages]

AH... I see the problem here.
OP is talking about Japanese Garden in Houston.
I believe Jay and I are talking about the one up in FW.

[LWimages]

Brad beat me to it.

[brad]

Heh, not by much.. they both say 1:42 LOL

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by grammiejo

Jay, you must be talking about the Chinese Gardens. I'm talking about the Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park.

That's weird. I shot a bridal & a formal there not long ago, maybe 2 or 3 weeks and saw a couple other pros shooting there as well. I didn't pay nor see the sign anywhere. Might have to check again.
I do know Rice University by there requires a permit & reservation by the hour block or risk getting kicked out by the people who paid & reserved.

[EagleGirl]

Oops, sorry

[EagleGirl]

The sign is not noticeable. It is just part of a sign at the front with a lot of other info on it. I would have never noticed were it not for my son. Thanks a lot, Ryan!

[royk]

I was there a few weeks ago. While waiting for my client to arrive, another pro approached me and asked if I knew anything about their new policy. I said no.
She called the number that was listed on the sign and was told that professional photographers now have to pay $115/day to shoot there (Houston Japanese Garden). She wasn't too happy about that, and was thinking of talking to someone she knows at the City Council.
She's thinking about asking other photographers who she knows to sign a petition to protest it, and she asked for my info as well. But I haven't heard from her since.

I would be interested to hear what explanation you get from them.

Roy

[EagleGirl]

I bet they have more photographers visit that place than anyone else.