Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Details:

What: Evening/ Night shoot at distillery district.
When: Friday, March 19, 2010 Tomorrow
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: inside the main gate on Mill Street.
Bring: Camera, Tripod, remote release. Dress warm.

I know this is very short notice but since the weather is going downhill next week, I was thinking to get some practice before the warm season. I am heading out to the distillery on Friday night and decided to open this up if others are interested.

I will repost this event in the coming weeks as well.

we will be spending a couple of hours shooting after dark and may stop for beer/ coffee afterward. Forecast is calling for low temp of 3 and high of 16.

Getting there by (TTC)

I've had nothing but problems in the distillery to the point where I won't return.

I read their policy on photography and then emailed them as it wasn't black and white. I had permission from Nicole Caron (then employee of cityscape) to shoot there. I arrived at 6am and was stopped by a security guard who said my gear looked pro and 'commercial shoots needed a permit, those are the rules'. He settled for me not using a tripod, but in the 6am darkness that means no photos.

I followed up with cityscape and they confirmed that photography is permitted for non commercial shoots without a permit. I was given Stacey Fulcher's contact: sfulcher@thedistillery.ca to get explicit permission to avoid guard problems.

The guard at the time told me that stopping in at their gatehouse and announcing your presence and non commercial nature would help avoid issues, but guards still might object to the tripods.

Stacey was initially responsive but now she just ignores my emails since I requested a standing memo with the guard house since cityscape wouldn't give me written permission.

Anyhow, Stacey is the person you want to clear this event with, otherwise expect a headache. The distillery simply isn't worth the effort imo.

dbl post

We did this event back in November with the group and there were no issues. This is private property and like any other location, you may get the individual security guard on a power trip.

No matter what the reason, this is their property and I would simply move on if asked.

Back in November we spent most of our time right by the security desk. I think the friendly chit chat I had with the guard prior to the shoot paid off.

by the way: this is where I usually show the TPMG orange tag to proof that I am not on a commercial shoot. It actually worked on more than one occasion.

Eddie

In the past I have gotten a permit but except for one time I was never asked for it. The policy is if you look like your doing a photo shoot then you need a permit. Non commercial permits are free but have to be picked up during business hours.

Chances are they won't stop a group but if they do then no sweat there are plenty of places nearby that you can do night shooting without a problem.

I have yet to experience the wrath of the distillery security, thankfully. And I am down there all the time picking up or dropping off things at Pikto.

Same, never had an issue with security even with tripod in use.

I guess leaving your WHATEVERBLAD at home helps in not being regarded as a pro

The guard wasn't on a power trip nor was he unreasonable. He simply stated that to him my gear looked pro. I shoot a d90 which is far from 'pro' but he doesn't know that.

I had a good long chat with him and he was a very nice guy, he just told me that the property group had these rules and it was his job to enforce them. Cityscape told me they would put a memo at the guardhouse for me if I scheduled my trip in advance, but my trips are impromptu most of the time so that doesn't work either.

The guard told me to stop in and chat with the guard next time, and a tripod would likely be okay.

Would telling them you're a tourist help?

Sorry about the hijacking..

I'd like to go there for a photoshoot during the summer but it's gonna be me, the model, and the camera *wink wink*.. do I still need a permit? I always try to be low-key at most places. Should I just pretend we're a couple enjoying the day off?

I contacted them today and was told that a permit is needed for any type of shoot. the only exception is the average tourist with a point and shoot.

I am in the process of getting a permit for tomorrow. looks like they are enforcing the rules now. I'll keep you posted.

Eddie

Thanks for the update. I remember we had an old discussion about shooting at the Distillery. I think we were finally able to get to the right person that deals with these things. Just want to make sure you guys get the correct info and papers before heading out.

*I want to know too.. =)

there is a photo permit link on the DD website. I called and spoke to Tanya. there are 3 individuals dealing with photo permits( weddings, events and commercial)
they are sending a contract for me to sign and send back. I know, a bit much for an afternoon shoot but i always like to avoid headaches.

Cityscape fires that person and invalidates all of their authorizations on a semi annual basis. I went through 3 within a year: Wendy, Nicole, and now Stacey, Stacey is MIA... perhaps canned?

How much are they charging for this permit??

fee is $183.75 but i was told it may be waived for photo clubs. I will know for sure tomorrow.

183!?!!??!!??!!?!! Ftfghicdeyufdertuut WTF are they insane if that's not waived I'm tying myself to the truck with my camera and I'll shoot everything I see

Forget that! I was with a group of 10 last time and it was fine. Although some didn't have cameras and it was during the winter.

I hope you are not talking about the rust bucket sitting in the back. if you do end up there, don't move too much as it may fall apart.

Haha seriously though that's rediculous I'm protesting that if they do inforce it

Their property, their rules The problem with 'free' is you have nothing to complain about!

just bring a small wide angle lens

I did a shoot there with a George Brown group last summer. For the most part we didn't get any problems until someone setup a tripod and then security came up to our group with the no commercial photography speech. Supposedly our instructor was given permission from the DD group but the security guys didn't care or was not told about it. They let us shoot without tripods. Closer to the end a few started shooting in front of the shops and the security asked us to leave because we were potentially disrupting the store's business.

If you're shooting handheld with a couple other folks, I think you'll be ok. Just don't bring out a 300mm 2.8 lens... they told my friend to put that lens away. lol

The policy has been consistent as of the summer of 2008. It's the enforcement that has been variable. Most of the time security tries not to hassle photographers because they don't want to be seen as unfriendly, So as much as we might want to blame the security guards it's the management not security that made up the regulations.

Personally... I think they are just trying to get a piece pie - money for permits. Just like the city is with their bylaw enforcement people in the parks. Its all gotten a bit rediculous in my opnion. When I go to any other city in Ontario, the odds of me getting harassed are very slim.

this is odd to hear since like eddie said, we really had no problem last time. maybe eddie charming the guard did work!

we had like 7-8 tripod set up all over the place and no one cared.

I hear ya, I've organized countless visits to the Distillery, and never had this issue - and I've had 10-15 photographers all using tripods there more than one occassion. I didn't really do anything last year, so sounds like they are cracking down on a good thing. You would think the distillery would embrace the culture, as it brings commerce to the businesses - such as Balzac's, Pikto, Brick Street Bakery. I frequent all three of these businesses.

OK, here is the deal. I had to sign a 3 page contract. The fee is waived for photography clubs. Contract basically states:

1- we can not sue if we get injured as result of our activity
2- we are to stay in the public areas
3- we can not have large equipment blocking entrances /exits
4- we shall clean up after ourselves
5- we can not move things around for our shoot
6- we can not cause any disruption to the tenants
7- No issues with tripod

Overall, they were very professional in how they dealt with this. I agree, it

Thank you Eddie for going through it .....
Yeshwanth