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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
National Forest Photo Permit for Editorial Work
Larry Clouse, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 6:29 PM on 04.26.10 |
->> While putting together my credential request for this year's Teva Mountain Games in Vail, I saw a recent addition to their media page. It stated that all photographers would now be required to have a National Forest Film/Photo Permit in order to shoot any events held on Forest Service land. At first, I thought this would just be some extra red-tape until I got to the bottom of the request form and found the fees schedule.
Has anyone else run into this? It seems to me that this could effect the majority of Adventure Sports coverage. I don't shoot a lot of adventure; but, I would like to do more. However, I can't afford to add these fees into my expenses.
I'm aware of the permit requirements for commercial work; however, this is the first time I've run across a permit/fee for editorial. I've contacted the Forest Service for clarification but I haven't heard anything back yet.
Thanks
Larry |
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Bradly J. Boner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Jackson | WY | USA | Posted: 7:02 PM on 04.26.10 |
| ->> Hi, Larry... Would be curious to hear what the Forest Service tells you. Editorial photography on public land shouldn't require a permit, let alone one that costs money. |
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Hal Smith, Photographer
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Sedalia | MO | USA | Posted: 10:22 PM on 04.26.10 |
->> according to Public Law 106-206
5/26/2000: Signed by President; Became Public Law No: 106-206 [114 Stat. 314; cod. 16 USC 460l-6d].
H.R.154
(c) STILL PHOTOGRAPHY—
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not require a permit nor assess a fee for still photography on lands administered by the Secretary if such photography takes place where members of the public are generally allowed. The Secretary may require a permit, fee, or both, if such photography takes place at other locations where members of the public are generally not allowed, or where additional administrative costs are likely.
(2) The Secretary shall require and shall establish a reasonable fee for still photography that uses models or props which are not a part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
(d) PROTECTION OF RESOURCES—The Secretary shall not permit any filming, still photography or other related activity if the Secretary determines—
(1) there is a likelihood of resource damage;
(2) there would be an unreasonable disruption of the public’s use and enjoyment of the site; or
(3) that the activity poses health or safety risks to the public. |
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Jeff Frings, Photographer
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Milwaukee | WI | USA | Posted: 10:27 PM on 04.26.10 |
->> The folks at Teva Mountain Games seem to have it wrong. According to the National Forest Service,
"Commercial filming/photography includes feature-
length motion pictures, video production, advertisements, educational documentaries produced
for resale (e.g. National Geographic, PBS, BBC etc.), and commercial still photography."
So unless you're making a feature length motion picture or an ad, I'd think you'd be ok.
I agree with Bradly, I'm not sure how they can require a special permit for any kind of editorial photography or charge a fee, even if it is used in a documentary.
All the guidelines are online. They all seem geared toward large scale productions.
http://www.fs.fed.us/rl/lewisclark/lcic/pdfs/guidelines.pdf |
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Larry Clouse, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 8:21 PM on 04.27.10 |
->> Update: I've heard back from the Forest Service and they are sticking by their requirement that all journalists and news media apply for and pay the fees associated with a Special Use Film/Photo Permit. I had hoped that the Teva Games organizer had just misunderstood something from the Forest Service; but, that doesn't seem to be the case.
I've responded with the Public Law 106-206 statement that Hal posted and asked for clarification. Thanks Hal, for posting this legislation. |
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Larry Clouse, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 8:44 PM on 05.05.10 |
->> Update: After several days of corresponding back and forth with the Forest Service, this issue has been resolved positively. Thank you to everyone who responded to me via email and for sending the links to Forest Service regulations. They were very helpful as I was able to quote from them directly.
I heard from several photographers that they had had similar experiences in other states and Forest districts. So, this doesn't seem to be an isolated case. I have several other adventure events scheduled for later in the summer but in different districts. We'll see if this comes up again. |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 9:37 PM on 05.05.10 |
| ->> What exactly was the resolution? Were you required to pay the fees? |
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Larry Clouse, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 9:56 PM on 05.05.10 |
->> No fees and no Special Use Permit required.
After a fair amount of discussion about what editorial work is and the fact that I wasn't shooting commercial, event or documentary photography; and, that I did not require any special assistance or equipment, it was agreed that I did not fall under their Special Use requirements. |
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Bradly J. Boner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Jackson | WY | USA | Posted: 1:54 AM on 06.02.10 |
->> We just wrote a story about various permitting required for various uses on public lands, including national parks, forests and wilderness areas. I thought it would be useful to include here:
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=6053 |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 9:40 AM on 06.02.10 |
->> The United States Department of the Interior is reportedly working on an arrangement with Getty, AP, and Reuters. If signed, this agreement would value at $50 all photographs made with a National Forrest Film/Photo Permit regardless of size or placement.
Details will follow. |
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