Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

A strange thing happened to me on my way to work. I was passing the United Nations International School. Outside for all to see was a large limestone sculpture which caught my attention. As I was about to photograph the sculpture, a security guard had taken a cell phone photograph of me with camera in hand. I walked over to the guard and introduced myself and showing my work identification card. I also retrieved my business card and gave it to him. I was unaware that photographs were not allowed. There were no warning signs or placards to that effect.
So, I would like to offer some advice to my fellow Hoggers.
1. Before taking a photograph, ask around if a photograph is permitted. Even though I was outside the property, sometimes property lines are irrelevant.
2. Common sense and decency should prevail in your work. Anything less, can very easily equate you with a "sleeve-ball."
3. Since my intent was for photographing a sculpture and not for a dubious or deceptive purpose, I freely offered to introduce myself. Since my intentions were honest, I felt unintimidated by offering my name and my photographic ID Card.
4. For a small expense, make some business cards with your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. These cards do not have to be pricey and can be made at home on your computer.
5. Remember, every photograph can be a compliment or an insult to the subject in the photograph. Do your best to keep your photographs complimentary. Keep your insults to a minimum.

Please be aware that these suggestions are offered In My Humble Opinion.

Happy Shooting!

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

What kind of work do you do, Scruples?

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Thanks Scrupples.......makes great sense and the ID card is a Good Idea and a possible Ice-Breaker in awkward circumstances . I will print some up for myself and try them out.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

My attitude would have been somewhat different. If what you photographed is right there for the world to see and if you are on public property I would never asked for permission to photograph and I would have kept right on photographing. What is to hide if the object is right in the public domain. Now if it was children or something such as a woman breast feeding a baby then I would not take the photograph.

I think as citizens with rights we often try to give away those rights by always asking permission. If you ask permission that means you are giving he person a chance to say NO. In your case I might have asked the security guard why he took my photo as you have a right to ask that. Of course he also has a right to his photography too as you are in the public domain.

I have no problem with you introducing yourself and being friendly. I have done the very same thing and occasionally it has lead to discussions of photography, hunting, fishing and opportunities for me to further my interests. It is true what they say about honey working better than salt. In your case it might have worked out that the security guard may have told you about something else coming up that you might like to photograph.

Dennis

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Your experience, while unnerving, is explicable.
You do have a right to take pictures from public space. And your pictures of the school grounds from the public space, while legal, are questionable by those given the responsibility to protect the school and children.
First....someone taking pictures of public or private elementary thru high schools is asking to be questioned. Unless they are being employed to do so and this would have been set up in advance.
Second....you didn't say the guard approached you and told you not to take pictures. You said you approached the guard after you saw him take your picture. Also, a mistake. They were doing their job.
Third...even taking your suggestions and printing up cards....and even after you explained to the guard who you were; I will bet you that your picture and name were sent through their security screening.
The lesson here is to use one's common sense when it comes to taking pictures of potential high risk subjects/areas in cities that are always on the alert. And, if there is something special that you would like to photograph-- contact the facility where it is located and ask permission.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I am a hobbyist photographer. My trade is as a pharmacist. I live and love working in New York City. It is a little stressful but I do my best to be cordial to everyone.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

While I was on public property I had no children in my field of view. Since there was no placard notifying me that photographs are prohibited, I saw the opportunity photography something in the public domain. I felt the need to introduce myself as a law abiding citizen.
I merely like to share my experience and offer advice to others. I hope that all here can learn and benefit from what I bring forth.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have no problem with what you did. I am just saying I would have handled it differently. Had there been children in the area and IF you appeared to be taking photos of the children I would support the security guard. But I wonder why he did not approach you rather than you approaching him. Had you been doing something wrong he should have contacted you immediately. But it seems he did not.

I still maintain you were perfectly within your rights as a law abiding citizen or even as a bank robber to take photos of the object that caught your eye. You can still be a law abiding citizen without having to explain your every move to a security guard, many of whom I have found are wannabe cops and who exert their little bit of authority over others. It doesn't seem that this guy was one of those however as you contacted him.

Have a great day,

Dennis

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Thank you. I was a
Welder for 30 years. And a craftsman for 10, among a lot of other skills.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Did presenting your card do any good? Did the guard permit you to take the picture? I don't believe the guard was correct in telling you you couldn't take a photo of a sculpture in a public place. There may be copyrights on the sculpture, but in a public place, you should be able to take photos for private use.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

The guard did not tell him it was illegal to take the picture...from his post.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Nor did I. What the OP said was, "I was unaware that photographs were not allowed."

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I was only referring to your comment....'I don't believe the guard was correct in telling you you couldn't take a photo of a sculpture in a public place.'

This was never part of the OP's conversation.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Oh? First, the OP said the sculpture was "outside for all to see." How did the OP get the idea that "I was unaware that photographs were not allowed" unless the guard told him that?

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

The OP figured since his picture was being taken that there was an issue. He assumed that he was not permitted to take the picture. The guard never approached and told him this. The guard was doing his due diligence and probably following a protocol set up by his superiors. He was non-confrontational.
The OP's statement was one based on his inference from the situation; not on something that was said to him.