Photographer Ordered To Stop Taking Photos On Coney Island

July 24, 2011 @ 11:23PM

Photographer Ordered To Stop Taking Photos On Coney Island

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News

The amusements parks in Coney Island have long been a favorite for photographers.

But now that Astroland has been purchased by an Italian company named Zamperla, it has forbidden photography, according to a photographer.

However, as Gothamist points out, the company is leasing the land from the City of New York.

Harold Kramer posted his story on a Coney Island message board.

Anyway, as I was saying, I was taking pictures and minding my own B I business when this dude wearing a white shirt polo with a corporate Zamperla logo and khaki shorts, sporting a walkie talkie over his shoulder, comes up to me as I'm trying to take a photo of the Steeplechase coaster. What I was trying to do was capture those horses just at moment they take off.

So this dude asks me if I have any relatives on this ride. I tell him no. Then he asks why I am taking so many pictures. I say I love Coney Island, that I have a history here, that my family used to own the Thunderbolt. None of this registered with him. I doubt this dude even knew what the Thunderbolt was.

Anyway, he tells me that I can't take pictures in the park unless I have permission. Really? I grab my last shot, tell him ok, and exit Scream Zone.

This is new. Now we need permission to take pictures in a Zamperla park? Coney Island is one of the most picturesque places in NYC. People come from all over snapping pictures of the rides and people. Have been doing this for over a century.

Now we need permission from the corporation? In pure Brooklynese "fugedaboutit!" "Get the f#*k outta here.

In 2008, a New York City police officer intimidated photographer Simon Lund into destroying his film after he photographed children on Coney Island.

Comments

Rusty Carr

9 months ago

Well, I guess you need a longer lens to use just outside the border of Astroland and when the coporate goon approaches you tell'm to go pound sand. Have a friend nearby with a video camera running.

ficionado

9 months ago

Hey, I guess its time to get all photographers in New York together for a day of shooting at the new Astroland like Carlos and other photographers did in Florida when they were shooting that movie and made photography off limits on the streets.

I would love to head out there with anyone that is interested and see how far Zamperla gets enforcing their so called "NO PHOTOGRAPHY" on public land they are leasing from NYC.

Anyone interested???? We would also need some coverage like Gothamist, For the Love of Brooklyn, Curbed, Etc... Hey what about the AMerican Civil Liberties Group...

Let me know know, I'm in.

Frank

9 months ago

Any Saturday except Aug 6 would do for me.

I'd have to take the train down from Upstate.

JimmyJustice4753

9 months ago

Hey fictionado-

I live in South Brooklyn, not too far from coney island. If you want to organize a group of photographers to descend upon astroland together, please count me in !

email me at jimmyjustice4753@gmail.com with more details

I also suggest you invite the videographer known as JoeyBoots. He has a great sense of humor and will not back down when idiot security guards prohibit photos in a public place.

J.J.

ficionado

9 months ago

J.J.
I just got home and sent you an email. Let me know! Oooh yeah! Bring it on!!!

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

I just gave Joey Boots a heads up on your comment, JJ. I love the idea.

Just having Jimmy Justice and Joey Boots together on a video rocks. But on this story, even better.

btdown

9 months ago

bababooey!

Rance

9 months ago

It would be a good idea to get a copy of the park rules to take with you. Technically, since it is private property, it doesn't matter how picturesque the scene is - they can make up whatever policies they want.

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

I doubt they have explicit policies that forbid photography. They would have to post that policy on a sign or on the entrance tickets.

kilroy238

9 months ago

OH Slam! Jimmy Justice and Joey Boots on one video?!?!? Carlos is right that doesn't just rock that F'in Rocks.

Have fun guys.

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

If I had the extra cash, I would fly in for that video!

JimmyJustice4753

9 months ago

I met JoeyBoots last week for the first time.He is a very nice guy in person. Both of our work are being shown at the museum of modern art in an exhibit called 'talk to me' which is about human interaction with machines and technology.

We spoke about a possible future collaboration. Although our styles differ and we are trying to accomplish different objectives with our videos, we agreed that in the future if we share a common cause we would make a video together. This might just be the cause.

I await a few more photographers wanting to join along and challenge the security guards at coney island who want to infringe on our rights to take photographs in public.

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

I have no doubt we can organize a photo protest in Coney Island.

Just you and JB have enough followers in NYC to make it happen.

And I have a multitude of readers up there as well.

All you need is about 20 people to make an impact.