Tripod Restrictions - Paris & London??

[Khurram]

I've read that at some locations in Paris and London tripods are not allowed.  Is this true???  Is this because of security restrictions???

appreciate some advice on which places tripods aren't allowed.

[alainbriot]

You cannot use tripods in public parks & public buildings in Paris (including the Louvre courtyard).  You can use one in the streets, along the Seine, in private locations etc. if you do not block pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

A monopod is an excellent alternative as it allows you to move quickly.

[Khurram]

You cannot use tripods in public parks & public buildings in Paris (including the Louvre courtyard).  You can use one in the streets, along the Seine, in private locations etc. if you do not block pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

A monopod is an excellent alternative as it allows you to move quickly.
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Thanks for the information Alain.

[Peter McLennan]

While carrying my Manfrotto tripod in full shortened mode and slung on its carrying strap, I was stopped in front of Buckingham Palace by a bobbie on horseback.  Following a short, polite conversation, I realized that, with the stubby tripod slung horizontally across my waist, it looked exactly like a weapon.

[Graham Welland]

I've read that at some locations in Paris and London tripods are not allowed.  Is this true???  Is this because of security restrictions???

appreciate some advice on which places tripods aren't allowed.
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You will find that there are tripod restrictions at many UK landmark properties due primarily to the perception that photographers with tripods are 'professional' and hence subject to a permit and paying a commerical fee to take shots. This is certainly true of all Crown Estates properties - i.e. All castles/parks/state properties. Expect an over zealous "security guard" or, parkie as they're affectionately known, to race up to you at the earliest opportunity to enforce this policy. Don't be surprised if they cite security concerns as well at the moment - it's nothing at all to do with security, just money.

In Paris the situation is pretty much the same, as per Alain's comments. I've found that if you're quick you can probably get away with using a tripod but don't linger or the Gendarmes will initially politely ask you to desist. That also applies to even small travel/pocket tripods & compact cameras if you linger too long at sites like the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to the tripod rules in place you should also be careful of over-zealous enforcement of no photography of many landmark buildings under the guise of "security"/photography paranoia. It's no different than many aspects of public photography in the US really these days.

[Khurram]

Appreciate the feedback regarding Paris and London.  I have one other question regarding Paris.

I wanted to take a night time shot of the eiffel tower from top of the Tour Montparnasse, which apperantly is the tallest building in Paris.

Are there any restrictions on going to the top of this building or how late you can go there? Is a tripod allowed there? appreciate some advice from those that have been there.

[Lisa Nikodym]

Haven't been up Tour Montparnasse, but there's a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero fountains, up the hill from it.  You might check that out too.  Link attached to my photo of it from there...

Eiffel Tower Picture

LIsa

[DiaAzul]

Appreciate the feedback regarding Paris and London.  I have one other question regarding Paris.

I wanted to take a night time shot of the eiffel tower from top of the Tour Montparnasse, which apperantly is the tallest building in Paris.

Are there any restrictions on going to the top of this building or how late you can go there? Is a tripod allowed there? appreciate some advice from those that have been there.
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There is no problem using a tripod on top of Tour Montparnasse for any reason, in fact the staff on the roof are quite accommodating to photographers.

opening times are on their website:
[a href=\"http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/uk/vue/visite.html]Tour Montparnasse[/url]

And an example picture is:

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Two

NB in the UK most tripod restrictions are related to UK Health and Safety regulations and the fact that landlord owners have to ensure the safety of the public (i.e. a tripod is considered an obstruction and, therefore, impacts upon their insurance/liability to prosecution should someone fall over your equipment). If you ask then most places will allow you to use a tripod provided you follow their guidelines on usage.

[Khurram]

There is no problem using a tripod on top of Tour Montparnasse for any reason, in fact the staff on the roof are quite accommodating to photographers.

opening times are on their website:
Tour Montparnasse

And an example picture is:

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Two

NB in the UK most tripod restrictions are related to UK Health and Safety regulations and the fact that landlord owners have to ensure the safety of the public (i.e. a tripod is considered an obstruction and, therefore, impacts upon their insurance/liability to prosecution should someone fall over your equipment). If you ask then most places will allow you to use a tripod provided you follow their guidelines on usage.
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thanks for the links and GREAT pictures !!!! Especially like the bastille day one.  Damn, i wish i had the chance to go when they have fireworks.  
btw, when is basitlle day anyway?

[alainbriot]

There is no problem using a tripod on top of Tour Montparnasse for any reason, in fact the staff on the roof are quite accommodating to photographers.

And an example picture is:

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Two
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David,

Beautiful photographs of Paris.  I also like the ones of your house.  

Alain

[alainbriot]

thanks for the links and GREAT pictures !!!! Especially like the bastille day one.  Damn, i wish i had the chance to go when they have fireworks. 
btw, when is basitlle day anyway?
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It's on . . . . Bastille Day!  which is July 14th ;-)

[Khurram]

It's on . . . . Bastille Day!  which is July 14th ;-)
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damn!! if my business trip hadn't been delayed may have been able to be there!!

[Graham Welland]

NB in the UK most tripod restrictions are related to UK Health and Safety regulations and the fact that landlord owners have to ensure the safety of the public (i.e. a tripod is considered an obstruction and, therefore, impacts upon their insurance/liability to prosecution should someone fall over your equipment). If you ask then most places will allow you to use a tripod provided you follow their guidelines on usage.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=73793\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

This may be the case with private locations but not with National Trust & Crown Properties where the motivation is still purely a commercial one. Sure they cite security/H&S too but it is still the misguided perception of anybody using a tripod as being 'professional' and potentially photographing for monetary gain - for which they require a permit. There's plenty of commentary out there in the UK photo mags on this particular subject.

Nice shots btw!

[DiaAzul]

David,

Beautiful photographs of Paris.  I also like the ones of your house. 

Alain
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=73856\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks very much for the comments though, Chez Plummer refers to senior, not junior (still working my way up the ladder ;-)