OK, so I'd like to visit Washinton DC...

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less 'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

I don't know about today, but a number of years ago there was a law against using a tripod without a permit in Washington, D.C. I have a friend who got a citation for using his.

I don't know if it's still that way but your should probably check before packing your big Gitzo.

Sander Meurs said:

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of
tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do
some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod
and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments
and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the
security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum
that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base
these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should
leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less
'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even
more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long
security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was
allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in
WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

--
Jim Jeter
Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.pbase.com/jim_jeter/root

James Jeter said:

I don't know about today, but a number of years ago there was a law
against using a tripod without a permit in Washington, D.C. I have
a friend who got a citation for using his.

I don't know if it's still that way but your should probably check
before packing your big Gitzo.

Click to expand...

I'll certainly check, thanks.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

I believe that, use of tripod, is becoming an issue at many of our National monuments. I have yet to run into it, but you might want check out the issues via Google. Here are a couple of links:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/travel/national-parks.html
http://www.indospectrum.com/travels/dc2.html
http://www.mkaz.com/photo/trips/dc/

One thing to NOT miss when in DC is the Smithsonian. Be sure to spend a bit of time there, however long you spend will not be nearly enough .

Hope the links help a bit.

Sander Meurs said:

James Jeter said:

I don't know about today, but a number of years ago there was a law
against using a tripod without a permit in Washington, D.C. I have
a friend who got a citation for using his.

I don't know if it's still that way but your should probably check
before packing your big Gitzo.

Click to expand...

I'll certainly check, thanks.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

--
Bill Dewey
http://www.deweydrive.com

but in NYC a permit is definitely required to use a tripod on city streets and property.

take a look at this link from just today:

http://blog.photoblogs.org/2004/10/clampdown_on_ph.html

In city parks, however, the rule is less stringent. Technically you are permitted to use a tripod as long as you are not a professional. My friends and I go into our local park all the time with tripods and are not hassled; although its possible you might be stopped and questioned, but once you assure them you aren't a pro, it is usually okay. Also no problem at the wildlife refuges, obviously, like Jamaica Bay or Gateway.

BTW, if you do come to NYC be sure to let me know and maybe we can meet up for some shooting! Its only a quick 3-hour train ride from DC. That said, there is tons to see and do in DC, so you may just want to concentrate your time there.

Sander Meurs said:

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of
tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do
some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod
and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments
and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the
security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum
that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base
these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should
leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less
'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even
more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long
security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was
allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in
WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

--
Janet
D 1 0 0
F 1 0 0
C P 5 7 0 0
http://www.jczinn.com

Bill Dewey said:

One thing to NOT miss when in DC is the Smithsonian. Be sure to
spend a bit of time there, however long you spend will not be
nearly enough .

Click to expand...

Actually, the Smithsonian is the main reason I was thinking of going with her, I'll have to give it some careful consideration though, I have to set some goals to see if it is actually sensible to visit WDC (I mean considering cost) for just those places.

The links you provided actually suggest using a tripod for the night shots, but also stress the need to check first. Also a short horror story of a soldier with an automatic rifle (yikes). I'll make some calls when I decide to go.

Thanks for helping out Bill.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Oh boy that's the sort of story I was thinking of indeed, I can just see it happen to me. Last visit I had my tripod with me in the Guggenheim, the girl at the desk aksed me not to use it, so I asked her to hold it for me while I was taking photos, she looked at me like I was asking her to walk on water... After a short 'no you can't' debate she got tired of my arguments and she took it anyway.

Also at the empire state, I got an on the spot permit in line, which I thought was pretty vague back than, but I understand things have gotten worse since and I was actually well off at that time, oh well...

I don't know about WDC or NYC or maybe a mix of the two yet, but when I do decide on NYC i'll drop a mail and we can chase some birds together

Thanks for helping out, same goed for you, if you want to visit Holland just drop me a mail and we'll meet up, you can even take your tripod with you, not a problem at all ;^)

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009Z7e&unified_p=1

Oh boy, I'll be glad to have anytime for myself with all those security people swarming around me...

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Sander,

I live in the DC area and didn't have any problem using a tripod on the National Mall and Tidal Basin area last spring to photograph the cherry blossoms, monuments, and the Smithsonian Kite festival. I don't believe they are permitted on the Capital grounds.

The Smithsonian doesn't permit them in the museums, but in general you can use flash, with some exceptions. See the Photograpy section at:

http://www.si.edu/visit/security_and_policies.htm

Hope this helps,

Jim Seach

I cant really help you with the night photos in DC, but last time I was there 8 + years ago, I had no problem taking pictures and acking like a fool (I was still in college) but things have changed...

I do have a question for you. you girlfriends name is very interesting, where is she from? My sister's name is Marijke and is a very common Dutch name. Is your girlfriend all so Dutch?

Sander Meurs said:

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of
tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do
some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod
and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments
and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the
security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum
that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base
these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should
leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less
'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even
more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long
security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was
allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in
WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

--
Dave

N.i.k.o.n D.1.0.0
N.i.k.o.n C.o.o.l.P.i.x 4.3.0.0
O.l.y.m.p.u.s C.5.0.z
C.a.n.o.n A.E.1 P.r.o.g.r.a.m
Mac G4 Dual 1Ghz Digital Dark Room!

