Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi All,

I am doing an engagement shoot for a friend. They want to take them at the Guild Inn. Would any of you know if I would require a permit to shoot there for an engagement? Seems like every place requires a permit for wedding and commercial photography, but this is not a wedding, nor commercial. Just a guy doing a favour for a friend.

Anyone have thougts/experiences there they can share?

thanks in advance,

As far as I know you do but I was shooting a big wedding party. There were city workers riding around in golf carts asking 'togs for their permits.

Then again, if I were you, I might be inclined to chance it and forgo the permit thing if you're just shooting under natural light -- i.e. not using any att'n getting lighting equipment!

11th commandment. Thou Shall not get caught.

To that end, go on a weekday, or an evening when it isn't going to be packed with permit nazis.

I did a wedding shoot there last summer and was asked if I had a permit. The bride/groom had arranged it ahead of time. It's a really nice place to do an engagement/wedding shoot but on weekends, you have to dodge the regular crowds in the background etc.

To avoid headaches, I'd arrange to have a permit in advance. If you are shooting it as a favor, then out of courtesy, the happy couple should be the ones making the permit arrangements.

I did my wedding pics there - and we didn't get a permit. It was during the afternoon on a weekday, and there were a few other togs there also. we were never harassed. (we did get a permit before - but this was a 2nd shoot my wife requested since we wanted to shoot here vs a "park" - so we chanced it)

This was 2years ago.

If its important - and you want that location - I would fork out for a permit.

what's the going rate for a permit now?

Last time I checked, it was $100 for 2hrs.

Permits for wedding and commercial photography and filming in The Guild Gardens can be obtained from the City of Toronto at 416- 392-8188.

http://www.toronto.ca/culture/the_guild.htm

Don't go on a weekend.

I was there mid-afternoon last saturday. There were four weddings and a few other amateurs around. I think I was afforded considerable respect for lugging a TLR on a tripod around.

There was a policewoman in the parking lot -- probably on her way out. Didn't see if she was checking for permits.

Maybe since it's now fall the crowds aren't so bad. I would still suggest the morning if you really want free reign. You need a lot of patience to get a shot at the theatre otherwise.

I did an engagement shoot there 2 years ago, after work during the week. Here have a look:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leamola/se ... 222879355/

No problems, even had 2 cops on bikes ride past the couple without any hassle.

There were 1 or 2 other photogs there also doing engagement-like photos.

However, did not run into public works personnel.

thanks to everyone who posted.

I will update on if we were successful or not.

hi all,

shoot was a success.

there were two cops in the parking lot when we got there and then I noticed a city of Toronto truck in the parking lot mid way through, but no one bothered us. There were two other weddings going on, and another engagement shoot. I was surprised how busy the place was for so late in the afternoon.

thanks again for everyone that posted.