Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackhawksFan
This could use some further explanation. I shoot a band on the squares and have zero issues.
What exactly were you shooting and where exactly were you?
I can totally understand being shut down by a business like if you were taking pics on their patio or inside but "on the square?"
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First, businesses, especially small businesses, seldom mind having their stores photographed. They will sometimes ask that their customers not be photographed.
To clarify this, first, the Square is a business - it is owned and operated by TV
The law from state to state varies, but in Florida is boils down to if you are on private property, you must have the permission of the owner of the property to take photos. PERIOD. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of anything you can see.
It is up to the owner of the property to enforce the restrictions.
I used a Nikon camera and used my "long lens" (Nikkor 200-500). The 200-500mm is a semi-serious birding lens about 18 inches long and weighs about 5lbs. It looks professional. That combined with I shoot candid street photography with it at times, and in the Square, I was shooting people - holding their dogs, dancing, laughing, living. Imagine a stranger kneeling and pointing a massive lens at you while laughing and enjoying your friends. Trust me, with a lens that big, there is NO doubt you are the subject. And from 50 feet away, the photo with that lens will show every pore on the skin of your nose.
If I were on a public right of way it, would be perfectly legal and not anything anyone could say about it.
I was not aware the squares were private property -= I thought they were public, but that makes sense now.
I can understand how some people are intimidated by a stranger with a massive camera kit taking their photos in public places. I always pay attention to people's reactions when they see me taking their picture, and if they appear angry or distressed, I walk over and politely ask permission, and if they prefer me not to take the photos, I show them as I delete them.
I firmly believe in not abusing the law.
Technically, if you walk down a public street and see someone undressed in their living room through an open window, you can take their photo. Publishing it is a different subject altogether, but you can take it. Courts have ruled anyone seen from a public location cannot expect privacy. If you want privacy in your home, close the blinds.
If you were taking photos of a band with a phone camera, I doubt anyone will say anything. The bands appreciate having their pictures taken.
For years, I went into clubs at night and photographed the live bands performing. (A way to learn how to shoot in the dark with fast-moving subjects) I ALWAYS asked the club owner and the band for permission first - clubs are private property. I was never refused permission and always gave the bands copies of the photos.
So, to summarize. I could have walked out onto the street, and with my long lens, I could easily get all the same shots. But, I felt the TV employee intended to be polite and let me know they prefer I NOT photograph people who were there to have fun and possibly be made uncomfortable by my imposing camera.
Also, as I said, the fact I could do something doesn't mean I should.
I have been shooting candid street photography all my life. I love photographing people in the act of living. And having photographed people in public for decades, I have learned it's more important to be considerate than it is to be right.
There, you asked for some further explanation, I hope that explanation is adequate and answers your questions.