Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/06/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Phong, In the case of Mall Management there's another issue: the mall is considered private property. The courts have consistently found that, as a privately owned public accommodation, malls largely have the right to determine how their space is used by the public. This can get a bit tricky. For example, malls cannot violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ban black, Jewish or asian shoppers, but if they wished they could insist on a dress code or require shoppers under a certain age to have an adult chaperone. People who go to malls choose to shop in a carefully controlled environment, devoid of those nuisances of traditional urban public accommodations, such as mendicants, druggies, political protesters, striking workers, inclement weather, and (naturally) any sense of surprise. The major concern about photography comes not from terrorists, but from competitors. Mall managers are very much concerned that competitors will document things such as signage, traffic flow, consumer reactions, etc. The irony, of course, is that with the advent of camera-cum-telephones there is no simple way for malls to monitor photography. They wouldn't dare interfere with cellular phone use--especially when so many of their best tenants thrive on cell phone sales. Is it a call, or a photograph? Hard to tell when the photographer isn't using a Leica! Jim Shulman Bryn Mawr, PA -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Phong Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 5:29 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: RE: [Leica] Do not photograph fire hydrants Gwpics@aol.com wrote: >>>> When I was about to shoot, a security guard showed up and told me it >>>> was not allowed to photograph fire hydrants in the premises. > > I really think some of you Americans have lost the plot! Indeed, very strange things happen at the mall. :-) Actually, I think this is the Revenge of the Mall Management. For several years now, I have been prevented by various mall security types from taking photos at the mall. I think Mall Management realizes that sooner or later some post-modern street photographers will publish photos criticizing or poking fun at the mall culture. Aren't there already a whole bunch of photographic works about modern consumerism ? Now, mall management is just using the "security" excuse to justify their inane "no photography" policy. I also think that there is a concern among merchants that people (say Asian) copying their merchandise and store display design. Perhaps hydrant design too ? :-) And last but not least, I believe there is a prevalent fear of law suits; merchants and mall management (and the police, and the military) just don't like to have photos inadvertently showing them doing something wrong. It's about security all right. Theirs, not ours ! - Phong _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information