Pull a tripod out and set it up, and you get lots of attention. You might also be asked \"let me see your permit.\" Several cities charge photographers a fee to shoot if its for commercial purposes. The question then is; why is it a de facto rule if you use a tripod you are shooting professionally [or] you are a terrorist. Most malls prohibit photography, although no signs are posted. This according to the Rent-A-Cops.
I needed a generic shot of a hospital emergency entrance (sans the name sign identifying it), and when I set up the security guards pounced on me. Demanded to see my drivers license and car registration. They also demanded I erase all photographs taken in their presence. I explained since I had just set up, I didn\'t have time to take any shots. They demanded by \'memory card\' and I told them not unless they had $220.00 in cash to pay for it. Then ordered me off the hospital grounds. So I went to the city right of way, and set up with a long lens.
The city cops arrived before I could finish setting up with sirens and blue lights. Went through the same thing, they also wanted my D/L and registration/insurance, and they told me I couldn\'t shoot the photos from the city right of way.
I pulled out a copy of my city business license (from the car) and asked them \"why do I need a city license if I can\'t take photos?\" They had a private meeting with first a Sergeant and then a Lieutenant. They finally gave me back my drivers license and stuf and left.
I got my shots.
Oct 30, 2011 at 02:04 PM
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