Omaha has a botanical garden called Lauritzen Gardens. Its been over a dozen years since I have
photographed anything there. At the
time, I wanted to photograph the birds and bugs. I couldn’t photograph birds because they didn’t
allow tripods. I didn’t photograph bugs because
they kill anything that eats the plants.
The main reason I didn’t return was because the staff hated
photographers and gave me the third degree every time I went.
My photography has improved since then – perhaps they have
made some improvements to their facility and attitude as well. In any case, I’ve lowered my expectations and
don’t expect to be welcomed as an artist.
According to
their web page, Lauritzen now welcomes private non-commercial photography but
they have rules that photographers need to follow for the safety of the other
guests. The rules include:
Don’t take portraits.
Don’t bring a tripod or Dipod
(whatever that is).
Don’t touch the plants.
Stay out of the water.
Any volunteer of staff member can
kick you out at any time.
I need to sign an agreement that includes “ I will not use any photographs or video footage taken on THIS DAY, YEAR for anything other than the intended purpose of THEIR REASON FOR TAKING THE PICTURES.”
Ironically,
the rules for Artists are more relaxed:
They can sell their work if they
want.
They
can set up an easel anywhere – but might be asked to move for garden
maintenance.
They
can’t litter.
I shouldn’t
have any problems:
I was in the military – I have experience with
people enforcing petty regulations that don’t make any sense.
The strollers and service animals will be safe
from my non-existent tripod – but I might try to stand real still at times.
The kids running around can pick and trample all
the flowers they want because I won’t be touching any of the plants or their labels.
I can’t imagine that any photo taken at
Lauritzen would have any commercial value – let alone mine.
I'll just Shoot and Leave.
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