why does everyone hate photographers so much?!?

[doctahjones]

good god. trying to find an indoor location to take some 'non commercial' personal shots is like trying to win the lottery.

i keep trying to do it the right way and get permission, but you have to jump through all these impossible hoops.

i work for a company who has an office in williams square in las colinas (where the horses are) and i got this back after asking about pictures...


From: williams square person
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2008 9:19 PM
To: james
Subject: photography at Williams Square


Good morning James:

Nicole forwarded me your request and I just spoke to my director regarding. I am really sorry we cannot accommodate, but when tripods etcetera are being used on property....The shoot is considered commercial and we require insurance (I am attaching a sample letter).

We also unfortunately cannot allow photography to take place after hours in the building without the proper insurance. I am truly sorry to disappoint as I know the building is a perfect location for holiday pictures. Happy holidays to you and yours.

Sincerely,
williams square person




From: james
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 4:11 PM
To: williams square person
Subject: photography

If you’re not the one I need to talk to about this, I would appreciate it if you could forward it on for me.

I had a question about taking pictures in the lobby areas near the decorations.

I would like to take some personal non-commercial shots, during afterhours or on the weekends using a friend as a model. I’m just now getting into photography and was wanting to practice. I wouldn’t disturb anyone who might be walking through. The only equipment I would have is my camera and attached flash, and possibly a tripod.

I was wondering if this was allowed, and/or if I needed permission.

Thanks!

why is it so hard to shoot indoors?!?!?!

[Tom]

It is easier to seek forgiveness than permissions.

Don't be an ass about it, and it shouldn't always be your mantra, but it is true.

[Shelby Lane]

It looks to me like all they're asking for is that you carry liability insurance. Many locations will require this of photographers -- particularly if you get into weddings.

[CaptainTom]

One way to get this insurance is to join PPA. Maybe not what you had in mind, but it might be your solution.

[epoh]

Also,the tripod is pretty much going to be a no-no in just about every private location. Leave it at home and you'll have much better luck.

[doctahjones]

i understand about insurance, and if i were actually doing shoots for money, i would definately carry it.

but for me, i'm no where near doing shoots for money. i need alot more experience. i'm just trying to practice, hense the non-commerical aspect.

[Jake]

Asking for insurance doesn't really sound like a big deal or that they hate you.

That said, there are plenty of good reasons to hate photographers

[Shelby Lane]

Yes, but it doesn't matter what your intent is... they still have to require the insurance to cover themselves.

[doctahjones]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

Asking for insurance doesn't really sound like a big deal or that they hate you.

That said, there are plenty of good reasons to hate photographers

well, it's not just insurance. apparently i have to have some specific policy to cover there location, and has a couple different landlords or something listed.

i think i'm just going to go up to our floor and shoot.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by doctahjones

i understand about insurance, and if i were actually doing shoots for money, i would definately carry it.

but for me, i'm no where near doing shoots for money. i need alot more experience. i'm just trying to practice, hense the non-commerical aspect.

It's all about the math

You want to shoot there
They want insurance
You won't get insurance
equals
You don't shoot there

believe it or not, this is the world as photographers have experienced it for years. It's usually because some jerk made a mess or caused a problem in the past. I've been thrown out of some pretty raunchy places, and been ignored in some high class places. Luck of the draw, and how you can figure out how to get it done.
Rule #1 act like you belong there.
Rule #2 if rule no. 1 doesn't work, plead ignorance and forgiveness
Rule #3 if rules no. 1 & 2 don't work, find a new spot.
Golden Rule: Don't become that guy who screws it up for everybody else.

[doctahjones]

Originally Posted by Shelby Lane

Yes, but it doesn't matter what your intent is... they still have to require the insurance to cover themselves.

i think the next time i'm walking through the lobby during the normal work day to get to the elevators, i'm going to trip and bust my head and threaten to sue....unless they let me take pictures during off hours with no hassles. :P

[doctahjones]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

It's all about the math

You want to shoot there
They want insurance
You won't get insurance
equals
You don't shoot there

believe it or not, this is the world as photographers have experienced it for years. It's usually because some jerk made a mess or caused a problem in the past. I've been thrown out of some pretty raunchy places, and been ignored in some high class places. Luck of the draw, and how you can figure out how to get it done.
Rule #1 act like you belong there.
Rule #2 if rule no. 1 doesn't work, plead ignorance and forgiveness
Rule #3 if rules no. 1 & 2 don't work, find a new spot.

yeah, rule number 1.....i'm just not a very good actor! :)

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by doctahjones

i think the next time i'm walking through the lobby during the normal work day to get to the elevators, i'm going to trip and bust my head and threaten to sue....unless they let me take pictures during off hours with no hassles. :P

Now you are getting into breaking the Golden Rule....but I like the creativity

[ito4u]

I am not a lawyer so you can take my advice with a grain of salt.

If I were you, I would read between the lines, because you might be able to get away with technicalities.

I'd show up with a IS/VR lens or a monopod. If you have an office in that building, just walk around after hours. You work there, what harm is that? You had your camera that day. They can't toss you for bringing personal effects into the building.

"I thought I could get a nice picture here" is all you have to say. If they ask for your media, refuse, pictures are not their property and it can't be called justifiable commercial work due to not profiting from it. You can always pull the ole' switch a roo with memory cards.

Also, insurance is cheap. I would have insurance on my photography equipment. Get personal insurance for yourself in case of small accidents. It's like 10 bucks a year for me. Probably cheaper in your location.

I like to play the dumb card myself. However, I am aware that private property has certain restrictions. Never pass yourself as a pro photog doing commercial work unless you want to attract attention. You'll rarely get the green flag. Also, if a security guard approaches you, be cool. Talk to the guy/gal, they may just want someone to talk to. Easier to be cool than rude.

Not everyone hates photographers. However, if someone thinks they can profit from you which some large companies try to do, they will try to because, they can.

All that being said, I agree with Thomas on this one.

[JohnT]

Do what I do: Use a fast lens, IS/VR, and/or high ISO. A monopod is a possibility; just be prepared if they ask you to put it away. They're just trying to cover their backsides, and it really isn't worth the hassle of trying to cheat the system. And have fun, for Pete's sake! :-)