Mall Pictures and Security Guard???????

[sjphoto]

I was at the mall Sunday while my wife was Christmas shopping and I had my camara. There were 3 people singing Christmas carols. They had music books with them and were dressed perfect for the occasion. Great shot I thought. Well after I took a couple a mall security guard told me I was not allowed to take pictures in the mall.

Can I get some opinions on this topic? Public place. Festive occasion. Amature photographer. Hobby. I don't know, you tell me.

Thanks-Bill

[shecodes]

I was at the mall Sunday while my wife was Christmas shopping and I had my camara. There were 3 people singing Christmas carols. They had music books with them and were dressed perfect for the occasion. Great shot I thought. Well after I took a couple a mall security guard told me I was not allowed to take pictures in the mall.

Can I get some opinions on this topic? Public place. Festive occasion. Amature photographer. Hobby. I don't know, you tell me.

Thanks-Bill

Not really a public place. I've been warned off taking pictures in several malls. They don't always post that it's illegal, and they could take your camera. One worry is that you may be taking pictures for a planned robbery. The same thing in some grocery stores. I got yelled at in both Walmart and Target when photographing fruit.

One place I can't get yelled at is in a resturant when taking photos of food I'm purchasing.

[annayu]

[jchambers]

If it's an indoor mall, usually that means it's private property. And on private property, it could be a situation where the owners do not allow photography.

What has to be remembered here, is that, that is their rules. It's not law. So, you can break their rules, but ALL they can do is ask you to leave the mall. They CANNOT touch your camera, or delete you're photo's.

Well, it most country's anyway

My policy is to shoot where I like. If a guard comes up and asks me to stop, I do and politely. However, if he/she is rude, I carry on when they are not looking. I always remain polite, even if it comes to a stage where they are escorting me out. The main reason is then they forget about me in a couple of days, and I can always return.

I have heard story's of in the U.S. where police may stop people shooting around government buildings even outside on the street in full public area's. Mainly since Sept 11. That's something entirely different, and I'll leave it up to you guys there to sort that one out.

I was politely asked by a policeman to stop shooting at the central station in Lisbon (below). He was real friendly, and had such a winning smile, well, I just couldn't carry on. Pity as a train pulled in just then and this platform was loaded with people.

[scotthop]

Same thing happened to me...the sucurity guard was cool about it.