Grand Marshall Cameras?

[mendelj2]

I just received my welcome to the Grand Marshall pack email and was pumped up, until I saw it say essentially that you can't use SLR cameras in there. This is news to me - anyone think they'll really enforce it?

Not going to lie, great pictures was one of the reasons we splurged!

[Amy Winette]

I *think* Jeff has had his big camera at fest before (I'll let him confirm) and has been right up to the stage before SRO taking pix no problem . . .

[Carolina Beadhead]

I just received my welcome to the Grand Marshall pack email and was pumped up, until I saw it say essentially that you can't use SLR cameras in there. This is news to me - anyone think they'll really enforce it?

Not going to lie, great pictures was one of the reasons we splurged!

If your camera looks like a professional rig - big honkin' telephoto lense, huge camera bag or multiple lenses, etc. - it might raise their suspicions. Otherwise, how are they gonna know what's "professional" or not?

[festivalgirl]

we brought our digital slr last year. no problems @ security.

[sophisticated sissy]

The notice reads "no removable lenses". Do I think they'll enforce it? I doubt my opinion would mean squat. :)

If they feel like exercising the enforcement of this rule and you've brought in a prohibited item, then you'll have to be a grownup and face the consequences.

It's a crapshot, I guess. You could run the risk of losing access to the G.M. area. You might spend over an hour taking the camera back to your hotel. You can't exactly plead ignorance of the rules. You have to decide how priceless the potential pics might be. Good luck!

[mendelj2]

Iam not the guy in my avatar. That guy never read the letter! Its not giant so I should be okay. Otherwise ill just have to forgot photos and focus on partying!


Thanks for the advice... Can't wait!

[mfrankkk]

Seems to me that it would have been appropriate to announce this before people bought the Grand Marshall passes!

[mendelj2]

Seems to me that it would have been appropriate to announce this before people bought the Grand Marshall passes!

That's my only gripe! Well that and no cubans this year...

[swag]

I guess they haven't updated the general admission rules for '08 yet, but removable lenses have been fine, at least as long as they are smaller than your forearm. So the question is, will they change those rules too, or is the Grand Marshall area more restrictive?

If the GM area has tighter rules, would that mean a bag check each time you enter? Or will they just keep an eye on the photobugs and eject offenders? In either case, maybe you could get a trusted threadhead with a camp in the GA area to watch your gear while you go up front?

Hopefully, festydave will chime in with a clarification.

[sophisticated sissy]

Here is the portion of the email notification that deals with this topic:





Access the Three Main Stages
With your Grand Marshal ticket and daily wristband, you’ll have access to an upfront, golden circle viewing environment—inside the barricades—at the Festival’s three main stages Acura Stage, Gentilly Stage, and the Congo Square/”My Louisiana” Stage. When you receive your daily wristbands, you’ll also receive a map directing you to the entry points. Just look for the Grand Marshal sign, enter, and enjoy the show. A Grand Marshal host will be available to answer your questions.

Please note that these areas are in working areas of the Festival. We kindly ask for your cooperation with any instructions from the Grand Marshal host or other Festival staff member, should any special circumstances arise.


Cameras with detachable lenses may not be used in these areas, and from time to time, picture taking of any kind may not be allowed.


It looks pretty much black and white to me, so I don't see how anything Festydave would write could be clearer or simpler to understand. :)

Mendelj2, there is a special G.M. tel. # on the email notification for inquiries such as yours, why don't you give 'em a call?

[mendelj2]

I sent them an email - can't hurt to know for sure!

I just don't like the relatively clear answer in the email ;)

[swag]

So can you put a relatively small lens on your SLR before you enter the area, and then use it while there without detaching?

[chrisjoseph]

and now it's deleted....

[mendelj2]

and now it's deleted....

From where?

[mfrankkk]

and now it's deleted....

What does that mean?? Thanks

[Amy Winette]

YOUR post was deleted CJ? Yikes!

[chrisjoseph]

I deleted it.

[Amy Winette]

Ha, okay!

So bottom line, no big lenses in that area? Just in case we win in the raffle and Jeff tries to take his up there, don't want to get booted or anything ;)

[chrisjoseph]

You are allowed to have the camera in there....it's a question of whether you use it or not.

[festydave]

Basically the Grand Marshal area is very close to the stage and right behind the photo pit. Many artists (usually an end of the day national headliner) restrict photography and so rules like these are in place. The same goes for the ADA areas near the stage.

If you have been roaming the field with a SLR camera and enter Grand Marshal for a performance of a major headliner, I would suggest that you put your camera away in your bag, backpack, etc. if you plan to keep it with you.

[Amy Winette]

Great, thanks for the official answer!

[MusicRoadMan]

I just received my welcome to the Grand Marshall pack email and was pumped up, until I saw it say essentially that you can't use SLR cameras in there. This is news to me - anyone think they'll really enforce it?

Not going to lie, great pictures was one of the reasons we splurged!

Hey Mendelj2,

Could you send me the email you got for the Grand Marshall. Bought tickets but have not recieved any rules & regulations.

Send to mpharrisllc at the gmail

Thanks, Mel

[mendelj2]

mpharrisllc, consider it done!

Thanks for the reply FestyDave. Still thrilled about the passes, just wish that had been in the original info about them.

[MusicRoadMan]

mpharrisllc, consider it done!

Thanks for the reply FestyDave. Still thrilled about the passes, just wish that had been in the original info about them.

Thanks dude....