05-09-2016, 01:18 PM
I recall once about 15 years ago, I was at a theme park (SixFlags Ohio, formerly Geauga Lake) filming a ride there from the midway (the big pathways you walk around on). They E-stopped the ride, and came on the PA system and started yelling at me that taking video *of* rides was not permitted. They had to evac the train and created this huge scene, park security raked me over the coals, blah blah blah. This happened to other people too over the next few weeks until park staff clarified that the rule was you couldn’t take photos *on* the rides. Some ops person misunderstood and perpetuated this myth that photography of any kind at the park, of any ride, was prohibited.
Another time, I was in Montreal riding the Metro and taking pictures of the beautiful stations. A station/kiosk attendant came out of their booth and threatened to call the police at me. I asked why, what had I done wrong and he said that it was illegal to take pictures of the stations. I wasn’t about to get into it with him and just moved on. Ever since, every time I go to ride the Metro now I contact the STM (metro operator) ahead of time and they have this form you can get saying you’re allowed to take pictures, just in case.
A couple of people misinterpreting the law and rules and having a bad day can ruin it for good natured people who have a genuine interest in something, and it’s a damn shame.
Another time, I was in Montreal riding the Metro and taking pictures of the beautiful stations. A station/kiosk attendant came out of their booth and threatened to call the police at me. I asked why, what had I done wrong and he said that it was illegal to take pictures of the stations. I wasn’t about to get into it with him and just moved on. Ever since, every time I go to ride the Metro now I contact the STM (metro operator) ahead of time and they have this form you can get saying you’re allowed to take pictures, just in case.
A couple of people misinterpreting the law and rules and having a bad day can ruin it for good natured people who have a genuine interest in something, and it’s a damn shame.