Evan's photography phun

It kind of depends on a number of factors. If you snap a photo of an airplane and pilot at a public exhibition, like an airshow, you can safely use it commercially without legal liability. If the pilot is the subject of the photo, ie a closeup of him in the cockpit with his smiling mug, you probably still could use it commercially, but it is more of an ethical issue. Personally, I would want to get permission from the person before selling usage rights for advertising or something like that. Would you want to suddenly see your face on an ad for something? Obviously, selling the photo to a magazine or aviation periodical in another story, especially if it is covering the event that the photo was taken.

There are places where the frown upon you taking photographs, like power stations, water treatment facilities, etc. However, obtaining prior permission from the location for the photo and having a letter to that effect on your person can help alleviate some misunderstanding. I know that is not always practical. And the key is to be smart about it. Taking a snap or two of an electrical tower is one thing. Hanging around for an hour walking around it and taking photo after photo of it is going to arouse some suspicion.

For you, Lee, you have a pretty good out. Throw out a little cockney slang and get enough out that you didn't know and they will most likely just smile and move on, or tell you to move on.

You can be on public property and still get harassed, but chances are if you are polite and respectful, state what you are doing there and why, it will usually be no big deal. Remember that security people and police are doing their job to protect all of us, and if they are checking you out because of that huge lens, they are just making sure you aren't doing something stupid (read illegal).

I got stopped at Camarillo once when I walked all the way down to the end of the field and back with my camera, snapping shots. The guy asked where I started my walk. I showed him and was polite and he just asked that I stay in that general area. No harm, no foul. The one thing you should do is know what the boundary lines are and not cross them. If unsure, don't get too close. There is a yellow line at the taxiway that I can go past, but the second I cannot. I normally stay behind the line I can cross so there is no mistake that I may be pushing the limit. Plus the area between the lines is for cars and trucks. You may not hear the vehicle approaching over the sound of the aircraft. Plus there is always the possibility that if I am looking at something interesting to photograph, a driver might also be looking at that and hit me.

It's pretty much about common sense and respectfulness.

CheersEric thats usefull info I'll watch out for the demarkation lines and if im stopped it wil be "cor blimey guv, luv a duck I aint never seen the like in me bleeding entire life. struth Ive been tom and dick and me bins and harkers aint working so good lately".
Either that or "i'm frightfully sorry old bean I had absolutely no concept this area was not to be entered by members of the noblity, one naturally assumed access was only refused for the peasants and lower classes old boy"

hopefully one of thoes should cover my arse

Eric,

I'm having a little issue with my 300mm zoom. When ever I go past the 200mm mark and take a photo it faults out my camera. Anything below that I have zero problems with it. Curious if you've ever heard of this type of problem.

Jim, has it ever been dropped?I have a similar issue with my 18-200mm. After anywhere from 100-135mm and beyond, it flat won't focus, and you can hear the focus servo binding. I dropped it, and that is when the problem started. If it hasn't been dropped, there might be an internal connection that is either corroded or is shorting out. Some lenses can be repaired, it is a matter of how much it costs to repair versus replace.

Here are some shots from the weekend. Laura and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary in Santa Barbara at the Hotel Mar Monte. It was built in 1937.

I trust you had a nice time Eric?

Very nice. We relaxed, woke up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach and enjoyed morning coffee on the balcony, looking at the ocean.

We visited the Santa Barbara zoo on Sunday before coming home. We did a little photo safari at the zoo. It was fun.

Thats nice Eric cant beat a chill out day or two and you dont have to travel far to do it. often the wife and me just put an overnight bag in the motor and drive till we find somewhere nice to stop then do a B&B and explore the area last time we went to Chester 2 nights bed, breakfast and evening meal with wine £99 each and we got given a couple of very nice crystal wine glasses as a gift.
I must get back to the states soon and do some small town touring which is my favourite way to see the US Im a bit long in the tooth to enjoy Disneyland and Las Vagas leaves me cold .
But small town USA is a different world, I luv it

Just great shots Eric, I think you asked the Gorilla to pose, right, or did you pay him. Congrats on your anniversary. I'm going to have to come up to Santa Barbara, we pass through on our way to Monterey, I'll have to stop next time.

Looks like you had fun, hope you got plenty of rest and congratulations on 12 years of marriage. I like the shot of the otter.

Congrats again on the 12 years, Eric!

Looks like you had a nice getaway, the hotel looked like a real nice place to be.

You scored some great photographs, I think the Eagle has to be my fav

I haven't been to Santa Barbara since my Great Granparents lived there, (we had family there from the turn of the century to about the mid-70's) and I remember the Botanical gardens and the mission as real neat places to visit.

I love the penguin!

12 years, that's awesome. CONGRATS!

Thanks guys. It was nice to getaway for a couple of days without the kids, to just relax and enjoy ourselves, and each other again. The best part about having 2 cameras is that we can both snap away. My wife takes great pics too.

wow great animal studies I must have posted last time just at the same time as you Eric.
love the Otters but the Gorilla gets my vote, super expression on his face and perfect exposures brings out the fur detail wonderfully thanks for the posting I really enjoyed looking at them.

Super photos. I like the big cat.
I like how you caught it with "the camera shy" pose.

Congratulations on 12 years of marriage.


Wheels

I spent a few hours out at Van Nuys today. It was blazing hot, but you never know what is going to be around.

As you can tell by the Staggerwing, there was some cross winds today.

Nice T6 , and the Staggerwing as always is nice

The second T6 was sent to Canada in 1944 and converted into a Harvard IIB. There are some interesting modifications that the Canadians made, like hinging some of the access panels.

Nice Eric I think the Stagger is a very modern looking Bi plane the best of the private plane market from that era.

I also like the Staggerwing. As always, stupendous shots.