Photo Restrictions?

[KeithR]

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.

[Merlin the Elder]

The simplest way to get to the truth is to go to the horse's mouth. Call the office. These days, rumours are a dime-a-dozen, and there are rumours about virtually everything.

[Norfolk]

These days, rumours are a dime-a-dozen, and there are rumours about virtually everything.

That is certainly true in Larkspurshire!  I entirely agree with MtE:  Call the office!

[Lady L]

http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/info.html

From their current website:

Film/Photo Rights:

All film rights are reserved. Commercial use of photos, videos or audio tapes made at the festival without written permission from the Marketing Department is strictly prohibited. Any Cameras with lenses over 12inches must have prior approval from the marketing department to shoot photos on the Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds.

Royal Photo Contest
Think you have captured the magic of the Faire? Submit your photos for a chance to win prizes!

Photography Classes
The King doth know that his subjects will learn to take fantastic photos with their "magic boxes" at the Festival this year because he has summoned his royal photographers to develop your skills! All skill levels are welcome to attend our classes and learn how to perfect the perfect picture!



CONTACT US:

(952) 445 - 7361
info@renaissancefest.com

[groomporter]

That's a rumor that has been discussed here last year
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=12490.0

The rumor may have started with someone in 2009 who got bugged by Safety Services about their camera for some reason. See this thread:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8844.0

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

These days, rumours are a dime-a-dozen, and there are rumours about virtually everything.

That is certainly true in Larkspurshire!  I entirely agree with MtE:  Call the office!

Rumors? at Faires?  Never heard of that ! 

[groomporter]

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.

Majikboxman has been doing some work with MAF and is a member of this forum you could ask him what kind of arrangement they have.

[KeithR]

The rumor may have started with someone in 2009 who got bugged by Safety Services about their camera for some reason. See this thread:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8844.0

That was no rumor! I was the one who made the initial post and DB was also "talked" to as well.

[groomporter]

I merely meant that real event may have started the rumor that they are officially restricting certain types of cameras.

[KeithR]

http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/info.html

From their current website:

Film/Photo Rights:

All film rights are reserved. Commercial use of photos, videos or audio tapes made at the festival without written permission from the Marketing Department is strictly prohibited. Any Cameras with lenses over 12inches must have prior approval from the marketing department to shoot photos on the Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds.

CONTACT US:

(952) 445 - 7361
info@renaissancefest.com

Thank you!
I'll be in contact today(via email) and call during the week if needed.

[groomporter]

Oops sorry didn't read it that closely the 12" clause has apparently been added since last year.

Seems kind of pointless with a decent camera in practically every phone these days.

[KeithR]

Oops sorry didn't read it that closely the 12" clause has apparently been added since last year.

Seems kind of pointless with a decent camera in practically every phone these days.

Agreed! To be honest, I think more damage can be done with a small point n shoot or cell phone camera that someone that isn't trying to hide what they're doing. Believe me when I say that there is no way I could hide what I'm taking pictures of.

[groomporter]

Makes me kinda wanna dig out the old 35mm SLR with my 500mm lens.

[DeadBishop]

Oops sorry didn't read it that closely the 12" clause has apparently been added since last year.

Wow, are you kidding me?  Good thing my largest lens is 7.6 inches long.  It's the most popular sized lens for those that shoot with "pro" cameras at fest so I guess we're safe. 

[Marietta Graziella]

This isn't going to turn into a thread about who has the "biggest lens" is it?