OR...you could know that the policy is regarding taking pictures and....DON'T TAKE PICTURES!!

If one expects stores to hold up their end of the bargain when it comes to discounts/rebates/not bait-and-switching us, then it's wildly hypocritical to think it perfectly alright to walk into a store and knowingly break their policies, and even go so far as to have an entire system of how to break store policy...just for the hell of it.

Two things help me to remain unnoticed by employees. First, my camera is a Casio Exilim and it can go from off to ready in two seconds. And second, I keep my camera in my coat pocket except for the single moment when I am taking the picture.

The camera's in my pocket. I reach in and turn it on. The lens comes out. I stand where I need to be, and look like I'm shopping. I take out the camera and use my elbow against my hip to stabilize. I take the picture, and the camera's already on its way back into my pocket. It's like one fluid motion.

Large stores are much easier to photograph than small stores, and same with low-end versus high-end. But even the most difficult environment (a small, high end store) can be captured if you do it quickly enough. Worst case scenario, the employee sees you, you apologize and leave. But in my experience, it's better to ask forgiveness than permission.

I guess there's always that "OMGZ what if they use this for fake internet porn" worry...but if you're working in a mall, chances are it will be your only shot at your 15 minutes of fame.

I think it's weird that places like department stores would give a crap about people taking pictures. I mean, these aren't high-end luxury designer boutiques with one of a kind pieces...they aren't even one of a kind stores! What are they worried about? Anything that could be captured on film and seen by a given person could also be seen by said person if he or she was to walk into the damn store. Sooo...

LOL, did you read the novel "The Traveler"?

If not, then your to damn smart. lol

"Panopticon" = prison design where the prisoners rarly, mostly never, see the guards and always assume they are being closely watched. The prisoners eventually get so used to the idea of being constantly watched that the guards could leave and the prisoners, not know that the guards left, would still behave as if being watched.

I don't go out of my way to call attention to myself, but I don't skulk around like a shoplifter, either. Remember that even if you successfully evade employees you're still going to be seen on the security video. They may have a policy about taking pictures but they definitely have one about suspicious behavior.

If questioned by an employee, be polite and explain that you just like to take pictures of things for reference. If they do want you to stop then just put away the camera and go on with your business. There's no sense getting upset about it.

I take pictures all the time with my cell phone of items that my boyfriend wants to have a say so in (but doesn't want to schlep to a dozen stores to find "the one"). Costco, Target, multiple furniture stores, clothing stores, etc. As a matter of fact, I have also taken pictures of light fixtures at Home Depot without hassle. I've never had a problem with employees telling me to stop and it's never even occurred to me that it would be an issue. Hmmm...

What are you wearing?

I think if someone wants to go around taking photographs like this it's fine, just give those of us who have no desire to be a part of it a way to know, and to stay out of your frame. Nine times out of ten, if someone took the time to ask me, and if for some reason I was an essential part of the shot, I would most likely agree. However taking someones picture you don't even know without asking them seems as rude to me as say fondling the blind date you just met while you order your appetizer.

So after the mini-rant, I have to ask, am I the nutjob here? Or do other people feel like I do?

AdamG

Interesting!

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/andrewkantor/2005-1...

This one comes from USA Today and it's also not written by a lawyer, so take this advice at your own risk. Though, who could hate advice like this?

"You can take photos any place that's open to the public, whether or not it's private property. A mall, for example, is open to the public. So are most office buildings (at least the lobbies). You don't need permission; if you have permission to enter, you have permission to shoot."

As if that stunt wouldn't get most of us thrown out of the store.

"Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries."

Hmmm... it seems to me that a blog can function as an online diary. Boy I'm on one today. Anyway, I hope that answers your question NZDave. ;)

1) Make sure your camera is on, in the record mode, and the lens cap is off.

This leads me to believe that Our Dear Editor may have made this mistake personally.

.....great advice! i'll be sure to write that one down."

Not as Duh as you might think. Most cameras auto power-off after a minute or so.

Then flee citing (erroneously) inalienable 1st Amendment rights.

Or go British: force another cart headfirst into a pillar. Use the resulting mayham to mask your flight.

At least, that's how it usually happens where I work.

Come on now... EVERYONE knows that... sheesh!

Calumet photographic.

Great customer service, too.

Don't argue if you're told to stop or asked to leave. This goes for any private property. You are not entitled to photograph inside any private building if the owner doesn't want you to or asks you to stop. Just leave.

Does Gawker have the budget to buy Ben a bitchin' fanny pack?

And don't forget to take the lenscap off!

Since many cameras have cue lights (blinking to indicate the countdown to exposure), don't forget to stick a piece of black gaffer's tape over the cue light to avoid this telltale. Electrical tape will work in a pinch, but nothing blocks light like Gaffer's tape - it's the badass brother of duct tape, and won't stick to your camera's finish.

Also, dial up the ISO (light sensitivity) of your camera for exposures that aren't Popken-esque in their blurriness, and leave the white balance set to auto.

If you're carring a camera around your neck anyway, dress like a tourist. This might mean eschewing your "goin' to the mall" attire for something more frumpy, but you are an intelligence officer in the fight against "The Man", right? Sacrifices must be made.

.....great advice! i'll be sure to write that one down.