Right to take pictures: Went shopping in mall in Cincinnati today and was taking pictures of sky lites and main public area. Rent a cop security told me to stop as I was infringing on...

Fkaufman3 Loc: Florida, LA ie lower Alabama

Went shopping in mall in Cincinnati today and was taking pictures of sky lites and main public area. Rent a cop security told me to stop as I was infringing on stores copywrite laws. I asked if it was poking to take pictures of the mall itself. No! Was nice and polite, I put cap on camera and continued.

geclevel Loc: Springville, Utah

I could be wrong but if the lights were installed as a fixture, and not for sale, I wold photograph them. If the lights were hand crafted and for sale then I wouldn't photo them without permission.

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

He was just doing his job.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Fkaufman3 wrote:

Went shopping in mall in Cincinnati today and was taking pictures of sky lites and main public area. Rent a cop security told me to stop as I was infringing on stores copywrite laws. I asked if it was poking to take pictures of the mall itself. No! Was nice and polite, I put cap on camera and continued.

More and more shopping malls prohibit photography anywhere on the property. It IS private property.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Shopping mall is private property. They are entitled to call the shots.
However he is full of s*** about copyright laws, he is talking out of ignorance and just to have something to say.
Sounds like he knows he can tell you to move on, but doesn't really know what you are doing wrong.
If you obtained permission beforehand from the necessary person, you may have been able to shoot to your hearts content.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Lighthouse is correct. A copyright violation can only be determined by the USE of the image - NOT the taking of it.

However, it is private property and they can make the rules.

TNmike Loc: NW TN

Just wait until Christmas or Easter to take pics. There will be about a million cameras there taking pics of Mr. Claus or the Easter Bunny and no one will even notice what you are taking pics of. :D TNmike

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

I was at a trade show. An employee tells me not to take photos of the equipment display so I don't but then step back and notice the guy next to me with the "corporate counsel" tag. I look at him and he looks back and says go ahead (plus some other things about the employee that I won't repeat). That was with a point n' shoot.

Wonder how much is policy verses I'm in control so do what I say ...

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Fkaufman3 wrote:

Went shopping in mall in Cincinnati today and was taking pictures of sky lites and main public area. Rent a cop security told me to stop as I was infringing on stores copywrite laws. I asked if it was poking to take pictures of the mall itself. No! Was nice and polite, I put cap on camera and continued.

I wonder how they would react if you pulled out a drawing pad and made detailed sketches and took measurements!

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

rook2c4 wrote:

I wonder how they would react if you pulled out a drawing pad and made detailed sketches and took measurements!

Got to try that next time.:thumbup:

Counsel would probably act the same. I believe they had numerous patents which would have nice sketches ... but more than likely, if I was a competitor, I'd purchase the product and break it down at my leisure. I do recall one exhibitor who had their product behind curtains and you needed to register to view. Another marketing ploy. Exclusivity breeds desire.

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

I had the same trouble in Durham Cathedral over here, I took one shot inside and I was jumped on immediately and told in no uncertain terms that photography was banned, then I swear I was followed around, I felt that uncomfortable I went outside.It was obvious they wanted you to go into the Cathedral shop and purchase their Photo's!!

Paul Walsh Loc: SE London UK

Doddy wrote:

I had the same trouble in Durham Cathedral over here, I took one shot inside and I was jumped on immediately and told in no uncertain terms that photography was banned, then I swear I was followed around, I felt that uncomfortable I went outside.It was obvious they wanted you to go into the Cathedral shop and purchase their Photo's!!

They do the same in St Paul's Cathedral in London. Went for the 1st time last year. No photography allowed, last visit for me there!

WNYShooter Loc: WNY

Many places like this will allow some very limited photography if the management is contacted prior to the visit for permission. Some may require a fee and some may not allow tripods regardless of permission. Typically, those who do grant such access will restrict the shooting to certain times, duration, and even limited areas. Thing is, it's private property, so the right thing is to ask. Otherwise, it's the old tried and true street photo tactics.

APB Loc: UK

Paul Walsh wrote:

They do the same in St Paul's Cathedral in London. Went for the 1st time last year. No photography allowed, last visit for me there!

I always feel slightly ambivalent about this.
Yes, these are fantastic architectural sites often with stunning interiors, but their prime function is as a place of worship and while we as individuals may be sensitive to that, the prospect of dozens of flashlights going off can't add to the sanctity of the cathedrals.

JmR Loc: Falkirk, Scotland

I recently visited Carlisle Cathedral and there was no restriction on photography. I did ask before starting to take pictures and was told to take as many pictures as I wished.