Photographing state parks at night

[imaginator]

I do moonlit landscapes... night scenes where the moon provides the

light (moon is NOT IN FRAME!) My delimma is that I want to do this at

some of the state parks here in California (like Point Lobos) and they

are closed at night. I read some info from the parks website and it

has rules and guidelines for commercial photography (mostly concerning

motion pictures, but some for still photography also) I am not a pro,

but the only way to get in after normal hours is to file the required

form and pay for a "monitor" (a park ranger) to escort me around and

also I must have insurance. I can't afford this option, and I'm

willing to sign something that states I'm "at my own risk" so they

don't have to worry about lawsuits if I get injured. I suppose I could

"sneak in" at night, but would rather do this with permission. Has

anyone found a good way to deal with this, or have suggestions for who

to talk to about it? I'm hoping that some generous ranger or other

employee might volunteer to be my "monitor" just for the experience

(someone interested in photography) I'm willing to park my car outside

the park entrance and do lots of walking if neccessary.

[t._n._williams]

That is not an issue that I have ever had to deal with. But I do have a couple of ideas. You may have already tried them, but I will toss them out there in case you haven't.

 

Since you are talking about state facilities, call better yet email, your local Congressperson. They are often willing to help make things happen for those in their district. Might know who to talk to.

 

Is there a ranger station of some sort in the park itself??? If so see if you can talk to the supervisor, that person may be willing to let you post a request for a guide on an employee bulletin board. Or have another suggestion on how to make this happen.

 

My final thought is find your local tourist promo group. They may be willing to help you get the fees paid and that for pictures to include in their promotional materials on the area.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

t

[pvp]

<I>I'm willing to park my car outside the park entrance and do lots of walking if neccessary.</I><P>

Take a <s>lookout</s> assistant along, and don't get caught!

[Jerry_]

You try 'camping' in the park campground (if one is available) and go for a evening hike. If you are 'caught' and arrested in the park after hours, you may not like the service provided by the park ranger or local sheriff's office.

[craig_gillette]

Those that have camping don't restrict beach access at night generally. And if you get down further to the Piedras Blancas, San simeon areas, there are few restricitions on beach access. OTOH, it's pretty close to the road and other folks and/or vehicle lights may be a problem.

[imaginator]

There is no camping in this park... it's a state reserve and a very special place... more pristine than many other parks. I explained my situation to a photographer friend and he suggested paying for the monitor if they would let a small group of us in (we could share the costs) I'm going to propose this through proper channels (still not sure who to e-mail... a talk with the rangers at the gate seems like a good approach) I originally e-mailed pointlobos.org and got no response... it wasn't long after Sept. 11 so I think they may have not know how to deal with this... probabaly on file with the FBI now. It's a simple request, but these are not simple times, so I want to tread lightly.