Saint Louis County Should Not Penalize Photographers

In April, Saint Louis photographers were alarmed to find a sign posted in a county park banning professional photography without a permit. The sign was removed soon after complaints began. County officials stated that the policy would be under review, and a rule change requiring a permit may go into effect.

Saint Louis County should not enforce a permit fee for photographers to use county parks. Photographers who most commonly use the parks are family photographers, spending a short amount of time snapping photos of engaged couples, new babies, newlyweds, and families. They are not setting up an elaborate photo shoot with props and equipment that damage the grass and require extensive set-up and take-down. These photographers do not impose a higher cost to the county than other parkgoers and already contribute taxes to use the parks as area residents and business owners.