What would you do?

It's a difficult question to answer but would definately not state that your an amateur, can picture that further down the line when they realise your selling images and come after with court papers to recoup costs...

Only way I can see around it is to incorporate the costs against your business model, if your pro and earn a living from photography can you not right the $500 cost off against the tax man ?

It doesn't seem worth it. You could probably find an orchid grower that would be happy to have you photograph their orchids, a bit more effort but a lot less cost....

I'm in Victoria, Australia and you used to have to pay about $395 per year for a commercial landscape permit if you were taking them in National Parks. Recently, the Victorian government did away with it, saying something along the lines of, 'there is a lot of talented photographers in Victoria and basically they should be encouraged to photograph and showcase our incredible National Parks, rather than offered disincentives'....How nice is that? Not very often you get to say that about the government....

I heard back from the Orchid Society's President. He wants to check with the members to see if they are in agreement, but sees no issues with me photographing the orchids. There are some logistical issues-

1.) I will only have an hour to shoot per month and I have to work with judges surrounding me. I can work with this. I may not get a lot of work but if I can get quality then it's worth it. It will take one evening a month up but that's my time and I enjoy the type of shooting I am trying to get in there to do.

2.) They would like me to allow them to use my photos on their website. The president thinks this may compete with my own website, yet I think the opposite. If I can have a photo credit on the photos (which I can't see why he would not allow that) then wouldn't that act as free advertisement for my website?

3.)He is worried lighting won't be what I can work with. Fluorescents and no backdrops. I have a speedlight and should be able to work around the green tint. I can also provide a backdrop if I am allowed.

They also have a much more varied and interesting selection than the botanical gardens and judging by the comment he made about a genus of my blue orchids I can tell I will be getting a superior eduction in orchids. What do you think? Am I being unrealistic? Does it appear that I have rose colored glasses on? I want to try this, it seems like we may be able to come to a very symbiotic relationship. I can give them high quality images for websites and the growers and I can sell them without worry.

I think it's an excellent opportunity.
Shoot RAW or adjust your white balance.
You will also meet the individual growers who may want shots of some of their "non-show" specimens. I arranged to take our Nova Scotia photo club to the home garden of the president of the dahlia society. He also had multiple other flowers. We got some wonderful shots, much better than at the Ex (Nova Scotia Exposition) that had many varieties.

We got shots like these (On these, I didn't even bother to shoo the bugs):





This could be very beneficial for you and the club members.

Baydream wrote: I think it's an excellent opportunity.
Shoot RAW or adjust your white balance.
You will also meet the individual growers who may want shots of some of their "non-show" specimens. I arranged to take our Nova Scotia photo club to the home garden of the president of the dahlia society. He also had multiple other flowers. We got some wonderful shots, much better than at the Ex (Nova Scotia Exposition) that had many varieties.

We got shots like these (On these, I didn't even bother to shoo the bugs):

This could be very beneficial for you and the club members.

I agree John, I think this could be a highly symbiotic relationship. It will take some time for them to get used to me and for me to find a groove, but I think long term this would be amazing. Their photographer is a grower and wants to be part of the meetings not snapping photos, whereas I really want to snap away Btw, excellent shots, I think the bugs add to the image, they are part of nature.

Sounds like an opportunity that would be worth giving a try. If for some reason it wouldn't work out it's not like there's a contract or commitment in case your plans change. You're usually thorough in checking things out, so once you finalize some details it seems like it should work out for you.

Seems like this and maybe looking into other opportunities as you go along would be better than paying the fee at the conservatory for now. I imagine you'll get to the point that the fee will be a manageable cost as part of your photography business.

I've never heard of a fee like that but it makes me think of how it's become in sports. With 'everybody' having a camera and thinking they're a photographer, there are a lot more restrictions than there used to be. I guess it's an effort to protect their 'product' and name/logo etc. Too bad that the fee is probably an effort to maintain control over the situation (too many wannabees trying to make a buck, or in sports, get access to players etc.) but it's affecting people like you who have a purpose and sincere interest and talent in photography.

You've done some stunning photos of other flowers and other subjects, so maybe along with the orchid society there may be other places that you could do the same type thing. I was thinking maybe a flower/horticultural show, public parks, university gardens, the fair?? Once you've had a chance to switch gears I imagine you'll find ways to accomplish what you want.

You rock girl... Go for it!

I agree join an orchid society and /or garden club. ($500.00 and that is just one place you may like to take pictures !! ) A friend of mine belongs to a garden club, last summer she called several of them up to ask if they would mind it I took pictures of their gardens, everyone of them said yes. They were all so proud and happy to give tours..

Have you asked for a discount?

$500? No way. I'll go else where or ask them for a "I'm local" discount.

Just an update on the situation. I just heard back from the Orchid Society and they have decided to let me in! This is so awesome as I had to pack up my 'studio' for the big home move. I get one night a month to focus on these plants and flowers and it will be so nice during the stress of building to have this outlet. Wahoooooooooooooooo!!!!

Good for you MJ,don`t forget to try Ir when your camera comes back...BW conversions should be fun.