Don't ask me why; I'm not sure I know myself. It just came to me that I'd like to take a photo of a hallway inside a school building.
These days, I fear that's more of a challenge than it used to be. School security and fear of strangers would likely prevent me from accomplishing this goal. I have no problem approaching school officials with a request (school is just starting again around here) but I'd be hard pressed to explain why.
What would you do? Alternatively, can you think of something that resembles a long school hall?
No wonder you are waiting in Darwin's room.
Do you have any former schools in you area that were converted into community centers, arts & rec programs or other uses that would be less sensitive?
These days I would be hesitant myself!
Simply be upfront. Approach the office personnel and tell them what you want to do. The worst they can say is no. Perhaps you can work out a time after school is over for the day and few people are around. I've done that and the staff was very cooperative.
--Bob
Just Fred wrote:
Don't ask me why; I'm not sure I know myself. It just came to me that I'd like to take a photo of a hallway inside a school building.
These days, I fear that's more of a challenge than it used to be. School security and fear of strangers would likely prevent me from accomplishing this goal. I have no problem approaching school officials with a request (school is just starting again around here) but I'd be hard pressed to explain why.
What would you do? Alternatively, can you think of something that resembles a long school hall?
Don't ask me why; I'm not sure I know myself. It ... (
show quote)
Just Fred wrote:
Don't ask me why; I'm not sure I know myself. It just came to me that I'd like to take a photo of a hallway inside a school building.
These days, I fear that's more of a challenge than it used to be. School security and fear of strangers would likely prevent me from accomplishing this goal. I have no problem approaching school officials with a request (school is just starting again around here) but I'd be hard pressed to explain why.
What would you do? Alternatively, can you think of something that resembles a long school hall?
Don't ask me why; I'm not sure I know myself. It ... (
show quote)
Any institution will be at least mildly wary, but a grade school or high school will likely simply refuse ... and send your plate number and face from the door camera to the FBI. You might have better luck with a college. Best bet is to drop the idea. You dont need the picture. Some office buildings might have what you want. For that I would use a tripod and work carefully, just for appearance sake. It would be the blatant opposite of acting sneaky. But again, better to drop the idea. Maybe you might prefer do a landscape featuring a military nuclear facility ;-)
Go after the kids are gone but before the staff leaves. 3-6pm just say you are needing some stock photos for school buildings. Assure them you won’t have any kids or staff in the pics and I’ll bet they’ll be fine with it. My wife works in the school system and they have upped the security this year but remember it’s your taxes that pay for the building and all their jobs so….
Fred, you may have better luck approaching a local Community College that is far more visitor-friendly than an elementary school. Another option would be when they have evening events, such as basketball or volleyball games where people carry a camera would be more expected. Of course, I would not take a tripod for the horizon can be adjusted in post if the image tilts a bit.
rmalarz wrote:
Simply be upfront. Approach the office personnel and tell them what you want to do. The worst they can say is no. Perhaps you can work out a time after school is over for the day and few people are around. I've done that and the staff was very cooperative.
--Bob
Pick a school that teaches photography. Then you might have a chance. Make the shoot part of the photo assignment.
That being said, any school will likely require you to pass a background check, etc. AndvI think your request would be viewed as too strange to allow these days.
Go during a basketball home game. Any kids in school - what about a parent-teacher conference. When I had a class reunion, the school let us tour the building after hours.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I think the genesis of this idea comes from an outdoor shot I took a number of years ago. I was wondering if I could somehow recreate the same feeling indoors. This is the shot.
Another suggestion is that a local museum may have similar hallways to photograph. I do this often at museums in Houston where I live. Cameras are allowed but no flash or tripods.
photoman43 wrote:
Another suggestion is that a local museum may have similar hallways to photograph. I do this often at museums in Houston where I live. Cameras are allowed but no flash or tripods.
Thanks. Your comment reminds me of a conversation I had last night at a photo club I attend: What about monopods? Several of the attendees remarked that although tripods were prohibited, monopods were allowed. Any insight into this?
Just Fred wrote:
Thanks. Your comment reminds me of a conversation I had last night at a photo club I attend: What about monopods? Several of the attendees remarked that although tripods were prohibited, monopods were allowed. Any insight into this?
Generally speaking, anything else except a camera is prohibited. One museum does allow monopods for its butterfly house.
It saddens me to read the various responses to this post--valid though they may be. I would go and ask permission suggesting a time when students are not in school, like a Saturday when only staff and janitors are likely there. Good luck.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.