Sander,

Ron did a workshop there last year - I think a lot of forum regulars attended. If you email Ron, I'll bet you that he'll be glad to share a wealth of information with you - he's a generous guy with his knowledge and experience to those who ask.

Bryan Burris
D2h, DCS ProSLR/n, and general Nikon Junkie

Sander Meurs said:

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of
tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do
some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod
and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments
and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the
security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum
that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base
these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should
leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less
'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even
more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long
security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was
allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in
WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

I went to DC for vacation a year ago. I took my tripod and used it without problems. Outside the White House I was told by the security guard to shoot from across the street instead of at the perimeter fence. Other than that, I used it wherever I needed it. Hope you have fun.

Sander Meurs said:

My girlfriend Marije is going there for work and I'm thinking of
tagging along for the week she's there, to see the sights and do
some photography.

I've found this website:
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Must_See#132
So I know there's enough to do.

My question is the following: I'd like to take my big gitzo tripod
and D2h and make some good and steady night photos of the monuments
and statues and such, will I be allowed to? I mean with all the
security and the US these days, I read some stories on this forum
that the police were hasseling photographers an a regular base
these days, do you expect I will have any trouble? Maybe I should
leave the tripod home and just shoot in daytime which would be less
'alarming'?

Or maybe I should just avoid WDC and visit NYC, or is that even
more photographer unfriendly than WDC these days? I remember long
security queues from my last visit there, and the tripod was
allowed nowhere

Also if you have any tips for stuff to do or photograph while in
WDC, I'd be much obliged Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Click to expand...

You will have no problems at monuments at night, NONE. The only thing you might encounter is if you dont have rubber feet on your tripod. The ONLY place you cannot have a tripod in DC is the south side or back of the White House. Capitol, Smithsonian(s), and all monuments are a go. You can check out my stuff if you'd like.

--
http://www.lbrentgilmore.com

I was in DC at the end of July and used my tripod at the Lincoln, Korean,l and World War II Memorials during the day and the Jefferson Memorial at night. Never had a problem.

Mike
--
http://www.pbase.com/mzelmar

DC is one of the most interesting and photogenic cities in the world. You'll have a great time...

I walked right up to the US Capital Building and took this...



and this...



walked up to the Federal Reserve Building and took this...



and the Smithsonian...



and the Lincoln Memorial...



and Union Station...



...and many more.

I was in DC with Ron Reznick in June and we used a tripod frequently. No one said a word to us. Security people here see a lot of cameras & photographers.

What more can I say? You'll have a great time.

JB

Sander,

I also visited Ron in DC but actually the session a year earlier; much closer to the 9/11 actuall event....and things were tight there. However when questions arrived I made it a point to smile and act very pleasant. I would answer any questions an officer asked me with respect and never once would I point out my rights as an American. The point here is they will treat you exactly the way they are treated by you in most cases. Also shooting much later at night you can get better shots without any tourist interfearance.

this may also sound really crazy, but if you know anyone with a handicap liscense bring them along.....Thier parking will be a plessing. I was with Janice Leglar who lives near DC and we actually got to park right nest to the Lincoln.....plus she also got access to many restricted parking places. Janice if you are out there....THANKS AGAIN!

DC at night is wonderfull.....And I live right next to NYC and let me tell you it is a great place to visit, but for photography right now it is tight and the cops are all over.

GenoP

Nikon D100 ,Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX
13s f/8.0 at 18.0mm
Shot at about 1:30AM!



Nikon D100 ,Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF AF
1/2s f/4.0 at 85.0mm
24-JUL-2003



Nikon D100 ,Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S

jb_va2001 said:

I was in DC with Ron Reznick in June and we used a tripod
frequently. No one said a word to us. Security people here see a
lot of cameras & photographers.

What more can I say? You'll have a great time.

JB

Click to expand...

--
Web: http://www.pbase.com/genop754
Send eMail to: [email protected]

What is the security risk of a tripod? I cant believe there are laws in DC or NYC that prevent their use. If it has to do with a tripod on a crowded sidewalk then maybe a can see their point. But what is the security rist, aside from an irate photog beating someone with it??? Thanks in advance --Swill

Have a great time!! In every possible way

--
hans

david casius said:

I do have a question for you. you girlfriends name is very
interesting, where is she from? My sister's name is Marijke and is
a very common Dutch name. Is your girlfriend all so Dutch?

Click to expand...

Hi David,

I happened to see your message just before going off to work, Sander is still asleep so I'll answer for you. My name is Dutch, like me and Sander both are. It is not so very common here, but all names like Marije and Marijke are, as I understood, derived from Maria (although my parents picked it because they just liked it).
--
Best wishes,
Marije

Hi Jim,

thanks for the link, it spoke of a special permit for tripods but I won't need one for the Smithsonian. Good to know you had no problems using yours around town, you said that it was maybe restricted on Capital Grounds, I'm not familiar (yet) with your city, so could you please elaborate on that, what are the Capital Grounds? Is it the area around Capital Hill or something like that? Thanks in advance Jim, I appreciate your help.

Cheers,

Sander Meurs
------------------------------------------------------------------



artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity