general rules about using a tripod in public

Going to the good old Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina soon.

Any problem with using the tripod along the parkway or on trails or

whatnot? How about to shoot a farm or church, or things like that

that could be considered, or actually are, "private." I mean you see

those non-descript places all the time in brochures and what not, but

perhaps permission has been given.

 

Also, I could and still may call each "park" to find out, but in

general is it "wrong" or frowned upon to be walking into a park where

you pay admission carrying a tripod? Like, Grandfather mountain,

linville falls, etc? I see people all the time with cameras, but not

tripods.

 

I don't do much traveling and would love to be able to feel ok about

driving along the backroads and setting up my tripod for some nice

sunset shots, or just carrying it along in general. It's too big to

fit in my camera bag, so I can't "hide" it.

 

thanks in advance!

 

Amanda

alb_2937@hotmail.com

Generally, in the US, tripod use in a park is permitted unless there is something that specifically prohibits it. Most people don't carry a tripod because they don't want the bother, not because it's prohibited. Most people that own a camera don't own a tripod, for that matter.

 

On the trails, if it's busy, don't block the trail; if not, set up where you wish.

 

Photographing private property from public streets or sidewalks is generally not a problem, trespassing is. You may be limited as to what you can do with the photograph without a release (ie, no commercial use).

I'm not aware of any restrictions at any state or national park. Private facilities may have some concerns but they'll let you know when you get there. I wouldn't call ahead because you're going to want to have it anyway for the laces where it's OK. Except for blocking a trail or being in the way, I don't see a problem. Museums and buildings may have some concerns but it's usually an issue of safety and blocking others. In the scenic parks you'll see lots of tripods in use. I'd forget it for an amusement park.

If you set-up a tripod, you may find that everyone nearby will wonder what you're photographing. It can be contageous and spark others to do the same images. If I set mount a long lens, it is a sure thing that many will want to look through it. This can generate conversations which may yield info on other sites that are worthwhile. That, and a small dog, are great ways to meet people.

Thanks!

 

You guys are so far pretty much saying what I was thinking. Unless there are specific rules and/or you aren't "in the way," tripod use is generally ok. That and the fact that I won't make any $$ off the photos!

 

I guess I am a little shy about getting it out - the few times I have here locally I DO get "looks" and even one "Are you a professional??!?!?" question.

 

Also, the one poster is right in that most people who have cameras don't have tripods. I went to Yellowstone/Tetons last year, and I swear I think I only saw ONE person with a tripod.

 

Thanks again!

In many cases, it's okay even if you DO make money, but that's a different question. On a typical visit to the local Arboreatum, I'll see two or three wedding photogs with brides in tow.

I seem to remember seeing discussions before about the National Park Service being "touchy" about "professional" photographers. In cases like that they demanded that the photographer get permits and such as I recall.

 

Chip

>I seem to remember seeing discussions before about the National Park Service being "touchy" about "professional" photographers

 

 

Eeks....that doesn't surprise me, but still, jeez. Just becuase you have a tripod doesn't mean you work for National Geographic (as an example). I just don't want blurry pictures!!

 

Well I will try and be aware of where I am and get a feel for the place and if my gut says "no" then I'll lean against a tree or something...

For reference, here is a summary on

<a href = "http://www.largeformatphotography.info/photo-permits/">

Still Photography and Permits On US Public Land</a>

Amanda; I've shot all over the Smokies and Blue Ridge Parkway and never had a problem. As another poster said it will attract attention, so talk it up and ask for "secret spots". Never dismiss a reccommened spot because the person is holding a cardboard point & shoot. I am sometimes using a 8x10, and people love to tell you great hidden holes of flowers or waterfalls. Tell them what your interested in and be willing to walk.

 

On one small section of the Parkway it's a watershed. The road is posted not to park on the grass there. Don't.

 

BTW, a black bear can top out at 45MPH. You don't have to out run a bear, only your companion. Carry only your tripod (great weapon)have your buddy carry your camera gear, it's a safety issue.

Thanks for the link to the public lands site - I've bookmarked it and will read it ASAP.

 

As far as the bears go....luckily (in this case) I will be travelling with my mother since I am "really" going up there to visit her - she won't be taking me anywhere near where there are bears, unless they like to be where the people are, which does happen I know. In other words, I will be sticking to well-traveled roads and scenic spots.

 

All you guys are giving such good advice and mainly support to just get out there and be confident and ask around for good places to go - thanks!

<p><i>This can generate conversations which may yield info on other sites

that are worthwhile. That, and a small dog, are great ways to meet

people.</i></p>

 

<p>I never thought of a prime 500/4 as a chick magnet, but I guess it

could be! :-)</p>

>I never thought of a prime 500/4 as a chick magnet, but I guess it could be! :-)

 

You never know what will work!!

<i>BTW, a black bear can top out at 45MPH. You don't have to out run a bear, only your companion.</i><br>

<br>

<i>As far as the bears go....luckily (in this case) I will be travelling with my mother</i><br><br>

Oh, Amanda, that's wrong. She's your mother!

Has anybody tried mounting their camera on a small dog? Which breeds are ok for 35mm, and which do you need for medium format?

>Oh, Amanda, that's wrong. She's your mother

 

Brian - I hope you read the REST of my post!!!! I'm not going to use her as BAIT!!

 

Besides, they get black bears up on their porch so I'll just set up my tripod inside the living room looking out.

Amanda,

 

Have fun shooting on the parkway. I live in NC and have made the trek from Raleigh to the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times to shoot the fall color. Just use common sense and you should not have any problems shooting from the roadside. I haven't hiked any trails off of the parkway so I can't offer advice there. On National Forest trails I don't think you will have any problems.

 

I have a big Gitzo 340 tripod and the times I shot on the parkway I was mostly using an 80-200/2.8 and 300/4, any of the above hardware will attract attention. Since the senic overlooks are the easiest places to park they will also subject you to bystander's attention.

I remember two incidents in particular: at one overlook I had my tripod set up and all of a sudden two or three different people came up with their point & shoots and took a picture right beside me; at another overlook I had just set up and was trying to photograph some hawks in flight and a big family (maybe 20 people) arrived to spread the ashes of their grandmother. That was a bit wierd. I started packing up and they asked me to take a group photo of them with someone's point & shoot. I did then left them in peace.

Yes, I love it when people come and shoot the "same" thing you are!!! It's great!!

 

Hopefully I'll spend some time on the Parkway (I know I will), but what I am really looking forward to are all these back roads that I've been researching. Things NOT in the tourist books.

Amanda,

 

To help you find your way along the back roads buy a DeLorme "Atlas and Gazetteer" http://www.delorme.com/atlasgaz/ for North Carolina. It's a book of topographic maps of the entire state. They are $20 but well worth it if you want to see where those back roads end up. You can also get free North Carolina road maps at the welcome centers at the NC state line.

Oops, I forgot to mention you can buy the Atlas and Gazetteers in many stores that backpacking and/or hunting gear.

Also check out Road & Track's website, and oddly enough, I think the Weather Channel's website (weather.com) too. I'm pretty sure I've found some great driving loops in the N. Ga mountains in both those places. Your mileage may vary. Ha, no pun intended.

Thanks again for all your responses....I know that area is beautiful no matter where you go! Thanks again!

I also live in NC and would like to recommend three resources to help you plan. One is Kevin Adams' book on(not sure of the exact title but the following is close enough) the Waterfalls of NC, how to find and photograph them. Kevin is a first class shooter and his book is very helpful for the sightseer and the photographer. Others are a book by James Hinkle, Parkway Byways: 5000 miles of scenic drives. It incluldes Virginia and NC and is very helpful. The third is a book put out by NC's own Division of Travel and Tourism on NC Scenic Byways. Check out the NC Travel and Tourism site on the WWW; this book should be listed there. NC has designated a number of roads as Scenic Byways and this book tells you how to find them and what to look for.

 

To return to the original question, you will have no problem with your tripod in NC.

Great - thanks for the suggestion on the NC tourism book on backroads. I will definately look into that. I know about the waterfalls book. Honestly that doesn't pique my interest as much as rural country scenes and whatnot....not saying I wouldn't photograph waterfalls (I will)...but a whole book on them seems a bit much for me right now. And the Parkway Byways book too sounds good.

 

Thanks!

John - I went online and was unable to find that backroads book put out by the NC dept. of travel and tourism.

 

I found www.visitnc.com and www.nccommerce.com but nothing there about backroads and a book.

 

Do you know of where it is?

 

Thanks!