Is it okay to take photos in a shopping centre? Why not?

Question

I just got a new camera so I'm in "Take Photos Of Everything!" mode, and I decided to get some shots of the Christmas decorations in a shopping centre. I'm always careful to get no people in the photos because I know that can cause problems, and sometimes I post the shots on the Internet, and I know I wouldn't want my ugly mug on the Internet without my permission. Anyway, I'd taken a few pictures and I was just taking another one, when this guy who looked like he worked there yelled "Excuse me!" from the escalator and made this wave, like 'Stop that please'. So I put the camera away and left, to take pictures of pigeons or something instead.

My question is, what was his problem? Is there a rule against taking pictures in shopping centres? Not even in the shops, just out on the mall floor? If there is, I won't do it, but I'd like to know for sure. I guess I need to find out the rules now I have my own camera.

Answer 1

Taking photographs anywhere in public is becoming a problem now as security measures are tightened up. But it is not only that. The issues of using photographs for commercial use is also an issue and you have to get a licence from the property owners in order to take the photos. Look out for the 'no photograph' signs as the owners have every right to ban it if they want to.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Whenever you're on private property it's always wise to seek permission first. The bigger Churches and Cathedrals cottoned onto this many moons ago when they made a charge to allow you to take photos inside their buildings. There's always the problem over privacy too - people who should really be at work won't want to be photographed out shopping, and those on the dole wouldn't want to be seen working, and that's before you get to the man out with a woman his wife doesn't know about.....
In some places, they won't allow you to take your own photos either because they have their own selection of (usually jaded!) views for sale, and they're afraid you'd go about selling your better pictures thus reducing their profits. It can all be a battle ground out there ! ! !

Answer 3

As far as I know you can take pictures where ever you like, but you need to be careful not to capture images of people, as you say some get upset.. particularly in this day and age where children are concerned.

As for careful pictures of displays or things in buildings then I guess its up to the shopping center management, these malls usually have customer centers that you can go and find out this kind of thing first.

Answer 4

Firstly in a busy shopping mall you cannot fail to get people in the picture. Secondly the Mall is owed by a company and they can make the rules as to what can or cannot be carried out on their property.
go and take pictures of trees and fields and horses.
I take pictures of horses and find that they make great subjects as the have an infinite number of poses. Taken in pairs they look really wonderful.
Enjoy your camera.

Answer 5

Personally, I see there being no problem with you taking photos in a shopping centre or mall, however it is private land so the establishment owner may feel differently. They may have security issues or you may even run into copyright infringement if any logos are placed on-line.

At any rate, would love to see some of your photography.

Answer 6

its only a crime if you get caught. next time, i'd be more surreptitious about taking photos in a public place. do it when no one is looking.
but seriously, i don't believe it is against the law, at least in the US, to take pictures of anyone in any public place, unless you are intending to distribute or make profit from the photos. anyway, the worst that could happen to you is you gettting kicked out for causing a disturbance (i.e. refusing to stop shooting), but i'm pretty sure there's nothing they can do to take the photos away from you, and if they did, you could probably sue them if they harmed your equipment or photos in the process. if you want proof of this, just read up on all those celebrity paparazzi encounters.

Answer 7

Hi,

I own and run a photo agency PBPA-Paul Beard Photo Agency..
You will find that you can not take pictures in a shopping centre because it is private property.

Hope this helps

Paul

Answer 8

In the US most shopping malls have notices posted at their entrances stating that photography is not permitted. It's usually not very apparent.
As with all private property in the US, violating the rule is a trespass violation. It is their property their rules violate them and they can have you removed from the premises and even attempt litigation.
Shopping Malls are NOT public property.

Answer 9

don't know why you couldn't,
but sometimes you gotta consider about some others in the public place,
so whether or not, since this guy came out and say don't capture anything, it is their shop, just don't do that, and everything gonna ok,
if you feel anything not good, go and ask him why you could take photoes there, if his excuse is reasonable, go ahead, if not,
it's up to you.

Answer 10

you're literally not a criminal and that protection gorilla is a bastard because he made you experience like you dedicated a criminal offense. He of course had to positioned down a touch lady to experience major and particular and powerful. He replaced into proper legally, yet he could've only enable it bypass because images rights isn't some thing you'll anticipate a baby to understand. undesirable boy's probable were given a small d*ck. stop crying now and ignore about it.