OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Professional photographers will be required to purchase a permit to shoot photos in public parks as of Tuesday.
The new requirement doesn’t set well with pro photographers like Todd Davidson, who operates a photography studio in Stilwell.
Davidson said he is often hired to shoot family portraits and wedding photos in public parks, which he has been doing for the past 18 years.
Davidson said he’ll cooperate with the law and purchase a permit to use Overland Park’s public spaces. However, he does think the new rule is unfair since those parks are supported by taxpayers.
“Isn’t that why you build a public park? To have beautiful spaces that people want to spend time in, and take pictures in? I think that’s the idea when we’re building a community,” said Davidson.
Overland Park’s Director of Park Services, Greg Ruther, said the new ordinance will not forbid amateur photographers from taking family photos or anything similar, only professionals.
