A legal question????

green_rizla

green_rizla

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Peter
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Ok Guys,

Stupid question here. I'm planning on going off to a local shopping centre to take a few photos. not normally the most interesting of places but, it is half empty and one complete section is abosolutely devoid of life but is still open to the public. I had a wander down there the other day and thought it might make an interesting subject. Do I need permission from the owners of a public building, to be there snapping away ???? I don't intend having any "Joe Public" in shot. Just lots of nothing and emptyness.

Cheers
Peter
 
It all depends on the shopping centre.

You would need to contact the manager or owners and check with them since it is not a "public place" per se.

Or you could take a chance but if there are surveillance cameras this is not usually a good idea.

.
 
In the wake of the fiasco at Braehead Shopping Centre near Glasgow, many such places have now changed their policy to allow photography. Personally I'd contact the centre management and check though, unless you fancy the sort of publicity the guy at Braehead got.....
 
It's private property, so if the owner says no, then you can't. And just guessing, if you ask there's a good chance they'll refuse.

But if you can just wander in there and take a few snaps incogneto, then I would. So long as you don't mess about or do any damage.

When security spot you, you'll get thrown out, but you've got the pictures and there's nothing they can do about it. The only comeback would be a civil action of some sort if you publish them in some derogatory way, though I can't imagine what they might get you on.

Just make sure you don't upset anyone with the way you a) take the pictures, or b) how you (or others) use them.
 
Thanks guys. I just google the Braehead thing. "Prevention of terrorism" absolute pish!

The world is going absolutely crazy. We went on a short holiday last year with my daughter, son in law and our grand-daughter. I found myself feeling quite self concious just photographing her having fun because of stupidity like this.

I'll give them a call next week and maybe put it off until next weekend.

Cheers
Peter
 
Perhaps asking a couple of friends to have a 'loud argument' nothing fractious, elsewhere to give security something to occupy whilst you shoot ;)
 
green_rizla said:
Thanks guys. I just google the Braehead thing. "Prevention of terrorism" absolute pish!

The world is going absolutely crazy. We went on a short holiday last year with my daughter, son in law and our grand-daughter. I found myself feeling quite self concious just photographing her having fun because of stupidity like this.

I'll give them a call next week and maybe put it off until next weekend.

Cheers
Peter
Click to expand...

They'll say no, precisely for reasons like Braehead. They don't have a clue what it is you want to do, and they won't understand if you try to explain.

What is the benefit to them of saying yes? None.

What is the risk of potentially being seen to condone something that later blows up in their faces? Low, but possible.
 
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There are 2 golden rules in photography:

1. If you don't ask then they won't say "No"
2. Do it until you're stopped (and when you're stopped, just accept it and leave quietly).
 
Well I guess I there tomorrow then.

I don't look like a terrorist, well at least I don't think so.
 
I think the key with this type of photography is to be quick and discreet and don't hang about in the same spot too long which will only attract unwanted attention.

Obviously don't set up tripods or other kit unless you have pre-arranged it with the management as they will undoubtedly tell you to "pack your bags" if you are spotted.
 
Why not contact them and ask them if it's possible to get a permit for photography, I'm sure the shopping centre will have a marketing/PR person that you can contact :thumbs: as it's private property you have no right's to just take photo's they can stop you from taking photo's

I've seen photographers at my local mall type shopping centre, this is private and has had press in the past about not liking photography but they seem to offer permits, so explain what you want to do and they may just be able to help you out :thumbs:

Matt
MWHCVT
 
From experience, shopping malls like Bluewater do have protocols about taking pictures, if you want a 'proper' shoot, you probably should contact them. However, I've seen loads of people, including myself, with compacts/phones taking pics 'unofficially'. I guess it depends on what you want to use them for. If you want to use them commercially, absolutely yes to permission.
 
Thanks for all your input on this one. I decided in the end to see if I can get permission so I fired off an email with what I want to do to the centre manager.

i'll let you all know what happens.

Cheers
Peter
 
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