Asking Land Owners Permission

rob-nikon

rob-nikon

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i thought I would ask on here what is the best way to ask a land owner their permission for access to their land for photography purposes? I'm guessing there are do's and don'ts to asking. Of course asking nicely and if the answer is no then not pushing it. I was wondering if having business cards to leave contact details, offering use of images (they have their own website) and prints of images taken along with keeping an eye on the place helps it be a mutually beneficial relationship. Leaving the land as found, not leaving any rubbish or gates open will of course be done too. What is the best way of contacting? Is knocking on the door, phone call or email the better way? I was thinking email as it leaves in their court whether they reply and in someways is the least obtrusive way. Any advice would be very appreciated.
 
If possible a personal approach will be better, it's always best to ask for favours in person ... landowner can see who you are, ask you questions and make a judgement on you rather than just say "no" in order to be on the safe side.
 
I always think a personal approach is the best way too Rob. You could go with some of your images to show you are serious and then offer any images taken on the land along with a print. I usually find land owners are pretty enthusiastic about wildlife (assuming that's what you are shooting) and they'll happily accept images...failing that I've used whisky in the past - works like a dream!
 
gramps said:
If possible a personal approach will be better, it's always best to ask for favours in person ... landowner can see who you are, ask you questions and make a judgement on you rather than just say "no" in order to be on the safe side.
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jetpack said:
I always think a personal approach is the best way too Rob. You could go with some of your images to show you are serious and then offer any images taken on the land along with a print. I usually find land owners are pretty enthusiastic about wildlife (assuming that's what you are shooting) and they'll happily accept images...failing that I've used whisky in the past - works like a dream!
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Thanks, I thought that would be the case but thought I would ask. The farm actually has its own website so I wasn't sure what would be the best way as they every time of contact details and directions.

I was thinking of putting together some images in a portfolio along with a few prints and maybe get some business cards made up with some contact details and my website link may help.
 
Personally I would skip the email idea, from previous experiences either knocking on the door and chatting with them or phoning is the best method as its a verbal conversation showing you are very keen to use the site for photography, show them a few images of what you do and what you hope to achieve from using their land and what I do is offer them one or two prints of any shots you get on the land, little things like that I have found to be key. Business cards are also handy as its a useful and quick way to hand over your details without working out who's got a pen or paper to write them down, makes you look more professional in the entire approach, hope this helps and what I have found from many previous experiences as now 80% of my wildlife photography is from private sites.
 
Hi Rob...good old fashion face to face as always worked for me, plus when you are on the land its surprising how welcome other farmers can be ,i got talking to one of the countrys leading farm(images) phootgraphers at the weekend just by chance ,a few name drops later and i now have the oportunity of getting some black grouse shots as the guy owns loads of land ,i beleive if you have a genuine passion for wildlife and your phorography this can show through in your aproach ,also as Joe as stated some buisness type cards ,this allows the person to look at your work in their own time...sometimes Rob its just pot luck with some farmers ,i got freindly with one who was always telling me how i should look at his badger sets ,and how active they were ,i then checked out possible photo set ups ,asked him if i could put a hide up expecting him to say Ok ,guess what he flattley refused ,dont understand why ,didint stop me still be freindly with him ,its just the way some people are and aftrer all its their land ...just dont give up and keep trying
 
Joeturner11 said:
Personally I would skip the email idea, from previous experiences either knocking on the door and chatting with them or phoning is the best method as its a verbal conversation showing you are very keen to use the site for photography, show them a few images of what you do and what you hope to achieve from using their land and what I do is offer them one or two prints of any shots you get on the land, little things like that I have found to be key. Business cards are also handy as its a useful and quick way to hand over your details without working out who's got a pen or paper to write them down, makes you look more professional in the entire approach, hope this helps and what I have found from many previous experiences as now 80% of my wildlife photography is from private sites.
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den said:
Hi Rob...good old fashion face to face as always worked for me, plus when you are on the land its surprising how welcome other farmers can be ,i got talking to one of the countrys leading farm(images) phootgraphers at the weekend just by chance ,a few name drops later and i now have the oportunity of getting some black grouse shots as the guy owns loads of land ,i beleive if you have a genuine passion for wildlife and your phorography this can show through in your aproach ,also as Joe as stated some buisness type cards ,this allows the person to look at your work in their own time...sometimes Rob its just pot luck with some farmers ,i got freindly with one who was always telling me how i should look at his badger sets ,and how active they were ,i then checked out possible photo set ups ,asked him if i could put a hide up expecting him to say Ok ,guess what he flattley refused ,dont understand why ,didint stop me still be freindly with him ,its just the way some people are and aftrer all its their land ...just dont give up and keep trying
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Thanks for the advice, it's very appreciated. Looks like I'm going to sort out some cards and pop over another week to ask nicely in person rather than by phone or email. My website needs a sort out so I will get this done too before going.
 
Definitely speak face to face. I've built up my sites from talking to people. All they want/need to know is that you're trustworthy.

