Thrown out

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod, etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new, some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this forum).

diane --Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Hi Beth,

this is a very inetresting subject you open up..yes as beginner or amateur photogarher I really wanted to shoot inside these busy colorful scenarios and yes i was also told not to take pictures inside a "department stores" ..i will be watching this thread with interest
my best regards/ulol

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

Diane B said:

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

Click to expand...

So far, I've been:

1. Invited to stop shooting building construction from a sidewalk, I told the guy to take a hike.

2. Invited to stop shooting bridge construction from the highway right of way. I suggested the guy call a cop.
3. Ordered out of a highway construction area. They got me there, I left.

4. Refused entry into a monument/concrete ornament place because, "We've got some copy righted items." I left.

5. Ordered out of an office building because I could be taking pictures to find out where to put a bomb. The guy had a gun, so I left.

6. Had my ID run through NCIC by a sheriff because I was taking pictures of graffiti on box cars. She suggest I just move along, because you never can tell in times like these.

As far as I'm concerned, I will act as though I intend no harm. If I'm asked to leave a place by someone who has authority over that place, I'll leave. Otherwise, I'm not doing anything illegal, and they are welcome to call a cop.

hugh

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is

not photographer friendly.I was on the second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came...

Click to expand...

Joe Peoples writes:

Hi, Diane...people are skittish about random photographs being taken for a number of reasons. As long as you know enough not to publish (commercially) photos taken without model/location releases, there's no reason you can't do "candid" shots.

There are several things you can do to accomplish your goal:

Act innocent. If you're caught, just act dumb and "yes" the guard to death...you're not a photographer, just a shopper who brought your camera along. Carry the camera inconspicuously and be quick to take your photo. Don't make lengthy eye contact with anyone, act as if you're deeply involved observing many things (which you are). I walk around NYC with the camera in my hand and rarely bring it up to my eye; I'm amazed at the nice compositions I often achieve, even with my arm straight down, pointing the camera towards my subject.

If you see certain things that you would like to take the time to photograph (and they aren't going to quickly disappear) why not approach the store/mall manager and tell them what you're up to and that you would be glad to give them a print. Introduce yourself, give them a business card (easy to print one), and they might call you to photograph something for money one day. If you photograph a shopper, get their e-mail address and offer to send them a photo. Good luck!

Diane,

This has been the case in indoor shopping centers and retail locations generally for a number of years...two years ago, I was taking pictures and videotaping family in a mall, and numerous store clerks and mall security guards came to me and said "no pictures", despite my clear intention to catch only my family. I believe most store security is trained explicitly to forbid photography. Some museums are this way, too, though it varies.

In most cases, the reason given is that things like store displays are proprietary and that there are "spies" from various stores that have (in the past, anyway) frequently gone to competitors to check prices and displays. The reality is that malls are not really public places, and personally, I don't care for them as public places anyway. If there are train stations or parks or outdoor areas of interest where you live, that is probably a better place for you to take candids.

Of course, if you're in a cold weather area, your choices (like mine) will drop quite a bit in the next six months, but there are always photo opportunities and people with a little bit of resourcefulness (festivals, New Year's Eve, etc).

Good luck,

Robert

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

Diane, this is a very interesting subject. I to have been interested in candids but do not have the demeanor to shoot on the sly. I always feel as if I am invading their privacy. As for the idea of not being allowed to shoot in the mall, I don't particularly agree with the mall operators attitude. They obviously want your business and want the mall to have a social atmosphere about it. So it would seem to make sense that they would not place such restrictions in regards to simple photography. But I guess on the other hand they are private property and certainly have that right. But you also do not have to patronize their establishment. I think what you are addressing are censorship issues which I am worried that since sept 11 are going to change gradually but drastically for us all. I will be following this post as it progresses to see the views and concerns of others on this forum as it will be interesting to get international thoughts on this issue. Thanks for introducing this post.

