New York City Photographers Plan Protest Sunday In NYC

New York City Photographers Plan Protest Sunday In NYC

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New York City Photographers Plan Protest Sunday in NYC Against Unfair Licensing Fees

A group of New York City photographers are planning to stage a protest on Sunday, April 23, in front of the City Hall to demand the repeal of a new law that imposes hefty licensing fees on professional photographers who want to use public spaces for their shoots.

The law, which was passed by the City Council last month and signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, requires photographers to pay $200 per hour for a permit to use any public park, plaza, sidewalk, or street for commercial photography. The law also limits the number of photographers who can use a public space at any given time, and imposes fines of up to $1,000 for violators.

The photographers say the law is unfair, discriminatory, and unconstitutional, as it infringes on their right to free expression and their livelihood. They argue that photography is a form of art and journalism that should not be subject to such restrictions and fees. They also claim that the law will hurt the city's tourism and cultural industries, as well as small businesses that rely on photography services.

\"We are not criminals. We are artists. We are storytellers. We are New Yorkers. We deserve respect and recognition for our work, not harassment and extortion,\" said Lisa Chen, one of the organizers of the protest and a freelance photographer who specializes in weddings and portraits. \"This law is killing our industry and our passion. We are here to say enough is enough. We demand that the mayor and the City Council repeal this law immediately.\"

The protest is expected to attract hundreds of photographers from different genres and backgrounds, who will bring their cameras, tripods, lights, and signs to voice their opposition to the law. The protest will start at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m., during which time the photographers will also take photos of each other and the public as a form of peaceful resistance and solidarity.

The protest is supported by several photography associations and groups, such as the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the New York Press Photographers Association (NYPPA), the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). They have also launched an online petition to gather signatures from supporters across the country.

\"This law is not only a threat to New York City photographers, but to all photographers in America. It sets a dangerous precedent that could be replicated by other cities and states that want to cash in on our work and limit our rights,\" said Michael Zhang, president of the NYPPA and a staff photographer for the New York Times. \"We urge all photographers and citizens who care about freedom of expression and creativity to join us in this protest and sign our petition. Together, we can make a difference.\"

The law was introduced by Council Member David Greenfield, who said it was intended to protect the public from congestion and safety hazards caused by large-scale commercial photography shoots that block traffic and sidewalks. He also said the law would generate revenue for the city and help maintain the parks.

\"This is a common sense regulation that balances the needs of everyone who uses our public spaces. We are not targeting individual photographers or journalists, but rather large-scale productions that disrupt the normal functioning of our city,\" Greenfield said in a statement. \"The law also ensures that those who profit from using our public spaces pay their fair share to support them.\"

However, the photographers say the law is vague and broad, and that it does not distinguish between different types of photography or the size and impact of the shoots. They say the law affects not only large-scale productions, but also small-scale and independent photographers who often work on tight budgets and deadlines. They also say the law gives too much discretion to park officials and police officers to determine what constitutes commercial photography and to enforce the law arbitrarily.

\"The law is a nightmare for photographers. It's unclear, inconsistent, and subjective. It gives too much power to park officials and cops who can harass us, fine us, or confiscate our equipment without any justification,\" said Jamal Jones, a freelance photographer who covers news and events for various media outlets. \"The law also creates a chilling effect on our work. We have to worry about getting a permit every time we want to take a photo in public, even if it's for editorial or educational purposes.\"

The photographers hope that their protest will raise awareness about the issue and pressure the city to reconsider the law. They also plan to file a lawsuit against the city, claiming that the law violates their First Amendment rights and their equal protection under the law.

\"We are not against reasonable regulations that balance the interests of all parties. We are willing to work with the city to find a solution that respects our rights and our profession, while also addressing any legitimate concerns about public safety and order,\" Chen said. \"But until then, we will not give up our fight. We will stand up for our art, our voice, and our city.\" aa16f39245