I'm a window cleaner and two of the farms I offered to do their windows for free. A couple of hours work for many hours photography pleasure? Yes, please! I was also a postie for 15 years and did a rural round. Getting to know people well and being friendly and helpful helps lots. Got lots of access that way. Like I said, they just want someone they can trust (y)
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Still doesnt allow you to stop and take pics, the law allows a right of way and not to stop, possibly put up a hide etc etc on someones land.
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Without taking the thread too far off topic, the Land Reform Act doesn't specifically mention photography, you're right. But it does permit stopping and allows for a right to be on and not just to cross land. All with the proviso that the right is being exercised for recreational purposes or for educational purposes, both of which can apply to photography. It even allows for some commercial activity, although that's a bit of a trickier area.

It does allow for wild camping, as long as it's done responsibly - stopping is quite specifically permitted and obviously pitching a tent is ok. Setting up a hide is another matter though, as shooting (as in hunting, shooting & fishing) is specifically exempt from the Act so the land owner could argue he was concerned you were planning to stalk or shoot or allow others to.

wezza13 said:
Definitely speak face to face. I've built up my sites from talking to people. All they want/need to know is that you're trustworthy.

I'm a window cleaner and two of the farms I offered to do their windows for free. A couple of hours work for many hours photography pleasure? Yes, please! I was also a postie for 15 years and did a rural round. Getting to know people well and being friendly and helpful helps lots. Got lots of access that way. Like I said, they just want someone they can trust (y)
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That's a brilliant idea, although we're not all able to clean windows properly ;) You're right though that doing anything face-to-face is generally better and more likely to end in the right result. Of course, the landowner could end up being a nutter and you might not want to be on his land!
 
pjm1 said:
Without taking the thread too far off topic, the Land Reform Act doesn't specifically mention photography, you're right. But it does permit stopping and allows for a right to be on and not just to cross land. All with the proviso that the right is being exercised for recreational purposes or for educational purposes, both of which can apply to photography. It even allows for some commercial activity, although that's a bit of a trickier area.

It does allow for wild camping, as long as it's done responsibly - stopping is quite specifically permitted and obviously pitching a tent is ok. Setting up a hide is another matter though, as shooting (as in hunting, shooting & fishing) is specifically exempt from the Act so the land owner could argue he was concerned you were planning to stalk or shoot or allow others to.



That's a brilliant idea, although we're not all able to clean windows properly ;) You're right though that doing anything face-to-face is generally better and more likely to end in the right result. Of course, the landowner could end up being a nutter and you might not want to be on his land!
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Hehe, it was meant as maybe you have a skill or something you could offer them? :)
 
wezza13 said:
Hehe, it was meant as maybe you have a skill or something you could offer them? :)
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Ha ha... actually Rob kind of mentions it in his OP - he's suggested use of some of the photos, which I'd have thought might be appealing to some? I'd have thought being clear that you're a hobbyist photographer looking to take some snaps for enjoyment might solicit a different response than if you're looking to profit commercially from the shots. I know quite a few farmers and they're fairly vocal in wanting to share in any profits made from their land :)
 
Bear in mind that farmers might be fairly busy people so it might be worth making an appointment to see them rather than just turning up on spec.
 
its also worth remembering a lot of farmland is used for shooting, primarily to control vermin such as rabbits, foxes, pigeons etc and though some of its done with air rifles a lot is done with shotguns and rifles, so its worth checking this with the landowner and co-ordinating with them to make sure your not within range of their activities.

I've worked in the past with landowners (public rights of way officer) and to negotiate shooting and fishing access and buy & large found them to be friendly and interested.
Also one of the best sources of information is the local country pub, strike up a conversation with a few locals over a couple of beers, they are mines of information.
 
Also make it clear to the landowner that you won't be telling anyone else about your access, so they needn't worry about other `togs just turning up uninvited.
I've seen it happen too often. :rolleyes:
 
Also one note on doing it face to face - farmers are busy people so don't just rock up and expect them to see you - a polite phone call first to arrange a time will go a long way to making a good first impression.

I'd also suggest that if the farmer in question has sheep it might be an idea to leave it a few weeks as a lot of farms are lambing at the moment which leaves the farmers tired, stressed and irritable and not welcoming of any unecesary contacts
 
Thanks for all the replies and advice, it's been really helpful. The advice on phoning first is very helpful and also about lambing too. I can understand the bit about not telling people as other photographers may just turn up. I'm going to give them a call soon to discuss the possibility, hopefully all will go well.
 
rob-nikon said:
Thanks for all the replies and advice, it's been really helpful. The advice on phoning first is very helpful and also about lambing too. I can understand the bit about not telling people as other photographers may just turn up. I'm going to give them a call soon to discuss the possibility, hopefully all will go well.
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Let us know how you get on (y)
 
wezza13 said:
@rob-nikon Hi Rob, did you manage to get any land access?
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Sadly recently I've not had the time to sort it out due to holiday and busy at home without much time for photography. I've got some free time coming over the next few weeks so I going to contact them soon. I didn't want to phone but not have time to meet them. I will update the thread with how it goes.
 
rob-nikon said:
Sadly recently I've not had the time to sort it out due to holiday and busy at home without much time for photography. I've got some free time coming over the next few weeks so I going to contact them soon. I didn't want to phone but not have time to meet them. I will update the thread with how it goes.
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Nice one, good luck with it all! (y)
 
Unfortunately land owner permission isn't always the end of the matter; I have said permission but a local has taken umbrage with my presence and keeps declaring "Nobody is allowed on field margins!" and "Park there again, and I'll block you in!". Back to the land owner...
 