Happy Shooting, Rick

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

Rick said:

Diane, this is a very interesting subject. I to have been
interested in candids but do not have the demeanor to shoot on the
sly. I always feel as if I am invading their privacy. As for the
idea of not being allowed to shoot in the mall, I don't
particularly agree with the mall operators attitude. They obviously
want your business and want the mall to have a social atmosphere
about it. So it would seem to make sense that they would not place
such restrictions in regards to simple photography. But I guess on
the other hand they are private property and certainly have that
right. But you also do not have to patronize their establishment. I
think what you are addressing are censorship issues which I am
worried that since sept 11 are going to change gradually but
drastically for us all. I will be following this post as it
progresses to see the views and concerns of others on this forum as
it will be interesting to get international thoughts on this issue.
Thanks for introducing this post.

Happy Shooting, Rick

When I had the F-505 I used to go to rural areas and shoot barns and old redneck houses...well, I got the D30 well after 9-11 and I had to see what I could get with a big lens and the D30...stopped at a wonderful old house..incredible picture to take. Got the viewfinder to my eye and a farmer hollered out to stop..he had a gun..."You shouldn't otta be takin' no pictures of people's property." That did it for me...

Click to expand...

They did look at me stramge when I was shooting in a Nordstrom store. Is all our fungone?
Nitwit

Hi Diane. Just part of being a photographer. Many are prejudiced against us. I was threatened with arrest for photographing the train station mascot German shepherd in Palermo Sicily. In paris I almost had to physicaly defend from some jerk who demanded the "pelicule" (film).

40 years ago my sister was with a riverside picnic when a friend drowned. Some people were very upset with the press photographer who showed up. There's always Princess Di too - remember the papparazzi business?

I quit photographing people at large. Just got to be careful. Remember, you might be stealing their soul. Good luck.

Robert M said:

This has been the case in indoor shopping centers and retail
locations generally for a number of years...two years ago, I was
taking pictures and videotaping family in a mall, and numerous
store clerks and mall security guards came to me and said "no
pictures", despite my clear intention to catch only my family. I
believe most store security is trained explicitly to forbid
photography. Some museums are this way, too, though it varies.

Click to expand...

Last year in the Chicago Art Institute Museum (or whatever the BIG one down by the lake is) they were quite willing to allow photography. No flash. No tripods (I think). However, I was using a camcorder to capture stills ( sort of ) and kept getting harassed by the guards. Some would listen to my spiel about stills (ah, poetry) and go away. A few were quite insistent that I stop. So I moved on, as they are pinned to a certain area, and continued to shoot.

Mike Roberts

Well that's the way of the world these days. Since Sept. 11 I've heard similar tales. I live on the New York/Canadian border and since the attacks, the folks who like to photograph the beautiful parts of the area have been harrassed beyond imagining. People are being detained because they are photographing bridges etc. that lead from New York into Canada. People are afraid and the powers that be are forced into investigating any "suspicious" behavior. Weird. But the worls is a different place these days and, unfortunately someone with a camera, doing something seemingly innocent, are suspect. Crazy huh. would a painter or sculptor be suspect? Not hardly. But a camera! Well let's toss the person out on their ass, just to be safe. I just read an article that stated that street photograhers may have to go to third world countries, just to photograph!
Wow, how things have changed.

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

--Drummer1

Diane, Your post came just in time to save me some aggravation since I had planned to go back tomorrow. As for today I went to the mall and brought my camera. I thought it was strange I haven't seen many candid from malls but it never accrued to me they wouldn't allow cameras. I picked up the gift I went for and proceeded to a bench to shot some candid shots of shoppers passing by. I was inconspicuous just fiddling with the camera as if it was something I had just purchased, even so Its funning how quickly most people know their photo is being taken. I took a couple shots of store fronts and signs as I was walking out. I guess I didn't stay long enough to get the boot. It seems if someone's intentions were to actually steal window and art designs it wouldn't be a problem at all, as a matter of fact I think I got a shot of one of the widow display espionage photographers at work. Absolutely, I'd pretty much bet that as security would have been escorting me out of the mall a camera concealed in a baby carriage already having hundreds of window display images on it would continue to go on clicking away) This has to be one of the most ridiculous policies I have ever heard of. BTW I found it a challenge and non of the photos came out but I guess I wont get the chance at any more experience.

