I decided Willie's advice to contact someone was good, so I wrote a note about my experience on the Contact page form for the Navajo Nation Parks & Rec Service (
https://navajonationparks.org/contact-us/) and asked if it is true that tripods and view cameras are not allowed.
I received a reply that merely stated a photo permit is needed to photograph in MV. Clicking the link on the page pops up a window that says permits start at $100. Clicking the Book link on the pop up window brings up a brief form which, when I completed it, shows my permit cost to be $11. I replied to the earlier email I received asking whether I owed $100 or $11, as I was confused. I have not received a reply to this question.
There is a much longer, onerous multi-page pdf application here:
https://navajonationparks.org/permit...m-photography/
This seems to be a one-size-fits-all form for movie productions as well as individual photographers. I have a lot of questions as to how to complete this form and how my cost would be determined.
I then did a google search and turned up this account by Joe Becker of his experience several years ago with getting photo permits. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I thought I would just link to his account for anyone interested.
https://joebeckerphoto.wordpress.com...raphy-permits/ This is a pretty hilarious read about bureaucratic efficiency (oxymoron alert), in any case.
Joe's experience is similar to many experiences I have had with Navajo officialdom over the past 15 years (no disparagement intended, just facts). Like, Joe, I have never encountered either a ranger or a tribal police officer while photographing in MV. For $11, though, I will give the online permit a shot the next time I go.
And, as Drew suggests, I have no doubts all would be well with regard to tripods and view camera if you hire a Navajo guide or go on a commercial photo tour. One such is Phillips, online at monumentvalley.com.
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