Does anyone out here have experience with shooting for Parks Canada or the US National Park Service? Anything you'd like to share?

I've been invited to submit a bid and would just like to gather some info on the subject.

Thanks!

Not sure I understand. Submit a bid to whom? I assume you mean a magazine or other publication. In the US you generally need a permit for commercial photography in the National Parks. Contact the US Park Service or the specific park you want to photograph.

No, I've been contacted by Parks Canada to submit a bid for a commercial shoot for their websites and print publications. So just wondering if anyone has any experience with that sort of thing.

Two words: stay away! Brutal contract and you give up all rights. Plus, they basically just take the lowest bid, so don't put much effort into your portfolio. I worked for them for five years and also submitted several bids after I left Parks and became a pro.

john660 wrote:
Two words: stay away! Brutal contract and you give up all rights. Plus, they basically just take the lowest bid, so don't put much effort into your portfolio. I worked for them for five years and also submitted several bids after I left Parks and became a pro.

John,

I had a look at your site, beautiful work!

Andrew

I'll balance john660's comments with my experience, which is very positive.

Yes, they have their standardized contract and you do give ownership of the files to them but for the kind of work they offer me (Historic Properties) I really have no additional market for the files so giving up ownership is not a great hardship. Besides, Canadian copyright legislation gives copyright to the client.

Good, clean work and good pay. Meat & potatoes for many shooters.

Thanks for the replies!

It's great to get both points of view as well.