OldCarlos said:
Also make it clear to the landowner that you won't be telling anyone else about your access, so they needn't worry about other `togs just turning up uninvited.
I've seen it happen too often. :rolleyes:
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This, I think is an important point...
I managed to get access to a farm where there are a family of Little Owls - the local birders stand at a fence which is about 1km from the nest site... but they've in the past had altercations with the farmer because of people jumping the fence - so I made it clear that it was for my own pleasure and not advertise my presence.

My introduction came in the form of, I was stood at the aforementioned fence when one of the farm workers came over to talk to me - I thought I was going to get a roasting for taking pictures 'onto' their land (I know there is no law against that), but actually he was really interested and said he'd speak to the boss and pass on my email address... so actually my 'permission' was via email, but I did go and speak to the boss and talk through my pictures with him.

Plus as a bit of a brucey bonus, the farm is actually now a niche chocolate factory!! (y)
 
Always meet face to face and have a card with me. This gives both sides a chance to set ground rules etc. Also and to me important the farmer knows you to look at and saves him having to stop work to cross a field to see who you are. I have been given permission to park in the farmyard on occasion to stop my car blocking lanes whilst this also lets them know you are about.
I usually offer after getting permission to take a few shots of the area or some of their animals this goes down well.
Once you have permission on one farm the adjoining farmers when told you have permission from a neighbour helps in most cases as long as you are not walking in to land disputes!!
 
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As a Landscape Tog (sorry to invade your part of ship) I have always found it difficult to actually find out to whom a particular field belongs. Is there a way of looking at the land registry to see which farm or estate the land belongs to?
Personally i normally use my camouflage when on land that i have not specifically sort permission to be on. (Unless on a footpath) That's a John Deere tractor tee shirt and my wax jacket with Young Farmer and NFU badges on, it normally works. most Farmers are quite friendly providing you keep to the countryside code and don't upset the livestock or trample the crops.
 
Rob cheers for this thread,while I have never had probs getting permission there are things here i'll learn from and refer back too.

Mate, definitely personal approach,Steve, has mentioned a problem though which has lead to me approaching a farmer in the tractor in the fields or near by to where I want to shoot, in full camo with camera around my neck. Maybe not the ideal but i've not had a negative reaction to a polite approach. i've had complete disbelief that I would even ask to take pictures told I wish you'ld shoot the F***ing deer and not with that bloody great lens either (with a huge laugh I might add) to walking up to a tractor. There's some great stuff in this thread Rob difficult to add to ,second Den's keep trying !!!

little things I don't think have been covered..... if they have stock ,show an interest. Tell them you'll look out for them as you pass etc.. Mate, when a sheep gets stuck on it's back you can save it's life by flipping it back up and steadying it a while,funny, that was on country file last week. But yonks back, knowing that got me access to lots of land. Farmers love their animals, as well as being a lively hood they can never be there all the time, a trusted set of eyes is always good. Although I have never had a card I always give the farmer my address and phone number. Straight up your are trying to build a bond of trust so i'm telling him he can find me as an aside he may need a hand pulling a calf I also tell him what vehicle I am driving if you have more make sure they know them. One can't always bang on a door before doing what we do Rob, it just means that when the farmer/workers are about, they won't worry about " that car"..... it's just that mad guy taking pics:)

good hunting

Stu
 
I've not updated this thread in a while as I'm still trying to arrange access. Ive taken the great advice this thread, I've been trying to contact the land owned to arrange a face to face meeting to discuss the possibility of access. To cut a long story short, the nearby farm (500m away) that I thought would be the landowner isn't. It turns out the small plot of land is owned by another farm about 30 miles away. After speaking to several different people at that farm (I was passed different phone numbers of people to contact) I was asked to email my details across to another person in charge of wildlife and conservation at the farm rather than phone to arrange an appointment. Sadly I've not yet had a reply even though I did pass all of my contact details, farmers are busy people so I fully understand. To be honest I've not followed up the email. I'm off on holiday soon, when I'm back I may contact them again by email. After that I think I will leave it at experience, once you are over building up the confidence to ask it's not as bad as I thought it would be.
 
Folks can only say no Rob, I didn't realise it was an old thread actually,but interesting reading nonetheless.Always worth a second shot though,they are busy, Have a cool holidaymate

Stu
 
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