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FPC, as of December 1st, has instituted a new “Professional Photography Policy” which requires “professional” photographers to pay a $200/2hr fee to photograph clients – or be required to pay a $500/yr fee for EACH photographer – regardless if it is paid photography or not!
Per their policy: “A professional photographer’s decision to provide free service to their clients (including family members and friends) does not change the policies listed above.”
To top it off, the $200/$500 fee DOES NOT cover the entry of any clients you bring with you! This fee is also required to take photos in any of the external areas of the conservatory including “The Conservatory building, courtyards, John F. Wolfe Palm House, West Terrace, Brides Garden and Trials Garden.”
I’m not aware of what caused this sudden decision of FPC to create this new policy punishing paying photographers for the use of their venue, but as a loyal supporter of FPC through many, many years of annual memberships – it comes as a slap in the face. I've brought clients to their location who had never visited before who subsequently also purchased yearly memberships, as well as clients who booked events or weddings from our desire to take them there. We considered them another local business that we were helping to support through free press on our site and the purchase of memberships beyond what we needed so that we could share the gift of the Conservatory with others. Obviously, they have a different view of the many local small businesses like ours who bring them such steady revenue.
From professional photographers to budding hobbyists – this new policy is a very slippery slope. If this policy goes unchallenged, other venues and locations could follow suit assuming this an acceptable practice.
This is only my opinion and I know, and given my profession I am biased – but I would urge you to take just a few minutes and visit the Franklin Park Conservatory Facebook page, share with your friends, and tell them what you honestly think about this new policy targeting photographers, pro and amateur.
https://www.facebook.com/FPConservatory
If you are a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), or the Professional Photographers of Central Ohio (PPCO), please share this with your fellow members and photographers.
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