Cameras at the rodeo?

[Digital Daddy]

Going to the rodeo. Can I take my camera and 70-200?

[Cope]

last year, they limit lens length, and the 70-210 will most likely be too long. They also tod me on the phone last year no pro lenses or cameras. I took a Tamron 28-75. That said, when I opened my bag for inspection, they never looked in it.

This is what they say this year:

Camera Policy

A camera policy is determined by each show, and therefore varies from event to event. Small, point and shoot cameras are allowed for Houston Texans games and RodeoHouston events. No audio or video recorders are allowed for any event.

Call them at (832) 667-1400.

[aerosolcheese]

I have taken a 5d and 70-200 into Reliant stadium to Texans games with no problems.

[Steelsun]

I took my 20D with my 100-400L last year with no problem. Even got shots of ZZ Top.
http://www.uebelhart.net/gallery/index.php?list=3

[JenJohnson79]

I didn't take mine for Tim McGraw and regret it, because the guy four rows up had a 40D, 75-300, and a monopod. . .

[Dsheree]

I live by 2 policies....
1.do now and ask forgivness later
&
2.act like you know what you are doing and people will leave you alone.

Don't get in anyone's way and they won't bother you. If they say something to you then tell them your not a professional your just there to enjoy the rodeo.

[Digital Daddy]

We both took our 20-200's and 20D/40D in with no problems. Even took monopods. Thanks.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by Dsheree

I live by 2 policies....
1.do now and ask forgivness later
&
2.act like you know what you are doing and people will leave you alone.

Don't get in anyone's way and they won't bother you. If they say something to you then tell them your not a professional your just there to enjoy the rodeo.

My thoughts and actions exactly.

"it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission"

Then I play dumb. That always works.

[pziasd]

Originally Posted by Dsheree

I live by 2 policies....
1.do now and ask forgivness later
&
2.act like you know what you are doing and people will leave you alone.

Don't get in anyone's way and they won't bother you. If they say something to you then tell them your not a professional your just there to enjoy the rodeo.

This is true. I've taken photos for years at the rodeo and I was told that I could take photos anywhere except inside the stadium. Since it would be a major hassle to get kicked out of the Reliant Center I pretty much abide by the policy. I have yet to have anyone even remotely look my way.

...and yes, if you look like you belong, if you're don't act like a silly tourist and keep a professional demeanor as well as looking like a pro. Just wear what you'd normally wear if you were taking photos on an assignment. I wear jeans, my photo vest, and shoes that I don't mind getting mud or horse or cattle manure on and I have fun.

[futurshox]

I took my 10D and 100-400 into Austin Rodeo last year without any problem.

Trouble is, it was so dark in there, it was virtually impossible to get anything decent anyway.

[studiocygnet]

Just went to the Austin Lone Star rodeo yesterday, to see George Jones. They had two points where they check your ticket, one entering the gate to the carnival from parking, and also when entering inside the rodeo hall. No one even seemed to notice I had a camera bag, nor did they look in my wife's big purse. Seems to be much less paranoid at the rodeo than, say, Austin City Limits festival. They have gone through my stuff big time at ACL.

[TxManx]

The ignorance of staff coordinators is really starting to bother me...

In some scenarios, I can't take my 5d / 70-200 into a venue (roughly a 6x zoom combination) - but I can take a smaller camera with a 480mm reach (like a G9 with a teleconverter) and noone asks a question...

[frenchefusa]

i went to rodeo last week. They allow camera and lens. Only no video during tne concert