Question to the LA based people here

[usm]

Hi. I am traveling to LA in September, it’s not my first time but it’s been a long time since my last visit. But it’s my first time with a tripod and an Arca Swiss Factum.

Are there any restrictions for using a tripod on streets or other open spaces?
Are there laws where I can’t make photographs? Like private houses from street level, public buildings, cityscapes, urban ….

Thanks.

 

[Pieter 12]

As far as I know, unless it is posted you should be able to use a tripod and take photos on the street. I would politely request you don't photograph the downtrodden and homeless, they are not animals in the zoo. Depending on the neighborhood, some people might get upset (usually the extremes, very upscale or very disadvantaged) for different reasons. Use common sense. You cannot use a tripod at the Getty Center, or bring anything that looks like pro equipment to the Skirball, other institutions (Huntington Gardens?) might have similar rules. The main reason for those is they don't want wedding photographers using the premises, disrupting the other visitors. I believe I have seen photographers with tripods outside Walt Disney Hall and the Broad Museum. No tripods on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, either, but the beach is fine. Not sure about the Venice Boardwalk but it can get pretty crowded during the day especially on weekends. If possible, bring along someone to act as an assistant and spotter--you can get so absorbed in the scene that you might not be aware of what is happening around you.

 

[Will Deleon]

Adding to the above. You will get flagged if you use a tripod in the financial downtown LA area. Security there are very annoying, even if you're on the sidewalk... I've used a tripod at the Ghetty just let them know you are there to shoot the space and not people.

 

[usm]

I am asked because I had troubles a couple of years ago in Paris using a tripod. Also in Vienna public transportation station it is difficult.

 

[Mexecutioner]

Some people may give you a hard time about it even when you are allowed to do it. Some other will allow it as long as you explain what you are doing. I have only been harassed by security once, in a public space where it made zero sense to prohibit it. They were just being jerks.

In some transportation areas, or congested spaces with lots of pedestrian traffic it is seen as a safety concern, that is why some may ask you to put your tripod away. Best not to argue and move on.

As posted above, many spaces will post the restrictions at the entrance, as long as you observe them you'll be OK.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[Pieter 12]

I am asked because I had troubles a couple of years ago in Paris using a tripod. Also in Vienna public transportation station it is difficult.

You won't find much in the way of interesting public transportation centers beyond Union Station (interesting but it has been photographed to death) and the Amtrak station in Anaheim. I don't think you can use a tripod inside Union Station because it could be considered disruptive.

 

[usm]

thanks for the comments. I think it is all about being alert and sensitive as a photographer should always be.