Where can I take my 8x10?

bvy · May 6, 2018

With the weather finally improving, I'd like to take my 8x10 camera out and try some street portraiture. I'm no stranger to either street portraiture (with medium format usually) or 8x10 (in my studio at home), but this would be my first time taking such a large camera and tripod out of the house.

In general, in the US, where can I set up such a rig and not be breaking some rule? I realize every municipality, park., etc. might have rules about such things, so I'm just looking for some guidelines. I want to be somewhere where I'll meet people, but obviously I don't want to set up on a busy street corner or be an obstruction or nuisance in any way.

Thanks.

ic-racer · May 6, 2018

After my first year shooting 8x10 I realized I could take it anywhere I went with my 35mm camera, though I almost always avoid populated areas with my work.

John Koehrer · May 6, 2018

Generally if you're on public property it's fair game. On private property leave when you're asked, if it's posted no trespassing & you're on the property
the police or security folks may not be your friend.
There are a number of results about "photographers rights" on google.

It always seemed like a good idea(!), if there are pedestrians around to use a couple of small traffic cones around the working area. Hi-viz vest & hard hat?

DREW WILEY · May 6, 2018

It's mostly common sense. Avoid crowded streets where a tripod would be a trip hazard. The burbs can be hostile. You probably already know about rural areas : stay away from meth labs, pot farms, cults, and rednecks suspicious of "government spies", especially if the local Sheriff is a drug kingpin himself. Don't create a road hazard. When scouting areas, I'd often drop into some breakfast joint and start a conversation with the local ranchers or Indians etc. It did a lot to defuse hypothetical tensions later, and they'd often give me tips about special places. Of course, don't go into a place like that looking like Hayduke.

P.johnson14 · May 6, 2018

Disclaimer: I don't shoot 8x10, but I do shoot something the size of a 4x5, tripod mounted.

I like to shoot at state parks, national parks, historical communities, car shows, tractor shows, on farms (we run a farm, always get permission first), and really wherever else I feel like. I've never had a problem with my big stuff.

No trespassing means just that. It's not a joke or up for debate in rural areas, in some rural areas not heeding those signs can get you shot.

A local park would probably be fine. If you are concerned, a stop by the local municipal office could probably provide you with a copy of any park rules. I just went out to Presque Isle state park a couple of weeks ago and had a blast.

DREW WILEY · May 6, 2018

Well, if you run into some Cliven Bundy squatters-rights type, even legally being on public land can get you in trouble. The strangest kind of circumstance I've run into is having a friendly interaction with a rancher, but not knowing the next ranch down the road had a lifelong feud with them. A fellow I once worked with had previously been a UPS driver in rural Colorado, and was held at gunpoint for three days for the "crime" of delivering a package to the enemy ranch. But both his and my feelings about such incidents is that doty ranches and mean bulls chasing you are way better than subdivisions, so neither of us pressed charges.

Arklatexian · May 6, 2018

bvy said:
With the weather finally improving, I'd like to take my 8x10 camera out and try some street portraiture. I'm no stranger to either street portraiture (with medium format usually) or 8x10 (in my studio at home), but this would be my first time taking such a large camera and tripod out of the house.

In general, in the US, where can I set up such a rig and not be breaking some rule? I realize every municipality, park., etc. might have rules about such things, so I'm just looking for some guidelines. I want to be somewhere where I'll meet people, but obviously I don't want to set up on a busy street corner or be an obstruction or nuisance in any way.

Thanks.

Probably the smaller the city or town the better but if you approached the "authorities" in most smaller places, tell them what you just told us, I would almost bet they would welcome you. Just be sure to use the proper descriptive adjectives like pretty, beautiful and such. I have found that most people are proud of where they live and if you show an interest, they will try to help. At times, too much!.....Regards!

awty · May 6, 2018

Pretty well any where here you want to set up a tripod and take a bit of time to take a picture its best to ask permission first. Public land is usually fine as long as your not being a hazard.
Private land even with public access can be a problem.
Ive been chased away a few times. Now I will try and seak out someone in authority, explain what Im doing, usually they are fine with that. Had some security people being over cautious and not letting me and have contacted someone in authority and gained permission afterwards.
Kills any spontaneity.

winger · May 6, 2018

I've had my 4x5 out in tiny little Scottdale, PA and wasn't hassled. But I also saw maybe three people in about an hour. People drive through, but don't always walk much. I would think some areas of downtown Pittsburgh would be fine. Maybe Greensburg, if you want a smaller city.

removed account4 · May 7, 2018

i'd just setup wherever you want. i don't think you will run into troubxe whether it is on a street corner or public park.
i would set up in the shade, sun beating down on you and your camera and film holders is a drag...
the biggest problem you will have is the legsspread on your tripod .. unless you have a 8x10 gowlandflex

bvy · May 7, 2018

Thanks everyone. Like I said, I'm not a landscape guy, so I'm not really looking to go anywhere questionable or remote. Downtown parks, fairs, gathering places that aren't private property. Anywhere there might be willing subjects, and where I can set up without creating a hazard.

