Posted by Tim Ferrell on November 18, 2006 at 11:20 PM
Sorry I'm not posting any pictures but I'll give you the short story.
This afternoon we decided it was a good day to take 2 of my boys and go to Magnas Lake to see the swans. I had never been there before. Glenn is 14, has CP and uses a wheel chair. He loves to take pictures. Its impossible for him to hand hold a camera to take pictures. We have a system where I set the camera on a tripod, and basically set up everything while he is in control of the cable release. He loves it.
A lady, that we were later told is the owner of the lake, harassed us threatening to call the sheriff almost immediately. She explained that they had a photographer with a tripod before that was trying to lure the swans out of the lake and that we couldn't be there with a tripod.(right next to the road) (short version) we eventually left but not before it got a bit ugly. I hope she is proud.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on November 19, 2006 at 9:35 AM
Tim, I read your post last night but I wanted to sleep on it before responding. Several things strike me about the unfortunate situation your family had to experience.
First if true, your photographic opportunity was ruined by another photographer who was thinking only of him/herself and not about the ramifications of their actions on others (not to mention the wildlife).
Second, while I respect individuals trying to protect wildlife, it amazes me that instead of observing the approach you took to photographing the swans she automatically assumed that you would take the same approach as the previous photog and put the swans in danger.
Third, I don't know anything about the lake (or it's ownership) but it is interesting that this person "owns" the swans in question and has ultimate autonomy over the access and viewing of their behavior. If it is a private lake my personal approach would always be to ask permission to photograph before ever setting foot on the property, they deserve that curtosey.
Finally, her inability to communicate with you (in a non-threatening manner) just reinforces for me the pervasive problem of lack of respect for others. All she had to do was introduce herself, ask what you were doing and let you know of the problem previously encountered. You and your family deserved that curtosey and respect from her.
Sadly, everyone lost in this situation.
Posted by TIMERNST on November 19, 2006 at 9:48 AM
There is something quite wrong with this picture. The road is a public road and tripod or not they can't run you off of it. If you were elsewhere then the property owner has every right to keep you out, however I believe the reason for the recent purchase of the lake was to not only protect the birds but also to allow the public access, although more of controlled access (and parking) than has been had in the past. It all sounds very strange indeed...
Posted by Tim Ferrell on November 19, 2006 at 10:33 AM
It was strange. You probely think I'm leaving something out and maybe I did something I'm not telling. But thats not the case. If anyone else is close to the lake please go set up a tripod next to the road and see what happins.
Marty I dont know her name but the guy that said she was the owner(as well as her) had keys to the gates.
Posted by David Hatfield on November 19, 2006 at 3:41 PM
I've also had one encounter with the new owners. She was pleasant enough, but gave me a very distinct "anti-photographer" attitude. Her statement to me was that she has had the most trouble from photographers since purchasing the property. Whether that's true or not it is definately her feeling, so I'm afraid that the days of easy access to the lake may be coming to an end. She reported to me that she has seen photographers "laying in the middle of the road" who refused to move when asked. I've been to the lake dozens of times and have never seen anyone, photographer or otherwise, laying in the road. Regardless, she has obviously had some unfortunate experiences with photographers and is taking it out on anyone who appears to be more than just a casual snapshooter. It's just a reminder to all of us that our behavior affects not only our personal experience when shooting, but all who come after us as well.
Dave Hatfield
Posted by Jason C. Doss on November 19, 2006 at 6:31 PM
As long as you weren't trespassing on private property, let her call the sheriff. After two or three such bogus calls, I'm sure the local law enforcement crew would set her straight.
Posted by TIMERNST on November 19, 2006 at 7:18 PM
You are correct JC. As long as you are on the public road they can keep you from parking but not from standing, tripod or not, as long as you are not breaking any laws or blocking traffic. If you are on the private property then they have every right to keep you off, tripod or not, although that would kind of ruin the spirit of why they bought the place in the first place, but still it is their private property and they have the final say.
