OKAY

[pandaemonaeum]

NOW I'm confused.

In 2008, I was kicked out of Tynemouth Priory for photographing some models in outfits for my website. They said I would be using the photographs for commercial purposes, despite me speaking to someone on the phone who told me that so long as I wasn't selling the photos, there was no issue.

I have accepted this, and frankly haven't set foot in an English Heritage property since, as they were very rude in the process.

I still maintain it's because all the amateur photographers were more interested in us than in their shoddy organised event, which was pants. A nylon shawl and wicker basket do NOT cut it as a Victorian costume, kthnxbai. And I let anyone who asked come and photograph my models and my outfits - in fact I had several members of a camera club stop by and thank me, as they rarely get to photograph models!

So today, I am on Flickr, and have a look at the pretty pictures of Whitby Abbey.

And they have photos of dressed up people in there. On their approved site.

There's also a woman on Flickr who makes Victorian outfits, photographed at at least 3 of their properties, using her pics for commercial purposes.

There is NOTHING on their website which says I can't take pics at their properties and use them on my website!

So, is it time I got medeival on their asses?

Comments

[sparklewren.livejournal.com]

"So, is it time I got medeival on their asses?"

Yes.

[tehuti.livejournal.com]

Pretty much. :-)

[robo-toda.livejournal.com]

Sounds like some random jobsworth being a twat, doesn't it.
Anytime you fancy (subject to exceptions) haz camera.

[littlepinkfaery.livejournal.com]

I agree, you ran into a jobswirth there!

If you want to do it at whitby abbey, just wait till goth weekend, they will never know the difference!

[crikeyaphrodite.livejournal.com]

The photographer I'm working with said the same about Historic Scotland. They wouldn't even let her take photographs at one of their properties for a cancer charity! Which is pretty awful.

What irritates me is these are government bodies. These properties are in the care of the state and therefore all of us. So why restrict use as long as there is no disruption, damage or disturbance?!

[pandaemonaeum.livejournal.com]

What annoys me is that they rent these properties out for films! How much more commercial can you get?

We're not asking, or even inferring, that they endorse our products. We're just asking for a pretty background. I don't see what's wrong in that.

I have decided I am going to write to them and ask for an explanation. I will keep everyone informed.

I've had about enough, I pay a whack of taxes every year and these contribute to the upkeep of these properties! Why the hell should I be denied a simple request?

I'm really on the warpath about this. I can understand the stately homes not allowing photography - quite often you are in someone's actual home, and it's quite ill-mannered to just snap away, but the weird thing is, they are the least uptight about it.

It galls me worse as you see the pictures of these properties in the backgrounds of shots in fashion magazines, why is that good publicity but our companies are not? It's stupid, there is no rhyme nor reason to it.

BTW, I think the Archdiocese of Glasgow is quite approachable, you might be able to use one of their properties instead? Or you could try the museums, I know I've seen a photoshoot inside Kelvingrove Museum, even if it was a long time ago it's worth asking...

[crikeyaphrodite.livejournal.com]

I think it probably comes down to hard cash. If you have enough to flash you'll get your way. As far as I know, most National Trust properties (NTS anyway) will allow commercial shoots - for a fee. Council owned places are different again. For instance, I wanted to do something in Chatelherault, but I've been told they're difficult. We've yet to approach them, so we'll see. Glasgow City Council has an address to write to about shoots in properties, so they must be open to it (albeit no doubt their pockets will be open to it too!). I was going to write to them about a couple of ideas. But then with the council connections usually help!

I do understand that some properties will be more sensitive than others. It might just not be feasible to allow access everywhere. But that does not explain a blanket policy of refusal. Not when, as you say, our taxes are maintaining them.

The government give plenty of lip-service to supporting small business. This is one way they could do just that. It's incredibly infuriating.

[robo-toda.livejournal.com]

It always has just been lip service....ask the FSB.