The future of LF photography

[Linhof]

After reading of so many threads about No Tripod and my recent experience in UK, I just wonder could we take photos with LF gear and tripod freely in the recent future. It seems that more and more people hates tripod and LF gear in the western World. Maybe even going to national parks in the west of the US will encounter intervention by the park rangers because of tripod or LF camera.

When I shoot in Asia, particularly China, I don't have this problem except in front of government buildings or inside the museums. In all national parks or historical interests, shooting with tripod or LF camera only invites people to look at you. But it poses no impact on your shooting action. In Japan, Korea or Cambodia, I find same situation.

The bottom line : should I give up LF camera and tripod but pick up my Leica again when I need to shoot in the western World?

[brian reed]

Hey Linhof,
They will have to pry my LF gear from my cold dead hands. I will continue photographing with my 4X5 as long as I can still buy film and get it processed.
As far as photographing in the US, I have never encountered any problems from rangers or law enforcement, but its not just with LF, but anyone who uses tripods for photographing. I will be photographing the Oregon coast next week, which will include bridges, harbors, and beaches, and I don't expect any problems. As long as I don't impede the way of others, tripods are fine.
BR
www.brianreedphotography.com

[Brian Vuillemenot]

I think that the threat of people interfering with the actions of a tripod bearing photographer either in a public city setting or a national park have been greatly over blown. Part of this is because anyone unfortunate enough to be harassed feels an obligation to tell everyone they know about it, usually embellishing it for dramatic effect on these forums. Although I'm sure that some of us have been harrassed on occasion, I bet that I'm with the vast (and usually silent) majority of photographers in having never been harrassed despite using a camera on a tripod in numerous different types of environments over the last 8 years. About the worst that happened was when a cemetary worker told me I had to ask permission of the cemetary managers to shoot some tombs in New Orleans.

It's futile to worry about the possibility that some rent-a-cop or similar is going to rough me and my tripod up one of these days, and, if it happens, I'll deal with it then. It's kind of like worrying if they are going to stop making 4X5 transparency film 20 or 30 years from now...

[Ron Marshall]

I agree with what Brian said. Many people have been prohibited from photographing in certain locations; but I imagine they represent only a few percent of LF photographers. Probably the occasions when they were prevented from shooting represent less then a few percent of the total shots they have taken.

Although I won't worry about it, I think it is important to discuss on forums such as this so that people are more aware of their rights.

[John Bowen]

My most recent "incident" with a tripod was photographing an old horse stable in western NY. I noticed the "no trespassing" sign, but set up my tripod on the fringe of the property in order to include the entire (nearly 100 yard long) stable. Just as I mounted the 4x5 camera on the tripod a gentleman on a riding lawn mower approached. I was expecting him to tell me to get the #$^@ out of there, but instead he asked me if I would prefer him to cut the grass someplace other than in the middle of my photograph :-)

[Ralph Barker]

. . . I was expecting him to tell me to get the #$^@ out of there, but instead he asked me if I would prefer him to cut the grass someplace other than in the middle of my photograph :-)

An interesting "incident", John. Perhaps there's hope for the civility of the human race, after all.

[Jim Rhoades]

I agree with Brian, Brian and John. Treating other people in a civil manner seems to allow you to shoot most anywhere. Washington DC excepted, but that goes back way more than thirty years. Some cities have tripod laws prohibiting the blocking of sidewalks. But if your nice to the beat cop he will likely allow you to set up and even block traffic. The mayor or city council is one thing but the beat cop owns the neighborhood. If you keep this in mind and seek him out you might be suprised.

A bunch of us APUG'ers shot in Asbury Park last year. Tripods all over the damn boardwalk. One of the beach badge people told me his boss said if any of us wanted to shoot from the beach to let us on. They liked the idea that photographers would meet in Asbury and photograph all over.

I was set up inside a darkened casino looking out to the boardwalk. Beautiful light. A couple walking their bikes through stopped to let me shoot. I noticed and said oh, no, please keep walking. In fact as you get into the light turn toward the door I can get a very nice photo. They did and it's my favorite photo of last year.

[Brian Ellis]

My most recent "incident" with a tripod was photographing an old horse stable in western NY. I noticed the "no trespassing" sign, but set up my tripod on the fringe of the property in order to include the entire (nearly 100 yard long) stable. Just as I mounted the 4x5 camera on the tripod a gentleman on a riding lawn mower approached. I was expecting him to tell me to get the #$^@ out of there, but instead he asked me if I would prefer him to cut the grass someplace other than in the middle of my photograph :-)

I had a similar experience a few years ago when I was photographing the exterior of an old YMCA building that was going to be converted into condos. A guy in a suit and tie came out of the building and approached me. I figured he was going to tell me to stop photographing the building. Instead he asked if I'd like to come inside and photograph the interior as well. I think the problems with tripods are made to seem much worse than they really are because of threads like this one.

[Jim MacKenzie]

My most recent "incident" with a tripod was photographing an old horse stable in western NY. I noticed the "no trespassing" sign, but set up my tripod on the fringe of the property in order to include the entire (nearly 100 yard long) stable. Just as I mounted the 4x5 camera on the tripod a gentleman on a riding lawn mower approached. I was expecting him to tell me to get the #$^@ out of there, but instead he asked me if I would prefer him to cut the grass someplace other than in the middle of my photograph :-)

I hope you asked if it was ok if you went on his land. Perfect opportunity, and I bet he'd have said yes.

[MJSfoto1956]

The bottom line : should I give up LF camera and tripod but pick up my Leica again when I need to shoot in the western World?

One option that I will be using more and more in the future is "handheld large format". For example, here is a test shot I did last week using a Gaoersi 4x5, Schneider 47mm XL, and Horseman 6x12 rollfim back with Portra 400NC.



While the image is not completely straight, it was easily hand-holdable as the exposure was f16 @ 1/250 sec in the partial overcast and f22 @ 1/250 in sunlight! The same exposures would have applied had I been using 400 ISO sheet film.