A few months ago, a scrapbooking friend was over and we got to talking about this special project. She had decided to similarly document a special friendship and while stopping to take an arms-length self-portrait during an outing with her friend, was confronted by mall security. "No photographs allowed," she was told.
Seriously?? In this age of cell-phones-gone-crazy, how in the world do you stop two shopping gals from taking pictures?
Seriously?? In this age of cell-phones-gone-crazy, how in the world do you stop two shopping gals from taking pictures?
After looking into things from myself, it sounds like you can't. According to this USA Today article and the many corresponding links (two of which are outdated so I've reposted them below), the ladies were very much entitled to snap to their heart's content.
You can take photos any place that's open to the public, whether or not it's private property. A mall, for example, is open to the public. So are most office buildings (at least the lobbies). You don't need permission; if you have permission to enter, you have permission to shoot.In fact, there are very few limits to what you're allowed to photograph...
One link was this helpful PDF document that can be printed up and tucked into a camera bag or purse to give you quick access to your rights and obligations as a photographer. (Note: Property owners may legally prohibit photography on the premises so be sure to honor any posted restrictions.)
So apparently, unless you see a sign that says otherwise... snap away!
Updated Links:
6 comments:
Thanks for the info. Every year my friend and I go to the opera. I have to 'sneak' a picture of us before each show. It's not like I'm trying to take pictures during the show for gosh sakes! I'll be sure to bring my photographer's rights next time! HA!
That is great info! My mom and her friend will love this information. Maybe this year during their 30th(?) annual Christmas shopping trip they won't get arrested (or harrassed)! Thanks for the great info!!!
Just FYI that it is extremely dangerous to take pictures in some situations--ie at my daughter's dance recitals. The people onstage could be distracted, or momentarily blinded and get seriously hurt/fall off the stage. So even if it is legal, I would use good judgment and abide by the rules. I don't have a problem with being told its not ok to photograph inside a store, or other venue, I guess-does that make me weird? I try to avoid confrontation and would chose to take the pic outside, better lighting anyway. Just my .02! :)
AKD
I agree with you, AKD. It's called being respectful, too. I wouldn't want to be photographed if I had asked someone not to. Just because it's "legal" doesn't always make it right.
I thought perhaps it would give your mom hope for her album project, Mellissa ;-) Too, even if the place itself prohibits photography she can always take her arms-length selfie in front of the store/mall from the street. (More of a hassle but you just might have to get a little more creative.) Same with you Crystal, before entering the building.
As for taking pictures where they've asked for "no flash photography" - you can take pictures without any trouble as long as your flash is turned off. (It will require adjustments to your camera and a good low-light lens, but can be done - the Miss Shakopee pics posted here were w/o flash: http://tinavega.blogspot.com/2009/08/always-say-yes.html)
As for taking pictures of someone when they've asked not to be photographed, I usually end up still taking the pics! The only two who have ever said "no" to my face were my mom (because she rarely ended up with a good photograph of herself... because she was always saying 'nooooooo' when the camera was in front of her) and an aunt who said "you're not taking pictures of me are you?" I realize it's extremely likely some are complaining behind my back (I do take *a lot* of pictures) but there's not a whole lot I can do about that.
Most of you who are regular blog readers know I'm a rule-follower... I'm certainly not advocating disrespect here. If you've received a clear message, whether it be signage or a verbal warning, please honor that! This was purely meant as inspiration to step out of your comfort zone.
When I was reading your post, Tina, it brought to mind the people who DO go ahead and use flash photography in cases where they shouldn't, who don't really understand that the flash wouldn't work from that distance anyway, but who don't seem to care (or know) about the danger. You might be surprised-this happens at almost every dance recital despite the verbal request for no flash photography. I just thought if those people had their "bill of rights" they might think they are still entitled to do so. Not everyone is as conscientious as the ladies here. Luckily our studio has a photographer with all the expensive low light lenses and we can purchase the pics we want for a small fee. I'm still usually happier with the pics I get of the girls outside. Good info and good discussion!
AKD
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