This has to be the most unfortunate decision by the park authority. A photographer friend who was shooting a pre-wedding today (Friday, 23, 2018), informed me that both Lalbagh and Cubbon park have banned pre-wedding, maternity and other forms or people photography. They have installed security cameras at many places in the parks and to top it all, have even deployed bouncers.
Another photographer shooting at Cubbon park was asked to seek permission. Not sure from who! He later reported that he didnt face any problems after 1:00 PM. So its not clear if its a complete ban, 24/7 or it applies for the first half of the day…
There is no clear information as of now about what forms of photography and photo-gear is allowed. Can someone walk into the park with a SLR and do some landscape photography or even that is considered illegal and ‘bounce-worthy’.
Pathetic..!
—- Further Update ——
I heard that there were two main reasons for the ban.
- A complaint by joggers that photographers make it awkward for them. I am unsure how far this is true. To this I would say, I have been visiting Lalbagh for over 8 years and quite regularly and I havent seen any photographer obstructing a jogger with an awkward act. I dont even know what is awkward. Posing a person (who is decently dressed within the purview of law) is awkward? Sorry, something is seriously wrong with the people who complained and those who delivered the order.
- Photographers disturb the flora/fauna in the park. This may make some sense. I have seen photos with the photographers have gone overboard with props to please the couple. Some using smoke sticks that give off enormous amounts of colored smoke. While all this looks fancy in the pictures, they ignore the pollution caused inside the park. Some go even further and use portable swings. They tie the ropes to the branches of a tree which can easily break the branch or make it weak to say the least only to fall upon some unsuspecting bystander. But then what matters is the pictures and not the general good. Barring these exceptions though, the rest generally are well within limits and well behaved. Also why single out photographers? Any moment, any day, you will see tens of people climbing trees, littering plastic plates after eating food, spitting and throwing pop-corn in the lake, even smoking increasing risk of a fire. So rather than managing the issue, they just banned it. Its like driving on roads may cause accident so ban driving.
Perhaps they are thinking of regulating commercial photography by charging for it. This ban is a good way to ‘taste’ the air before they re-open for commercial photography, with a fee ofcourse. 🙂
Nishanth
Instead of banning photography the authorities could have instructed clear rules as to not to spoil the Property and depoy some security. But as far as creating awkwardness not sure whether it’s true or someone really even gave a complaint like that!
The Picturist
I agree Nishanth. They can manage it instead of banning completely. May be Monday – thursday can be allowed for the shoots and friday-sunday can be a no-photography period, when there are most joggers are around.
Sam
Is it possible to shoot in Cubbon park ?
If permission needed from where we can get and what is the procedure.
The Picturist
No Sam, there is no way to get a permission. Some folks have succeeded in talking to some authorities/guards there to allow them to shoot. But that all is adhoc. Basically this senseless prohibition may also give rise to bribery as some photographers will bribe their way in and shoot. Again a very bad idea as you may still be caught by someone higher-up than the one you bribed and it will be ugly specially because the clients get involved in this mess for no fault of theirs.
Manjunatha B N
What are the alternate parks then..
The Picturist
Sadly, there are none…