Issues shooting downtown Dallas

[srwatters]

The Ally, Jakestir, and I went downtown last evening to try to get some business stlye shots for her book. First stop was Fountain Place on Ross. We setup around the fountains near the rear of the building and started to shoot some. The light was not very good due to all the cloud cover so I had my SB800 on a stand with an umbrella. Not a good idea, since after about 15 minutes of setup, a security guard came out of the building and informed us that we could take pictures, just without the stand and umbrella. Sort of interesting, but since the light sucked, we decided to give the BofA building a try.

This building had a west facing entrance with revolving doors that had some nice golden hour light which was just dropping below the clouds enough that we could shoot. Jake manned the 42" round reflector and we went to work with just natural light. Once again, out comes security to tell us that we cannot photograph here, because the mangement doesn't allow pictures that show the interior of the building. Oh well. So much for my idea of getting 'business' shots at private buildings. With the light all but gone, we decided to pack it in for the day.

I do have to say that both the guards were very nice, and were only doing their jobs. We did manage to get a few decent shots. Here's one at the BofA building. Thanks to the Jakestir for coming into town to help!

Nikon D70, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G, ISO400, f/4.5, 52mm @ 1/30

[CaptainTom]

Ah, don't ya love our new security mentality. I guess we have to live with this sort of thing from now on. I wonder what the security guard didn't like about the flash on the umbrella ?

We are a little more open minded over here in Ft. Worth. Maybe you should give it a try here. I have a few contacts in the city, and would help out if possible. We do have some impressive buildings, although not as numerous as Dallas. i.e. new world headquarters for: Radio Shack and Pier !. I think with some prior arrangements, a shoot could be arranged.

[snidow]

I wonder how they stop all the cell phone cameras from taking photos of the inside and such. I understand they are only doing what they have been told, but it's a bit silly.

[srwatters]

What I'm going to do next time is do my homework a little better. Since I'm really shooting the model and not so much the building, I'm going to look closer to home, like Addison or Plano, then contact the building manager to get written approval before we shoot. I'm also going to scout the location better as well so I won't have to do so much running around looking for the right spot with the right light. Finally I'm going to shoot available light with a faster lens. I should have stuffed the 50mm f/1.8 on the camera and left the slow zoom in the bag. I'm so used to shooting at f/8 with flashes, I was caught off guard and had to raise the ISO to get close to acceptable shutter speeds. What I really want is that $1.5k f/2.8 midrange zoom (28-70mm f/2.8).

Good news is I learned from the experience. Next time will be much better!

[tmaxxtigger]

Interesting response from the security guard. Well, legally so long as you're on public property (outside) they cannot stop you taking photo's of the interior of a business, but most times it's not worth the trouble to get the shot.

See this site for more details:
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

"Property owners may legally prohibit photography on their premises but have no right to prohibit others from photographing their property rom other locations. Whether you
need permission from property owners o take photographs while on their
premises depends on the circumstances. n most places, you may reasonably
assume that taking photographs s allowed and that you do not
need explicit permission. However, his is a judgment call and you should
request permission when the circumstances uggest that the owner is likely
to object. In any case, when a property wner tells you not to take photographs
while on the premises, you are legally obligated to honor the request."

[srwatters]

I am aware of my rights as a photographer, but technically we were on their property. We were using doors and part of the water gardens as backgrounds, which could not have been done without being on the premesis. Sure I could have backet up 50 feet and broke out the 200mm telephoto, but the light just wasn't worth it. I chalk it up to a learning experience. Next time I will have written permission or find a public building that I have the full right to use.

[Kevin C. Haggard]

Originally Posted by srwatters

The Ally, Jakestir, and I went downtown last evening to try to get some business stlye shots for her book. First stop was Fountain Place on Ross. We setup around the fountains near the rear of the building and started to shoot some. The light was not very good due to all the cloud cover so I had my SB800 on a stand with an umbrella. Not a good idea, since after about 15 minutes of setup, a security guard came out of the building and informed us that we could take pictures, just without the stand and umbrella. Sort of interesting, but since the light sucked, we decided to give the BofA building a try.

This building had a west facing entrance with revolving doors that had some nice golden hour light which was just dropping below the clouds enough that we could shoot. Jake manned the 42" round reflector and we went to work with just natural light. Once again, out comes security to tell us that we cannot photograph here, because the mangement doesn't allow pictures that show the interior of the building. Oh well. So much for my idea of getting 'business' shots at private buildings. With the light all but gone, we decided to pack it in for the day.

I do have to say that both the guards were very nice, and were only doing their jobs. We did manage to get a few decent shots. Here's one at the BofA building. Thanks to the Jakestir for coming into town to help!

Nikon D70, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G, ISO400, f/4.5, 52mm @ 1/30

I just would like to know how that image or any shows the interior of the building??

[LoungeLizard]

That f/2.8 is great (at least the Canon version). My take - "Live on the edge, shoot at f/2.8"!

[Elsaspet]

Scott, just use the exterior on a day that they are closed. I shot the BofA (the one on Ross with all the wonderful statues) with a model for a few hours. No drama at all. There is a beautiful Church right across the street as well. Even though I shot on a Sunday with Church in progress, I had no problems. And of course right across the street from that you have the Dallas Museum of Arts that makes for some neat little backdrops.
Maybe you just had a bad day of it. The only time I saw a guard was at DMA, and they only waved and said hello as I snapped away.

[shutterflypro]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

That f/2.8 is great (at least the Canon version). My take - "Live on the edge, shoot at f/2.8"!

Oh my......Oh my......

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Elsaspet

Scott, just use the exterior on a day that they are closed. I shot the BofA (the one on Ross with all the wonderful statues) with a model for a few hours. No drama at all. There is a beautiful Church right across the street as well. Even though I shot on a Sunday with Church in progress, I had no problems. And of course right across the street from that you have the Dallas Museum of Arts that makes for some neat little backdrops.
Maybe you just had a bad day of it. The only time I saw a guard was at DMA, and they only waved and said hello as I snapped away.

We were there on Sunday evening at 6:45PM. The entire building was closed and the security staff were the only ones around. In fact there weren't even very many cars passing by on the street. Thanks for the tips on the other spots. I'll have to give them a try.