To me anyways.
First off, please let me say this is NOT meant to be another 'What rights do photographers have' kinda thread, so please try not to make it one.
I was shopping with my relatives at Orchard and outside Paragon, there was a nice 'mini open lounge' set-up by Citibank for their cardholders with a small stage for a live jazz band. We were allowed in for a free drink and I took casual snaps of my folks getting a drink.
Next moment, a babe informs me (very nicely), that professional photographs are not allowed.
I was like 'HUH'? I said I was only taking family snapshots, and showed prior shots on my DSLR, typical family snaps I took with the same folks throughout the day, but she apologised and said that photography by professionals were not allowed.
I just smiled and asked, 'what makes me a pro?'
She replied, 'Your big camera. You look like a professional'.
I was like double ! I truly didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that moment.
So I asked, 'does using a big camera make me a professional?'
She very diplomatically replied, 'Yes. And even if I allowed you to take photos, the (or my, said babe pointing in the general direction of the shopping center entrance) security will come and ask you to stop'.
I was like ... 'ok, no problems.'
I then took out my PnS and asked if my 'non-professional' camara can or not, and she actually looked relieved and said can.
I just found it profoundly amusing, the whole perception thing about people using DSLRs being a 'professional' photographer! I usually expect that at family gatherings from older gen aunties and uncles who grew up in the 60s, but from a well-spoken young babe and a progressive and dynamic (read: non Cheena) organisation to have that perception is somewhat bewildering to me, really. There was absolutely nothing about the decor (there was none anyway) or presentation to worry about copyrights or another business copying their layout.
Still shakes head in disbelief with bewildered smile on face as I recount all this.
Just to be very clear, they were very very nice and courteous, we enjoyed the drink and the jazz performance was really quite good, all things considered :thumbsup:
First off, please let me say this is NOT meant to be another 'What rights do photographers have' kinda thread, so please try not to make it one.
I was shopping with my relatives at Orchard and outside Paragon, there was a nice 'mini open lounge' set-up by Citibank for their cardholders with a small stage for a live jazz band. We were allowed in for a free drink and I took casual snaps of my folks getting a drink.
Next moment, a babe informs me (very nicely), that professional photographs are not allowed.
I was like 'HUH'? I said I was only taking family snapshots, and showed prior shots on my DSLR, typical family snaps I took with the same folks throughout the day, but she apologised and said that photography by professionals were not allowed.
I just smiled and asked, 'what makes me a pro?'
She replied, 'Your big camera. You look like a professional'.
I was like double ! I truly didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that moment.
So I asked, 'does using a big camera make me a professional?'
She very diplomatically replied, 'Yes. And even if I allowed you to take photos, the (or my, said babe pointing in the general direction of the shopping center entrance) security will come and ask you to stop'.
I was like ... 'ok, no problems.'
I then took out my PnS and asked if my 'non-professional' camara can or not, and she actually looked relieved and said can.
I just found it profoundly amusing, the whole perception thing about people using DSLRs being a 'professional' photographer! I usually expect that at family gatherings from older gen aunties and uncles who grew up in the 60s, but from a well-spoken young babe and a progressive and dynamic (read: non Cheena) organisation to have that perception is somewhat bewildering to me, really. There was absolutely nothing about the decor (there was none anyway) or presentation to worry about copyrights or another business copying their layout.
Still shakes head in disbelief with bewildered smile on face as I recount all this.
Just to be very clear, they were very very nice and courteous, we enjoyed the drink and the jazz performance was really quite good, all things considered :thumbsup: