Property Release???

[rickp1]

I had the pleasure of listening to architectural photographer Robin Hill speak yesterday.

At one point he spoke about taking images of some world famous areas in the city. He said that in some instance a property release is needed.

So my question is, how does that work? How do you get a property release for taking images of world famous area/street/buildings.
For example, lets say you take a picture of Ocean Drive and the world famous Art Deco Buildings in South Beach, Miami, how do you know if a property release is needed and if so, who signs it?? Also, what does this do for you?? Allow you to sell the images?

Thanks
R.

[OsmosisStudios]

For the Ocean Drive example you give, you wouldnt.

For particular buildings, though, you sometimes do. Shots of the Eiffel Tower at night when it's lit up are actually illegal: the city of Paris owns the copyright to the image of the tower lit up.

Generally speaking, there's no issues. The only time you may want to look into it are with specific iconic buildings, but even then youre usually in the clear provided you're not selling the images.

[rickp1]

WOW!!! that's very interesting about the Eiffel tower.

So if I need a release singed by the city, where does one go to get it signed, city hall or a court house for that city?

While doing the leg work prior to a shoot, how can one find out if any releases are needed for a certain location?

R.

[lonni]

You can generally find out from local councils or governing bodies which places need a property release and how to go about it. Otherwise ask the owner or caretaker of the building.

From memory you need a property release form signed by the owner or someone with authority to sign like a board member, caretaker etc - each case is different.

You also need one for any situation where you will be selling the image, as prints, postcards, stock etc. I think you might need one to exhibit in some cases.

The property releases does not just aply to buildings but to any one elses property, if it is the subject or plays a big part in your image.

I use property releases for all my catalogue work and when taking photos of any one elses property including classic cars, real estate, especially B&B's for brochures, Jewelery, Potery, sculpture and woodwork.

It is always better to play it safe and have one signed at the time.

HTH

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by rickp1

WOW!!! that's very interesting about the Eiffel tower.

So if I need a release singed by the city, where does one go to get it signed, city hall or a court house for that city?

While doing the leg work prior to a shoot, how can one find out if any releases are needed for a certain location?

R.

Well in the case of the Eiffel Tower, you're not likely to get one.

For other things, you'll want a work permit for photography/video work. In most cases the city council will have a form to fill out. From there, getting permission just comes down to asking the owner. If it's a public space, then it's the City. If it's a private building, then finding the owner (or someone who can act as an agent for the owner) and getting permission is often easy enough.

[mikerob2334]

Originally Posted by rickp1

WOW!!! that's very interesting about the Eiffel tower.

So if I need a release singed by the city, where does one go to get it signed, city hall or a court house for that city?

While doing the leg work prior to a shoot, how can one find out if any releases are needed for a certain location?

R.

You can photograph the Eiffel tower lit up. But if you intend to publish them, you can contact SETE in Paris for a license. Don't remember how much, but when my dad checked last it was fairly expensive.

Edit: Found the link for you. Don't see any prices for licensing, may be on a case by case basis.