The next thing I now should worry about is this lady suing me for defamation of character proclaiming that she is the one I supposed as a window display espionage spy photographer. Which is not true. The photo is merely an example candid of one of the photos taken today of a woman shopper pushing her carriage. one of the few I was able to somewhat salvage in PSP from today.
Tom -

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

---tom- Canon G1

Mall of Louisiana, Baton Rouge:

I never even made it inside. I was taking a photo of a structure at one of the entryways and had intended to go inside. After no more than 5 minutes looking for good angles and a few test shots the security guys showed up and wanted to know who I was and what I was doing - Dave Weikel, and taking pictures for personal development wasn't the right answer. I was asked to leave, so I did.

Dave

It seems our freedoms we once enjoyed are slowly slipping away. On a lighter side Thomas I think that as a result of your photo you would be a prime suspect as a new student at the photographers underworld school of mall photography.

Happy shooting, Rick

Thomas M said:

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

--
-tom- Canon G1
http://members.tripod.com/tlmarsh1/

Click to expand...

Beth wrote:

I had a similar thing happen a week or two after Sept. 11. I wanted to document the use of the American flag in commercial establishments, so it seemed natural to go to a mall. Got lots of shots, but then a kiosk worker approached me and said, "Don't let the guards see you with that camera. They'll take it away from you."

I had already gotten several shots...some of them not bad...so I left hurriedly feeling really vulnerable. I didn't want to lose my E10 which was at that point only about 4 weeks new.

Here's one..



Can they legally take someone's camera? I was ready to bite, kick and scream bloody murder if they tried. They'd have probably dragged me off to Western Psych (Pittsburgh's version of Bellview).

Thomas M said:

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

--
-tom- Canon G1
http://members.tripod.com/tlmarsh1/

Click to expand...

--Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

Been there, done that.

Lately I have been helping young ladies build their portfolios... in late August one of them asked me to meet her in Guilford Mall in Surrey, as it was raining.

I met her there. She went to a costmetics counter, and paid to have her makeup done. While waiting, I made some purchases at one of the stores (you can never have enough slave flashes...).

After taking about five shots, I was hailed over to a customer service counter... it went something like this:

them: Excuse me sir, why are you taking pictures?

me: I am helping this young lady build a portfolio

them: Do you have permission from mall management?

me: I did not think I needed it; I was shooting only in public areas, and I made sure that no store displays or other identifying characteristics were in the shots... [I proceed to review the few shots taken so far on the LCD]

them: I see. Let me make a call... Sorry sir, you are welcome to stay but you may not take any more pictures. Mall policy. You can call the administration tomorrow and ask for permission.

me: I was careful not to annoy anyone by photographing signs, shoppers...

them: I know, I saw your shots, but that's our policy. Sorry.

---

I was not pleased (understatement) but I left, as I was on private property. Are they foolish? yes. Will I shop there again? only in dire need.

Here I am stuck in Vancouver, B.C. (land of liquid sunshine) without a studio. I am looking into renting rooms/halls occasionally just so I can keep shooting through the winter. Had an outdoor shoot on Saturday (it was not raining!), the model's friend and the makeup artist almost turned blue. Argh.

Bill

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

-- http://www.cpureview.com/

hi diane,

my friend and i had similar but separate experiences about this. we both live in manila and like to go around taking photos.

my experience was at a mall called the powerplant. they have one of those "explosive" type fountains inside (the type that shoots out a big glob of water about 30 feet in the air at a time). i was trying to catch the droplet in mid air when one of the security guards approached me and told me that photography in the mall was not allowed. i pointed out that there were no signs that said it was not allowed. alas, he was very insistent and had no clue as to why - just that "we all know that its not allowed". go figure.

my suspicion is that it is reverse racism as i suspect they would not have warned off a tourist.

