Pretty Houston Neighborhood Attempts Ban on Photo Shoots

The Broadacres neighborhood in Houston is a beautiful area full of old trees and pretty architecture creating a picturesque landscape. Many people like to come to the neighborhood to take photos of their kids or snap engagement, bridal, and quinceañera pictures. But ABC 13 reports that the residents of Broadacres have had enough of sharing their space, and they’ve installed signs that say visitors are welcome but add, “NO Photo shoots, Dogs must be leashed, Pick-up and Remove Dog Waste…”

Houston Public Works, on the other hand, maintains that the “streets sidewalks, drainage ditches, and esplanades” are owned by the city, and therefore should be available to the public. As photographer Debbie Psifidis said, “We’re all paying taxes. My clients are paying taxes. I didn’t realize they could get away with something like that.”

But residents say photographers have taken the photo shoots too far, bringing large props and lighting equipment that blocks sidewalks and makes residents feel like they’re in the way. Cece Fowler, president of the HOA, told CW39, “If they’re not setting up and blocking the roadways, then we’re absolutely fine with them coming, and we encourage them to come. Golly, it’s a beautiful shot, but if you’re going to set up a photo shoot, we’ve got a real problem with that.” Locals also say the city deeded the HOA the park areas, though they are still looking for the paperwork.