Re: [Leica] Re: Inspired but arrested

[RUBEN BLĘDEL <ruben@rhodos.dk>]

Ted
Thanks for clearifying the Mall concept - we do have some in a minor 
scale - but so far no one has threatened me with lawyers, and I have 
never had a problems taking photos in theses places.! I do think that 
Keith sounds right in that corporate America perhaps is getting to much 
in control of the public space?, at least from an outside view, but I do 
also respect your views in your answers, along with the whole 11/9 
insecurity feeling of your fellow Americans, so I guess I will just wish 
you a merry Christmas and good hollyday shooting! - Ruben
Ted Grant wrote:

>RUBEN BLĘDEL asked:
>Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: Inspired but arrested
>
>
>  
>
>>This Mall thing of yours - when is it going to cover all of the US? and
>>by the way is there a camera shop in the Mall ?  - if so - do you have
>>to leave the Mall before you can try your purchase ? <<<<
>>    
>>
>
>Ruben,
>To make sure you understand what a mall is please allow me to make a quick
>explanation as I'm sure from your comments you have no idea how they
>function.
>
>Malls are privately owned business locations affording a great number of
>business owners of independent shops and large corporate department stores
>to be housed in enclosed  building locations usually on the outskirts of
>many large cities in the USA and here in Canada.
>
>These type of Malls are in many countries, also privately owned, although
>they may not have the strict regulations we do in North America regarding
>free roaming photographers access to the inside of the buildings.
>
>In the US and Canada if you are a legitimate news-photographer on assignment
>to show the throngs of Christmas shoppers, then yes you can shoot all you
>want... after clearing it with the public relations people for the mall.
>Been there, done it many times. Why can the news guys do it and not some guy
>with a camera?
>
>Simple. One is a legitimate assignment for a news story about Christmas
>shopping. But the guy just walking around with a camera playing HCB can
>become a pain in the ass to the mall owners if the shooter ticks of a patron
>and the mall gets complaints "someone took my picture and who is this
>photographer and why is he taking my picture in your mall? My lawyer will be
>calling!"
>
>Now remember you are on private property and on private property there are
>usually rules and regulations about using a camera, even in your country I'm
>sure. So it's no big thing in the USA, Canada or in many countries about the
>world.
>
>Many of these malls do have camera stores, but it's no big deal about trying
>a camera outside the shop if some one is buying and wishes to try it out
>side the store, however that's a major difference than walking about taking
>pictures of people shopping.
>
>I might also add since the unfortunate incident of 9/11 there are many
>people and companies in the USA who are very, shall we say, "Touchy" about
>photographs being taken of themselves and premises. ERGO: You maybe shooting
>in all innocents when you are challenged ..."Why are you taking pictures?"
>Followed by any number of scary questions.  Generally meaningless questions
>by insecure security people trying to impress the boss. :-(
>
>  
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>>you US LUGgers should put small stickers on the Malls were photographers
>>    
>>
>are asulted this way !
>  
>
>>would not want to visit the US and end up in jail for bringing a
>>    
>>
>camera!<<<
>
>No need for stickers as most photographers understand one cannot take
>pictures in a mall without permission. However, if one were a visitor from
>another country a few pictures will hardly get one in trouble if it's
>pointed out they are tourists.
>
>And as far as being put in jail for using a camera in America or Canada it's
>highly unlikely. So come along sometime to North America and have a
>wonderful picture taking time. :-) Trust me there aren't any really magical
>pictures in a mall so forget them. ;-)
>
>ted
>
>
>
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>
>  
>

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