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| Historic Broadacres neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Photo by Ed Uthman, used under CC 3.0 license. |
Broadacres, a wealthy Houston neighborhood, has reversed its ban on photography following a previous attempt to prevent photographers from holding photo shoots in the area. The issue, according to the Broadacres Homeowners Association (BHA), was that commercial photographers were blocking public sidewalks. “It’s the abusive commercial photographers that have ruined it for everyone,” BHA president Cece Fowler said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle.
The neighborhood has attracted an increasing number of photographers who use it as a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos and more. This has resulted in 50 or more photo shoots every week, according to residents, which at times are said to include large props and groups. Fowler claims that some of these shoots have even caused damage, such as when a Jeep was reportedly driven onto the neighborhood’s esplanade.
Frustrated by this, Broadacres put up signs that read, “Welcome to Broadacres; No Photo Shoots.” That resulted in quick backlash on social media, however, and the signs have since been removed. Photography is again permitted in the neighborhood, but with one exception: photo shoots can’t take place on the sidewalks due to city ordinances. Residents have been advised to call the city’s 311 line if such obstructions appear in the future.
According to the Chronicle, Houston Public Works public information officer Alanna Reed said, “We hope the community will be respectful of the neighborhood. Remember the Golden Rule — would you want somebody coming into your neighborhood doing the same thing?”
Via: Fstoppers
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
