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03/23/2008 09:12:46 PM · #1 |
| What's the deal now with pods in DC? Not for a group... just me :-) Any hassles? Need to go to the bother of a permit?? |
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03/23/2008 09:56:38 PM · #2 |
By law, tripods cannot be used on the Capitol grounds without a permit (link to application in PDF format). Use in other areas (such as the National Mall and near the monuments) is generally permitted, however you may be asked/told not to do so in crowded areas near the monuments, so as not to interfere with the flow of other visitors. If you set up a tripod anywhere on Capitol Hill, you will be asked (fairly promptly) not to do so, but as long as you comply immediately, will probably not have any further problems. Capitol Police are used to tourists being unaware of the policy, and while taked to enforce the law, are generally not out to antagonize anyone. That said, it's not worth trying, since they will almost certainly stop you before you have a chance to even get the camera mounted.
Tripods may not be set up on the sidewalk in front of the White House.
Professional photography requires a permit on National Park grounds, but still photography with a tripod is generally not an issue. Videography with a tripod always requires a permit. National Park grounds include, but are not limited to, the National Mall, Washington Monument, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Lincoln and FDR memorials. Permits notwithstanding, Park Police can at any time forbid the use of a tripod if its presence is likely to impede the flow of other visitors. As a practical matter, I've never been bothered about use of a tripod at any of these locations, but then I'm always careful to be aware of the flow of traffic, and to set up at less busy times. I have read reports that tripod cannot be set up on the steps of and/or inside the Lincoln Memorial. I have done so but it was at about 3:00 AM when there were no other tourists there (besides the DPC group with whom I was shooting). Most National Park restrictions are aimed at visitor flow rather than security, so park police and guards are more permissive when visitor traffic is light.
Union Station is private property. Amtrak allows photography inside, but not the use of tripods. Amtrak police will enforce this policy.
I am not sure of the regulations, but WMATA (Washington Metro Area Transit Authority) may ask you not to use a tripod inside Metro stations. If asked not to do so, you should of course comply. I do not believe I have ever tried to use a tripod in a Metro station.
DC is unique in that there are numerous police agencies with jurisdiction in various parts of the city. This includes Metro (DC) police, Metro transit (WMATA) police, Amtrak police, Capitol Police, Secret Service, Park Police, National Zoo Police, and numerous others that you generally won't see. My experience is that all of these agencies are quite used to dealing with tourists, know the regulations well, and are generally not out to harass anyone. I've never encountered an officer that was anything less than polite and courteous, so be sure to be polite and courteous when dealing with them. If you doubt the accuracy of the information they are giving you, I find what works best is to give them the benefit of the doubt by first obeying their instruction (for example, putting my camera or tripod away) and only then ask whatever questions I may have (such as asking the boundaries of the area where tripods are not permitted, or asking them if they would please check with a supervisor on a restriction that I believe may not be accurate).
Most of all, enjoy your trip. Being prepared and researching the regulations will make your trip more enjoyable, but know that if you do make a good-faith error, it won't be the end of the world.
~Terry
Message edited by author 2008-03-23 21:57:05.
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03/24/2008 07:07:38 AM · #3 |
I used my tripod in DC the 2 times I was there, took pics of the monuments, fountains and Capitol Building (in front of the reflecting pool, not on the grounds itself). All at night when there weren't many people around, had no problems.
Message edited by author 2008-03-24 07:08:31.
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