I must say that of all the jurisdictions I've had to interact with around here, the Park Police are the most reasonable if you are respectful and explain to them what you're doing.
I think the park police in general have a pretty low-stress job for law enforcement, so they don't arrive on scene with their panties in a wad even before you interact with them. They must be very well-trained for interacting with the public, particularly with tourists. So if they can put up with the ravening hordes of high school senior trippers, they're more than willing to take five minutes and talk to a large-format photographer.
I've almost gotten arrested so many times by park police when i'm shooting skateboarding or skateboarding. The only reason i haven't is because i just run.
I've almost gotten arrested so many times by park police when i'm shooting skateboarding or skateboarding. The only reason i haven't is because i just run.
there's the rub... skateboarding. The park police hate skateboarders because many boarding maneuvers are incredibly destructive to the monuments, steps, and railings. Also, a mis-step on the part of a skater on a flight of marble stairs can end in a trip to the ER, a new permanent four-wheel conveyance, and a lawsuit against the park service.
I've been thinking lately that what I was told as a kid..that we're the "land of the free & home of the brave" is less true these days....we're less free, and a lot of people are fearful instead of brave