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!

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!

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