my friend had the same type of experience walking around a "public" park - the park was on land owned by big local real estate developer - and one of the security guards had told him off with the same lack of explanation.

peace, love and good happiness stuff

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

-- http://www.pbase.com/blacksun

Diane I always worry that someone will yell at me for candid shots as well. There was a recent thread -- i think in prodigital about this happening in San Fran. I live about 30miles south and when I have shot photos in SF no problems. Mark

Diane B said:

I've been interested in other's 'candid' photos in places like
malls. Well, let me tell you that our local (quite large) mall is
not photographer friendly. I was walking in the public areas
really looking for holiday theme subjects (but of course, always
looking for anything interesting or visually appealing)--BTW, I was
quite discreet also about my shooting--no large bag, no tripod,
etc.. I had shot several times but was not enthused. I was on the
second level shooting down when security guard hurriedly came
around the open area and told me I was forbidden to shoot in the
mall. I immediately thought maybe 'security', but no--"the stores
in the mall have a large financial investment in their'artwork' and
don't want anyone to photograph anything in here". He was very
nice but insistent. I asked--not even in the public areas (the
only places I had been)??--but no, that's not allowed at all. This
sort of blew my mind--one would think that the mall owners (new,
some of the 'biggest' in the US own it now) would love to have
amateur photographers in there. There certainly is nothing that
anyone could 'use' that I can imagine---and my background is as mid
level exec in retailing years ago.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?? (I remember someone
having something like this in San Fran, I think--maybe not on this
forum).

diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

Robert M said:

Diane,
In most cases, the reason given is that things like store displays
are proprietary and that there are "spies" from various stores that
have (in the past, anyway) frequently gone to competitors to check
prices and displays. The reality is that malls are not really
public places, and personally, I don't care for them as public
places anyway. If there are train stations or parks or outdoor
areas of interest where you live, that is probably a better place
for you to take candids.

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Coming from a retail background (buyer for very large dept. store) a number of years ago, spies were common then--and now LOL. We used to send someone out to check pricing--and everyone knew what was going on. Store displays--that's really silly--you walk in, look at them and can duplicate them easily if you wish.

As to public places--well, I tend to agree with you-- don't much care for them--too 'managed', but I wasn't shooting candids. That's not really my interest and I was interested more in colors, patterns, the kind of thing that I like to shoot. However, I can understand a security guard not understanding my 'style', I guess LOL.

Diane--Diane B http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleriesB/W lover, but color is seducing me

Rick said:

Diane, this is a very interesting subject. I to have been
interested in candids but do not have the demeanor to shoot on the
sly.

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See above Rick. I wasn't shooting candids--I'm not good at that. I really like colors, patterns, shadow and light, etc. As I said above, though, I guess i can't expect a security guard to understand my 'style'. I also agree with you---I'm a bit worried about censorship/restriction in the name of security. See Hugh's post above. I am more than willing to consider security when need be, but I think that it will be possible to use this to restrict things for other reasons. BTW--the mall is privately owned, so they do have the right to restrict it---but I still can't see why they wouldn't welcome the PR/advertising. Someone suggested on the Oly SLR forum that the mall has been used for pedophile photos and 'up the skirt' photos for the net--I don't know, that just seemed bizarre to me---you can do that any place if you try.

Diane--Diane B http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleriesB/W lover, but color is seducing me

charles gage said:

I quit photographing people at large. Just got to be careful.
Remember, you might be stealing their soul. Good luck.

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No candids--I feel like I 'protesteth too much', but I'm no good at that.

Your post made me remember something from way back when--my good friend received grant to study post grad Spanish (really live with family, etc) in Argentina. This may have been Peron era--can't remember for sure--def. before/during the 'disappeareds'. She was photographing in Buenos Aires before taking a bus to northern Argentina--and it almost created an 'incident' when she was carted off by soldiers with guns, questioned, etc.--finally gave up film and camera and since she spoke excellent Spanish--even their colloquial style---that she was able to explain she was US citizen, student, etc.

Diane

--Diane B http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleriesB/W lover, but color is seducing me