out shooting tonight at PPG plaza...

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/19/2004 01:03:56 AM · #1

Well, I took a few shots at PPG plaza tonight of the christmas tree/ice rink...here is one

As I was shooting, a security guard came up and told me tripods aren't allowed because 'they assume that you are shooting for commercial purposes' whatever that means, but 'that handheld is fine' -- I felt like shoving my tripod down the guy's throat, but instead, I thanked him and moved to the public street *sigh*.

I felt like asking him to please hold my camera steady for me for a 15-second exposure then. Oh well -- I'll tell you what though, within the past week, I've been stopped by police/security guards on 3 seperate occasions. I've always just been polite and of course nothing has come of any of the occurences, but it really gets old.

Kind of reminds me of being in 7th grade on my skateboard when we just kept getting hassled for skating no matter where we were...except in that case, I can see the liability.

--

Just thought I'd share my experience and fore-warn anyone who might be headed that way.

Message edited by author 2004-12-23 23:58:49.

ADGibson

Canon EOS-20D

12/19/2004 02:02:41 AM · #2

This "profiling" is getting silly. PD see everyone as terrorists now.

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon

12/19/2004 10:06:59 AM · #3

agreed. At what point does it become harrassment? Say after I moved to the public street (where cars park not in the middle lol) and the security guard kept hassling me -- while I realize it is a public place and anyone can approach anyone at any time, there is a fine line between approaching and harrassing.

Now lets say I moved to the public street, and the security guard calls the police. They show up and ask for my ID and basically ruin about a half-hour of my time running my driver's license and asking me what I'm doing...what rights do I have to not be stopped and detained by the police? I would assume none and if it's that big of an issue, just go with the flow and contact someone once you get home as to not cause a problem???

Thanks.

Sandymaya

Sony DSLR-A350

12/19/2004 10:18:27 AM · #4

I think the photo is great though :)

garlic

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Canon

12/19/2004 10:28:34 AM · #5

Nice pic. Your night shots are very good.

ADGibson

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/23/2004 11:14:31 PM · #6

I found this. Sorry it took so long to respond.

//www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/discuss/_kapdiscuss/00000f49.htm

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

12/23/2004 11:16:54 PM · #7

If he was on the grounds of PPG (whether indoors our outdoors) they do have a right to require him to stop.

If he was not on their property, they generally cannot require it.

-Terry

xcharrier

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/23/2004 11:22:28 PM · #8

This reminds me of when the FBI knocked on my door :)

I was actually shooting a photo for a challenge when a security guard confronted me and told me that I was not allowed to photograph smoke stacks because the facility was considered a secure location (it was a water treatment facility, I didnt know they were considered secure locations). I was not on thier property but sure enough... the FBI showed up on my door step about a month later questioning me. Needless to say I got a little worried and had Drew and Langdon remove my photo (which was one of my top ranked photos).

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

12/23/2004 11:35:54 PM · #9

As long as its visible from a public location, I'll shoot all day long and I'll post the pictures anywhere I do so desire. If it's that big of a secret, maybe they should build it behind closed doors or erect a large wall around it. People are too edgy around cameras -- always think we're out to get them.

Prof_Fate

12/23/2004 11:45:22 PM · #10

There was quite a bit of discusison on photo sites about PPG last spring - they were at that time chasing ALL photographers off their property. I was down there for the St Pats parade and had no problems, but i was not tryig to photograph their building. My profile pic is my reflection in PPG place.

Now you have a reason to get a Rebel - you need it to use the 28-135 IS lens so you can leave the tripod at home!

BTW, i cannot get the link to your pic(s) to work.

You are a real man to have been out in this weather tonite.

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

12/23/2004 11:46:24 PM · #11

I can't see your photo? It's telling me it's a bad url..I even copied and pasted into my address bar.

12/23/2004 11:57:30 PM · #12

oh my bad...I originally posted it then I deleted it because I was going to enter it in classy christmas decorations, but then I figured too many people might have seen it so i ended up yanking my submission. I think it would have done pretty good...here lemme find it.

12/23/2004 11:58:28 PM · #13

sorry

Prof_Fate

12/24/2004 12:04:55 AM · #14

Nice clear and sharp - see, you don't need no stinkin' SLR.