@winger , I was actually thinking Point State Park, in one of the grassy areas, during the Arts Festival (or any time this summer).

NortheastPhotographic · May 7, 2018

Most folks would be so interested in your camera that they wouldn't see an 8x10 as a "threat". Going to a park with a 300mm lens on a Nikon Dwhatever is very different from going to a park with a Nikkor 300mm lens on a D(eardorff). It would akin to someone yelling at a person painting on an easel. Personally I would find the attention irritating. Lots of "how old is that!" sort of questions. Now, if you're obstructing walking traffic with a giant tripod, that's a different story and I would advise you not do it. But in general, public place, no problem. Private land, maybe issues but again, just seeing an 8x10 folding camera is pretty neat so only the most "don't tread on me" types would be likely to give you trouble. Just have a smile on your face and be willing to walk away if asked.

winger · May 7, 2018

bvy said:
I was actually thinking Point State Park, in one of the grassy areas, during the Arts Festival (or any time this summer).

I was just thinking Point State Park might be good. There are wide trails and plenty of good backdrops, too. It might be too crowded during the festival, but there are people there near lunchtime every day if it's nice. The week Nate did a summer class at the science center last year, I wandered around with my 4x5. No one hassled me at PSP. I did have someone continually talk to me when I was trying to shoot across the river at PNC Park, though.

Kawaiithulhu · May 7, 2018

Some state and local parks require permits for anything that's not a snapshot and looks like a "photo shoot" because it's an open space and you're taking up space and blocking public access to your little patch of ground.
There was a kerfuffle down here at one of the famous-for-pictures beach/park areas where a mother got ticketed for having her kid pose for some shots instead of just grabbing snapshots, they take their enforcement seriously because if you let an innocuous shoot go then everyone starts clogging the lanes again.

So if you're in a park it's always a good idea to check first.

DREW WILEY · May 7, 2018

"Don't tread on me types" occupy much of several States. You might be completely within your legal rights, but when a Deputy who looks like Devil Anse stops you and wants you to unpack everything in your truck, best not argue. He has a job to do if he's going to support all eight of his wives. I grew up around rednecky types, so know not to press my luck.

Theo Sulphate · May 7, 2018

Two people I know use 8x10's a lot. One is a city/urban photographer, the other is mostly doing landscapes. From what I hear, you'll get a lot of the usual questions:

- how old is that?
- do they still make film for that?
- can I look through it?

and...

"Take my picture"

DREW WILEY · May 7, 2018

Depends where you are. Here in the Bay Area I run into digital techies, engineers, and even CEO's out hiking or biking on the trails, and they often stop and ask what it takes to get into the darkroom game with a big camera. Guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Who wants a hobby doing the same thing they're forced to do as a day job? Tourists are a different story. Fortunately, it's easy to find solitude.

Pioneer · May 8, 2018

One of these days I'll have to drag my 11x14 Camera City View down to the City Park and try to get a couple of shots of a Little League Game.

They are starting to get used to seeing me with my Crown Graphic so it might be fun to stir up the locals a bit.

I think I need to get a little more comfortable working with it first so I don't look like a complete idiot.

bvy · May 8, 2018

Theo Sulphate said:
From what I hear, you'll get a lot of the usual questions:

- how old is that?
- do they still make film for that?
- can I look through it?

and...

"Take my picture"

I'm counting on the last one. I like a camera that takes its own pictures.

DREW WILEY · May 8, 2018

My favorite recent story involves my setting up my 8x10 and wooden Ries tripod atop a local limestone ridge. A large Indian family came along. Grandpa had an
orange turban, big white beard, traditional white robe, and was using a long wooden staff as a hiking pole. We chatted, and it turns out he had been raised in the
Himalayas, but now was CEO of one of the local tech firms. He put his little grandson atop his shoulders so he could see through my groundglass, because he
wanted him to experience a "real camera" (his words, not mine) before it's too late.

Alan Gales · May 9, 2018

We have a place here in St. Louis called the Central West End. We also have a place called the Delmar Loop. Both have sidewalk cafe's, restaurants and little shops. People visiting these places are usually in a good mood and may not mind getting their picture taken. Click on the links below. I'm sure Pittsburgh has something similar.

https://explorestlouis.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/central-west-end/

https://visittheloop.com

Sirius Glass · May 9, 2018

Anywhere you are strong enough to carry it to. Remember that there is nothing worth photographing that is further than 200 yards [meters].

GRHazelton · May 10, 2018

Bert Krages is a photographer and a lawyer. Here is a link to his site which has a handy pdf on "shooter's" rights. I try to keep a copy of it in my various gadget bags. http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

Sirius Glass · May 10, 2018

GRHazelton said:
Bert Krages is a photographer and a lawyer. Here is a link to his site which has a handy pdf on "shooter's" rights. I try to keep a copy of it in my various gadget bags. http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

Thanks for the updated version.

DREW WILEY · May 11, 2018

Remember, the farther you walk, the more you'll appreciate having an 8x10. No need to pay for membership in some stinky gym. Save that money for film.

Where can I take my 8x10?

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