Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

While setting up a tripod to take this shot in Las Vegas, I was approached by a security officer at the Linq, a new area next to the Flamingo Hotel. He asked me if I was with the company. When I answered no, he told me I wasn't allowed to use a tripod. I could take any pictures I wanted but couldn't use a tripod. He was fairly nice about it, said he didn't really understand why not but said he was just following orders. I replied that I had seen discussions of this very thing on line and told him I thought it was probably management's opinion that if I was using a tripod that I must be a professional photographer. I told him I didn't agree but that I would comply, so I took down my tripod and began shooting handheld. Soon I was approached again. He had a smile on his face and said he didn't want me to think he was harassing me, but he had just been informed that since I was an amateur photographer that I was allowed to use the tripod after all. I thanked him, but by then I had gotten what I wanted and packed up. On the way out I smiled and wished him a good day, and he did the same back. I'm thinking that this incident could have escalated to a much larger situation if I had become angry, but in the end there was no harm, no foul.

A new attraction in Vegas

Dcn Bob Loc: Hamilton, NJ

I like the way you handled the whole situation. Talking vs. anger can keep so many situations from escalating.

I like the photograph.

amehta Loc: Boston

Very well handled.

Assuming you were not on the public sidewalk, I believe they are within their rights to restrict photography like that.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Whuff, in some cities, pros need to purchas a permit. Rather than trying to sort out the pros from the wanna-be's, the cities just sell a tripod permit. That settles it pretty quickly, as pros will gladly pay it, not because they make money, but because it's worth it just to use the tripods.
I'm not saying Las Vegas is that way, and I have used a pod there without hassle. Of course on private property, they can make any rules they want! But you probably already know all this. Good luck. ;-)
SS

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Nice photo. I'm impressed how you handled the situation. Your compliance and general pleasant disposition certainly caused him to find out from his boss if you were, in fact, allowed to shoot with a tripod. I think you did the right thing.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Nice shot and well handled.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

It was private property and there were people all over it taking photos with every imaginable type of camera. I was the only one with a tripod though. At first I was taken aback by being stopped but upon thinking about it and realizing it was private property I knew I didn't really have an argument if they wanted to push it.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

As crowded as the sidewalks get in Vegas, I could understand a ban on tripods. I don't know if they have any ordinances about them or not, but if several people set them up in close proximity, it would impair the flow of foot traffic.

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

i was in a chicago hospital a few yrs. ago, standing on the third floor open balcony. a huge wing like sculpture was hanging from the ceiling and i took several shots of it before being told that photography was not permitted in the hospital. it ended well, as i pled ignorance to the no photography mandate. had a good conversation w/ the security person, and she permitted me to take a couple more pictures; got one with the sculpture over her shoulder and emailed it to her. she was happy. sugar and spice.....makes all things nice.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Good job and good picture

amehta Loc: Boston

Especially with how drunk and bleary eyed some of the people are wandering out of the casinos! :-)

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Yup! I had one drunk while I was trying to photograph the Eiffel tower keep yelling at me "Hey! You wanna take my picture?", "You can take my picture for $5."

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Thanks

amehta Loc: Boston

Since it's Vegas, you have to run away whether it's a whether it was man or woman saying that. ;-)