pictures at the plaza - permit (to buy, live, money)

[kevcrawford]

A professional is someone that gets paid for their services. If a photographer is getting paid for using something they own, are they not entitled to a percentage? It costs money for upkeep to keep that building beautiful. Why should they foot the entire bill for others to have a nice backdrop?

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by nismospec

the thing is the fine print...
every day people pass by and take pictures of the church. those are acceptable, but professional pictures require a permit.

just what defines "professional" these days? if i'm taking a picture with a $200 slim camera and you're standing next to me using a $1,000 SLR, does that make the SLR a professional picture?

A professional photo = one in which the photographer is paid. Usually a tourist snapping a photo isn't hiring a professional photographer to do it. This is the case for many sites. It's what helps to keep the place looking nice and photo-worthy.

[rd2007]

Exactly! I was a professional photographer in the Navy because that was my job and I got paid for it, but I didn't actually own a camera.. besides, anyone with skills can take an excellent photograph with any camera; you don't have to spend thousands of $ on a DSLR to be a pro..

[nismospec]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

A professional is someone that gets paid for their services. If a photographer is getting paid for using something they own, are they not entitled to a percentage? It costs money for upkeep to keep that building beautiful. Why should they foot the entire bill for others to have a nice backdrop?

this is where I get confused then...doesn't the church own the church?
the money is to keep the upkeep of the plaza, not the church.

or am I mistaken? honest question...

[Bo]

Originally Posted by nismospec

this is where I get confused then...doesn't the church own the church?
the money is to keep the upkeep of the plaza, not the church.

or am I mistaken? honest question...

Maybe when the plaza went in, it affected or obscured the property line for which land belongs to the church? Surely every place that used to be street now belongs to the plaza. Maybe the sidewalk in front of the church is also considered part of the plaza? Or perhaps the issue is that your photographer must stand on plaza property (and impede other uses of that part of the plaza) to photograph you in front of the church?

The folks who operate the cathedral and who help with the inside details of your wedding plan might have a better explanation.

[jons_wifey]

Originally Posted by rd2007

Exactly! I was a professional photographer in the Navy because that was my job and I got paid for it, but I didn't actually own a camera.. besides, anyone with skills can take an excellent photograph with any camera; you don't have to spend thousands of $ on a DSLR to be a pro..

+1

[Chaka]

I'm sure the admin people at SF can answer your questions, but I'd guess the inner courtyard and the steps are part of the Church, the rest belongs to the city/Main Plaza.

FWIW - we got married at Mission San Jose and didn't have to pay extra for pictures outside the church on the mission grounds. Maybe something to consider. I think, but am not sure, that if you go there for pre-wedding photoshoots you may have to get a permit, but not for pics after the wedding.

[nismospec]

Originally Posted by Bo

Maybe when the plaza went in, it affected or obscured the property line for which land belongs to the church? Surely every place that used to be street now belongs to the plaza. Maybe the sidewalk in front of the church is also considered part of the plaza? Or perhaps the issue is that your photographer must stand on plaza property (and impede other uses of that part of the plaza) to photograph you in front of the church?

The folks who operate the cathedral and who help with the inside details of your wedding plan might have a better explanation.

(nope)...little help from the cathedral either. long story there, but typically you get a response in 1-2 weeks (and I have phone calls/e-mails to verify)
I think my venting is done, just goes to show the headaches of wedding planning.

[jons_wifey]

Originally Posted by nismospec

just goes to show the headaches of wedding planning.

that's why there's always a wedding planner but i know not everyone can afford a wedding planner

[nismospec]

Originally Posted by jons_wifey

that's why there's always a wedding planner but i know not everyone can afford a wedding planner

bingo...in this economy, i'll take the headache vs. the extra $$$
thanks again fellow cd members!