Toronto Photography Meetup Group

So, Polson Pier is a nice place to take photos of the skyline. But at the gate to the carpark, there's a big scary sign that says NO FILMING/PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT PERMIT or something to that effect.

Of course, nobody seemed too concerned when several iphone/P&S cam "photographers" took their pictures, but I was wondering, how strict are they with that rule? If I were to set up a tripod at dusk, would I be attracting their rent-a-cop contingent to chuck me out? What about lightstands and flashes? Plain scary looking dSLR, without tripod?

What's the reputation of that place for being fussy with the rules? Or is that sign more for show?

Anybody have experience?

I've ignored the sign for years .... never been approached by anyone. And I've shot everything from my D100 to my crown graphic on tripod.

I went to take some shots at night and security asked me to leave (nicely albeit).

Then he suggested it shoot from the 'park' since its public property. the little patch of grass between the building and the parking lot. This could work with a longer zoom I suspect if you do get hassled.

Thanks for the comments. I'll go check it out soon!

been there numours occasions, with tripod and stuff. never had an issue. even with dude manning the parking lot gate.

Lol. I must have the worst luck

If you go close to the weekend at night, then yes ... I've seen people ready to kick you out. But if you go on a Monday or Tuesday night, or early this time of year on a Sunday morning then you should be fine.

Also this time of year it is more popular, but if you do winter mornings or wait till March to first week of May during a weeknight, I've never had an issue

that sounds about right. I spent probably an hour catching the sunset on the helicopter launch pad on a Thursday April 29, 2010 here. I think there was an event on at the time (so a dude at the parking gate booth), but there was a bunch of kids, loitering in the parking lot all night long. It was about 5-10 degrees at the time, so that might have something to do with lack of security patrols

cool photo!

will go one day. dragging my feet though.

thanks.

i was the same, kept putting it off, but one day i was just flickin' channels on the tube and the sky had just the right amount of clouds so i just rode my bike down there. so glad i did too. goodluck.

Good shot jim. Looks like I was there 9 days before you on the 20th.

which lot is it in? is it near the t&t? or further by the driving range?

oh cool. I love your shot. somehow... refreshing.

it's here: http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.641701,-79.35619&spn=0.001479,0.004117&t=h&z=19

Also keep in mind that there is no street parking after 6:00 PM on Polson Street on weekdays and no parking after 12 noon on weekends. You may have to park further away or ride a bike. Don

so you can't just drive into the place? thinking of doing a car shoot in there

talk to StE823 since i am pretty sure he did a car shoot there. or at least near by

as a matter of fact im positive it was there: here is his post from the "Car's" thread in "Themes" with a shot of the minis there

I'm sure STE would have gotten a permit for his shoots. I won't be profiting from this so I'd like to get by with as little expense as possible.

So I got off my butt and took a few snaps:


Toronto at Sunset by mike.tan, on Flickr


Toronto at Dusk by mike.tan, on Flickr

Haven't really decided which I prefer.