Taking pictures may seem like a very personal act, but in an age of rules, you can't do whatever you want
"I can't take pictures tomorrow, we won't let us in the annual pass, and we won't let us take pictures on our mobile phones." Recently, some netizens who went to Universal Studios reported that they were "released pigeons" by a follow-up photographer who had booked in advance, because Universal Studios prohibited follow-up photographers from entering the park. According to reports, the Universal Studios Park has indeed banned commercial follow-up, wedding photos, personal photo shooting are also prohibited; However, normal photographs, videos, and filming for private or non-commercial use are still allowed.
In fact, Universal Studios stopped only commercial follow-up filming. In layman's terms, it is your "private customization" photographer with professional equipment to take photos for you during your play, and some even specially prepared multiple sets of clothing to prepare "blockbusters", which is not allowed. As for taking selfies, videos, and taking photos with friends and family in scenic spots under normal circumstances, this is completely fine.
In fact, non-specially authorized commercial auctions are restricted in many large theme parks, including some scenic spots. This aspect concerns the guarantee of order in sightseeing. For example, in the popular spots of Universal Studios, due to a lot of follow-up behaviors, it is often easy to be "occupied" by tourists who take photos for a long time, which has affected the normal tour of other tourists. On the other hand, there is also the protection of intellectual property rights. Especially for some attractions with obvious IP value, commercial filming has touched the boundaries of intellectual property protection. Of course, some scenic spots have also launched their own commercial shooting services, and if other commercial auctions are allowed to enter the park, it will also directly affect the operating income of the scenic spots.
In fact, many attractions have long been clear about saying no to commercial travel photography. If there is a prior notice in the Shanghai Disney World Store, photography, videography, recording, or live streaming may not be conducted in the store without permission, except for personal use and non-commercial purposes. Of course, this related topic has attracted attention, giving people a "sudden" look, which may be because under special circumstances in the past few years, due to the lack of tourists, some scenic spots may have adopted a "net-open" attitude towards commercial auctions. And now as the number of tourists picks up, the relevant rules are naturally enforced more strictly. But in any case, the right to interpret this matter lies in the scenic area, and there is really no "overlord clause". In response to this "new situation", tourists must also do a good job of strategy to avoid unknowingly contracting "unable to cash" commercial auctions, resulting in rights and interests disputes.
From selfies to follow-up, from selfie sticks to drones, "taking pictures" has become an indispensable part of tourism activities. With the upgrading of technology and equipment, the quality requirements for photos are getting higher and higher. Correspondingly, guarding the reasonable boundary of photography is also becoming an important part of modern tourism civilization. For example, over the years, tourists' uncivilized check-in and photo behavior has been exposed many times, and even safety accidents caused by taking photos have appeared from time to time. For the sake of safety and order, many indoor scenic spots have banned selfie sticks, and some scenic spots do not allow drones to take pictures. Even some Internet celebrity supermarkets, such as IKEA, Sam's, etc., have clearly restricted the behavior of taking photos at will. All this means that taking photos may seem like a very personal act, but in an era of rules, it is not completely arbitrary.
In another sense, this also reminds that in travel activities, everyone can pay more attention to the experience outside of taking photos and check-ins, and do not completely narrow the meaning of travel to a photo. Learning to understand, respect and adapt to different rules and customs is also one of the gains of tourism.
Special commentator of Chengdu Business Daily - Red Star News
Zhu Changjun