Access Denied

So I got an interesting email the other day asking me how do I know where I can tread when I am out taking pictures.  Do I just walk onto someones property and do what I want, hop fences, ignore no trespassing signs, etc..  The short answer is no, I don’t stray onto a property that I don’t have permission to be on.  Sometimes it can be a gray area when there is a big ranch with no fence and a great barn you want to photograph, but tread carefully, and use a longer lens if it is possible.

Many times in national and state parks there are fences that are for protecting sensitive habitat and/or areas that are dangerous.  I would never even dream of setting my foot on the other side of the fence.  In a lot of cases I have seen people do that, and they do not realize they are destroying habitat and increasing the risk of soil erosion in the area which can lead to substantial problems down the road.

Now, I have been places where I wanted the shot and there were no trespassing signs up, and I walked up to the owners house, introduced myself and asked permission.  Sometimes they say sure other times they say no.  I have also been in national and state parks and asked where it was safe and not safe to photograph.  You would be amazed at the hospitality of some rangers and caretakers if you are just courteous and ask first.

Hope this helps give some insight.

Oh, one final note.  If you are at a place and time in a wooded area and you hear banjos playing, LEAVE!!

Image Captured 1D Mark IIN 16-35f2.8 on Lexar digital media