Photo Restrictions?

[Lady L]

I had the same reaction...why 12" long lenses, at this point? Even my old 500mm mirror reflex lens I used to use was less than 12" long and now there are even better cameras that don't need that long of a lens to get great shots. Everyone has cameras these days.

[groomporter]

Heard from someone from the office that the policy was actually in response to some specific incident but they didn't elaborate.

[Merlin the Elder]

I can just imagine what that was, Groomporter.  It seems that there is the occasional perv with a camera at faire. I understand that there was one at Scarby who was going for upskirts. He's been permanently barred. There is always going to be at least one jerk to stir things up...

[KeithR]

Well just in case, I sent a formal request to the "office" asking to be allowed to use the lenses I bring to fest. I also gave them a link to the only pics I have ever posted for them to view and judge for themselves. I also asked for a written document in the event that I'm detained as I was a couple of years ago. If they want me to register, I have zero problem with that as well. I understand the security measures, the reasons, and have no problem with any of it what so ever. Like everyone else that attends fest, I'm out to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells(and maybe an occasional beverage), and color that RenFest offers and hope that it's as trouble free and family friendly as I've always see it to be. Security has got to be top notch because I've never seen a problem in the 2-3 times every year(20+ yrs and counting) that I attend.
Looking forward to capturing you all!

[Muffin]

Read this on a local photo forum(Cameratalk Minnesota):
A fest source of mine has indicated that a certain staff photographer is attempting to monetize the photography at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. There is talk (and I understand it is only talk at this time) that patrons will be limited to "point and shoot" cameras and that those of us who shoot with better stuff will have to pay for a "permit".

Any truth to this? I have never heard of a "staff photographer" and I've been attending(and shooting the fest) for over 20 years.

Having known the "staff photographer" for years, I can say with great confidence that this is completely untrue. Our Majikboxman is a fantastic guy, and I can't imagine him attempting to monopolise the photography at MNRF. I'm curious who the "fest source" is that would say that about him..  

[Kiss-me-Kate]

I agree, Muffin.  MJBM isn't like that.  But isn't Solberg a staff photog too?

I am sure the incident in question, involved something inappropriate that forced management to have to clarify their dopey policy.   There is no way they could prevent anyone from taking pictures of their day at Fest with a point and shoot type of camera. 

[Muffin]

I agree, Muffin.  MJBM isn't like that.  But isn't Solberg a staff photog too?

I am sure the incident in question, involved something inappropriate that forced management to have to clarify their dopey policy.   There is no way they could prevent anyone from taking pictures of their day at Fest with a point and shoot type of camera. 

I forgot about Solberg.. I'm not sure if he is a MNRF staff photographer or not? but he takes some awesome pictures too! =) I agree though, there must have been something that happened that brought on this rule change... I remember hearing rumblings about someone with a "stalker" lens taking pictures of kids, *gross* but again, anything that you hear out at fest has to be taken with a grain of salt... 

[saphire_glade]

Solberg is and isn't, he has a paper pass but not a hard pass... and he isn't there everyday and he isn't official. But he does wonderful work.

[DeadBishop]

I remember hearing rumblings about someone with a "stalker" lens taking pictures of kids, *gross* but again, anything that you hear out at fest has to be taken with a grain of salt... 

That's what Keith and I were accused of a couple years ago when they went all Gestapo on us...no idea if there were others as well.

[Muffin]

I remember hearing rumblings about someone with a "stalker" lens taking pictures of kids, *gross* but again, anything that you hear out at fest has to be taken with a grain of salt... 

That's what Keith and I were accused of a couple years ago when they went all Gestapo on us...no idea if there were others as well.

Oh good grief!!! 

[KeithR]

That's what Keith and I were accused of a couple years ago when they went all Gestapo on us...no idea if there were others as well.

Careful DB.
I seem to recall when I first posted about the "incident" a couple years ago and "security services" were brought up, I jokingly made reference to the "SS" and Random Girl came on and defended her colleagues that "SS stands for SAFETY SERVICES not raging gastapo nazis". I apologized then for making my remark. Just a heads up

[DeadBishop]

That's what Keith and I were accused of a couple years ago when they went all Gestapo on us...no idea if there were others as well.

Careful DB.
I seem to recall when I first posted about the "incident" a couple years ago and "security services" were brought up, I jokingly made reference to the "SS" and Random Girl came on and defended her colleagues that "SS stands for SAFETY SERVICES not raging gastapo nazis". I apologized then for making my remark. Just a heads up

I'm not calling the SS the Gestapo, just that their actions were of that nature during our "guilty until proven innocent" interrogation.  

[Will Gamwell]

Careful DB.
I seem to recall when I first posted about the "incident" a couple years ago and "security services" were brought up, I jokingly made reference to the "SS" and Random Girl came on and defended her colleagues that "SS stands for SAFETY SERVICES not raging gastapo nazis". I apologized then for making my remark. Just a heads up

I recall that thread.  Having been a member of SS, some of them took themselves waaaayyy to seriously.  I don't know about the new group, but then again they all know who I am thanks to the team members that are still there from when I worked SS.

[KeithR]

Well, as I posted last Sunday, I sent an email to the office about being allowed my lenses. As of today, I have not heard back. Is this typical? Not having any experience with those in charge, I don't know if my request was ignored or what. Any hints?

[groomporter]

They are in the midst of getting performers contracts signed and the passes for several hundred participants issued, so they're probably a bit distracted