Posted by Tim Ferrell on November 19, 2006 at 7:28 PM
One photographer "laying in the middle of the road" that refused to move?? It doesn't make any sense. I'm not believeing that someone, anyone, photographer or not, would lay in the road and not move when a car comes along. Unless maybe they were completly out of the way.
And, a photographer with a tripod luring the swans out on the road?? it doesn't add up. He was after that elusive million dollar "Swan in Road" shot? I dont think so.
I bet she tells one now about a photographer with a tripod blocking the road that wouldn't move.
Jason, its not that easy. She keeps getting more rude when you tell her to go ahead and call. I had to practiacally beg her to call them before she left us alone.
By the way I put the long version at http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44
<a href="http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44" target="_blank">http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44</a>
One question, I've Googles Magnas Lake and cannot find anything. Could someone tell me where this is? Not wanting to go make things worse, just trying to orient myself.
Thanks,
Bruce
Posted by Marty Allen on November 21, 2006 at 1:39 PM
Bruce,
Use "Magness Lake".
Posted by Don Kurz on November 21, 2006 at 1:40 PM
Hey Bruce,
I have not been to Magness Lake but I would recommend your getting a copy of Tim Ernst's new book "Arkansas Nature Lover's Guidebook." It is a terrific guide for anyone wanting to visit neat places in AR, including Magness Lake. Any nature photographer traveling around AR shouldn't leave home without it!
You can get a copy at www.cloudland.net and get a few copies of my books while you are at it.
Discussion
10 repliesThis afternoon we decided it was a good day to take 2 of my boys and go to Magnas Lake to see the swans. I had never been there before. Glenn is 14, has CP and uses a wheel chair. He loves to take pictures. Its impossible for him to hand hold a camera to take pictures. We have a system where I set the camera on a tripod, and basically set up everything while he is in control of the cable release. He loves it.
A lady, that we were later told is the owner of the lake, harassed us threatening to call the sheriff almost immediately. She explained that they had a photographer with a tripod before that was trying to lure the swans out of the lake and that we couldn't be there with a tripod.(right next to the road) (short version) we eventually left but not before it got a bit ugly. I hope she is proud.
First if true, your photographic opportunity was ruined by another photographer who was thinking only of him/herself and not about the ramifications of their actions on others (not to mention the wildlife).
Second, while I respect individuals trying to protect wildlife, it amazes me that instead of observing the approach you took to photographing the swans she automatically assumed that you would take the same approach as the previous photog and put the swans in danger.
Third, I don't know anything about the lake (or it's ownership) but it is interesting that this person "owns" the swans in question and has ultimate autonomy over the access and viewing of their behavior. If it is a private lake my personal approach would always be to ask permission to photograph before ever setting foot on the property, they deserve that curtosey.
Finally, her inability to communicate with you (in a non-threatening manner) just reinforces for me the pervasive problem of lack of respect for others. All she had to do was introduce herself, ask what you were doing and let you know of the problem previously encountered. You and your family deserved that curtosey and respect from her.
Sadly, everyone lost in this situation.
Marty I dont know her name but the guy that said she was the owner(as well as her) had keys to the gates.
Dave Hatfield
And, a photographer with a tripod luring the swans out on the road?? it doesn't add up. He was after that elusive million dollar "Swan in Road" shot? I dont think so.
I bet she tells one now about a photographer with a tripod blocking the road that wouldn't move.
Jason, its not that easy. She keeps getting more rude when you tell her to go ahead and call. I had to practiacally beg her to call them before she left us alone.
By the way I put the long version at http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44
<a href="http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44" target="_blank">http://timferrell.com/WordPress/?p=44</a>
Thanks,
Bruce
Use "Magness Lake".
I have not been to Magness Lake but I would recommend your getting a copy of Tim Ernst's new book "Arkansas Nature Lover's Guidebook." It is a terrific guide for anyone wanting to visit neat places in AR, including Magness Lake. Any nature photographer traveling around AR shouldn't leave home without it!
You can get a copy at www.cloudland.net and get a few copies of my books while you are at it.
Best,
Don