First there was the proposed rule asking photographers to apply for permits in order to photograph in public places in NYC. This issue is still in limbo as Mayor Bloomberg has agreed to redraft the proposal. Now the NFL wants all sports shooters to wear red vests featuring logos of various NFL sponsors like Canon and Reebok. To be fair, the NFL claims the move will “keep track” of who is on the field-for security reasons. Still, they refuse to remove the corporate logos.

It’s bad enough that we have to endure logomania at most sports events. These days it seems that every inch of every stadium– and even some athletes —are for sale. We are accustomed to seeing “walking billboards” in golf and tennis, as the best (and ironically the wealthiest) athletes in the world sport Nike caps and Umbre T-shirts for dollars. But sports photographers aren’t for sale. They are just doing their jobs. They are journalists. And are supposed to be objective, unbiased. They carry all types of gear. What happens if a Nikon snapper is forced to wear a Canon vest? Oh, that’s doing the sponsor a real service.

Isn’t it enough that the media already helps to feed the monster NFL machine by shooting game after game–logos and all? What’s going on in this country with photographers’ rights?

If I could creep into NFL’s corporate offices might I see what’s next on the its unconstitutional marketing agenda: Sports writers must wear purple hats with logos of different computer companies. Can you imagine?

Photojournalists who go to cover any NFL game having to remove their ties or blouses and wear some heavy vest all beefed up with a sponsor of choice is just wrong. Maybe newspapers should begin mandating quarterbacks to wear jerseys with the names of newspapers covering the game. Chad Pennington’s says New York Times. This is dangerous stuff. And it’s really about respect. So far newrooms across the country are speaking out against the mandate. Some are even considering banning NFL coverage. But that can’t last for long since many newspaper buyers begin at the back of the paper–the sports section. Let’s hope this fiasco gets sorted out by September—when football season begins. I mean this craziness just crosses too many lines. How about the photographers will agree to stay safe behind designated yard lines if the NFL stays behind the fine line of good taste. What happened to “For the love of the game”? For more check out www.imaginginfo.com/web/online/News/Sports-Photographers-Debate-NFLs-Walking-Billboard-Rule/3$2948.

Imagine this. It’s a beautiful sunny summer afternoon and you’re strolling around NYC with two of your closest friends. The light breeze and flowery scents from nearby Central Park are irresistible. You all start clicking away at what’s around you–”Hey there’s the 5th Ave sign,” ..snap..”Look there’s Trump Tower”..snap…”Guys, let’s go shoot the carousel in the park” and . . . that’s where THEY get you. You’re surrounded by them. Cops. They want to see your picture-taking permit and your $1 million liabilty insurance you took out to shoot in Central Park that day with a couple of friends.

Believe it or not, this is a scenerio that could play out soon. NYC Mayor Bloomberg is at this moment considering a proposal that would require a permit to photograph and film in public places. The rules would pertain to any group of two or more people who want to shoot in a public location for more than 30 minutes or any group of five or more people who plan to use a tripod for more than 10 minutes, including set-up and break-down time.

The vagueness of the prosal by the Mayor’s Office on Film, Theater and Broadcasting has prompted threats of a lawsuit by New York’s Civil Liberty Union. To be fair, the rules do exempt news media and photographs of demontrations and parades. And while the permit process is lengthy and administrative-laden with red-tape, they are free. The $1 million worth of liability insurance required is another story.

The proposed rules don’t address tourists or semi pros or pros just photographing for pleasure. And PLEASE will someone tell me what your planning to do with busloads of tourists getting off at one stop, all with camera straps hanging from their necks. I thought NYC was trying to buoy tourist dollars.

The first comment period on the rules has ended but since the whole issue was on the table so surreptitiously, the comment period was reopened until August 3rd. Public comments can be sent to Julianne Cho, assistant commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, jcho@film.nyc.gov. Questions can be answered by the NYCLU at 212-607-3300.

Think this could never happen in your town? This week I saw similar stories about proposed public space photography bans in downtown Rockville, Md. and problems of photogs. getting harrassed in D.C. The point is, this is not only unconstitutional but an egregious misuse of police resources (that tax payers pay for). I can just see it now: “Dispatch all police units to Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the top of the Empire State Building. Hurry. People are taking pictures.”

Editor’s note: As of August 3rd, pressure from protesters has forced the Mayor to revisit the proposed rules. This process will be followed by another public comment period. Eye Openers will keep you posted.

For more check out www.nytimes.com/2007/07/28/nyregion/28film.html?_r=1&oref=slogin”