g’Day all During a recent discussion with a friend about bird photography in South East Asia, I was informed that in some countries, particularly Malaysia that they now charge a levy per camera on bird photographers entering Nature Reserves. My first thought was, “That is ludicrous, that country is off the visit list”. Before I protest too much however I would like to find out more from the wise members of the list (birding-aus). Has anyone heard of this? What do others think about it? If such a charge exists, is there any justification? Regards Ian May St Helens, Tasmania _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
Yes Ian that is true but I’ve never heard any justification. Take photos with you mobile!!! Cheers, Fiona Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
We were in India recently and came across this. Some National Parks applied a fee for photography, some for Video cameras only and others, according to the type of camera eg: anything over 8 mp. The idea was to charge commercial photographers, but it was broadly based. Carol Abbott On 18 May 2014 12:39, Allan Richardson < albirdo@bigpond.net.au > wrote: _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
Hey Ian, I have heard it rumoured that some species in decline cop a bit of a photography beating in South East asian reserves. If photogs make up a big percentage of the visitors to such places and are spending more time in the reserves than other visitors, perhaps the general wear and tear toll they take on the reserves may require financial offset? There is possibly the rationale that photogs are making an income from their images and so a charge is compensation for commercial gains made in the reserves (although I’d think that only a small percentage of photogs fit into this category). It may be difficult to ascertain who is making a quid on their pics and who isn’t, hence just a blanket fee? Just some thoughts…… Allan Richardson Morisset NSW On 17/05/2014, at 10:10 PM, Ian May wrote: _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
G’day Ian, Queensland introduced the idea twenty years ago but in the end confined it to commercial photographers. see this link for current information: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/commercial-activities/filming.html In principle it makes sense as cost recovery (if costs could be identified and rectified) but probably unlikely that is what would happen – more likely it becomes another source of revenue. Maybe reasonable also, especially in poorer countries being visited by wealthy tourists to whom the extra cost is relatively small. It might generate more positive attitudes to photographers in protected areas in that case – as a source of revenue. It may also be a mechanism to convey the idea of ethical photography as part of the process – trying to encourage good photographic practices. It seems likely that in most protected areas tourists today would have a camera with them (at the very least on their phone) and that increasingly digital SLRs are very common. Personally I would not object. It could be seen as a little like the environmental management charged to all commercial visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, the funds being used to improve management. I would support its use if linked to a strong emphasis on bird photography ethics. Peter Valentine On 17/05/2014, at 10:10 PM, Ian May < birding@ozemail.com.aubirding@ozemail.com.au>> wrote: g’Day all During a recent discussion with a friend about bird photography in South East Asia, I was informed that in some countries, particularly Malaysia that they now charge a levy per camera on bird photographers entering Nature Reserves. My first thought was, “That is ludicrous, that country is off the visit list”. Before I protest too much however I would like to find out more from the wise members of the list (birding-aus). Has anyone heard of this? What do others think about it? If such a charge exists, is there any justification? Regards Ian May St Helens, Tasmania _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org> To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
Ian, I think someone is yanking your chain. I was at an event in Sabah last year, with quite a few local bird photographers and there was no talk of this on the horizon. At many locations, such as temples, etc, in Asia a camera fee is charged, not to mention a “special” entry fee for foreigners. As far as camera fees in national parks go, well you don’t have to go overseas for that. In most states in Australia, you are liable for a fee if you take photographs in a NP for commercial gain. I have forwarded your email to a couple of bird photographers in Malaysia for comment. I will also put up a RFI on the Oriental Birding news group. Cheers, Carl Clifford _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org