Thread: ***DSLR Thread***

Granny Threat checks her raffle tickets. (I could probably black out the girl in the upper left but I like this shot)

Originally Posted by FlyBoeingJets

I got kicked out of another public place yesterday, being told I could not take photographs at Santa Monica Pier.

The wife and I were out on the pier. I was teaching her to use my D200 as I was toting around my D3. Both of us were taking pictures right and left. When we entered the building that houses the carousel, we were told by an employee that we were not allowed to take photographs. I immediately took a look around and noticed several other people using digital SLR cameras to take photographs and asked if they'd been informed of the restriction. The woman told me that they were obviously not professionals, and that they were okay. She also stated that my wife's Canon point-and-shoot (she always carries it in her purse) is okay as well.

Essentially, this woman assumed that I must be a pro taking pictures with intent to sell because my camera is bigger than everyone else's. To me, that's like assuming a woman is in porn because she's got huge knockers or assuming she's in rap videos because she's got a huge jiggling ass.

I got pretty pissed (to the point where I felt bad later and went back and apologized to the employee who was really only doing her job). Eventually, I found my way to the SM Pier offices and discussed my issues with the staff. They gave me a permit on-the-spot, and told me the reason they have the rule is because they don't want the paparazzi around when celebrities show up. When I told her I'd been all over the pier for two hours taking pictures, she told me that the reason security guards didn't boot me earlier was because there was some television shoot going on there and people probably assumed I was with the production crew.

What a load of CRAP!

Incidentally, the permit restricts me from selling any images that are taken on the pier/of the pier and states that any images taken are the property of the City of Santa Monica. How the hell can they get away with that crap legally in a public place?!?!

That's twice now that I've been run out of public places because my camera is too conspicuous. It is INFURIATING.

Worthy of a look. The Photographers Rights.

Also, just 15 minutes south of Philly is tax-free shopping. That can inspire a person to do some pretty impulsive things.

Just sayin'

Originally Posted by PuckMonkey

Also, just 15 minutes south of Philly is tax-free shopping. That can inspire a person to do some pretty impulsive things.

Just sayin'

What'd you do!?!?

Yes, this sounds interesting.

I just read another incident about the Strobist guy being hassled because he had a tripod. They thought he must be some kind of terrorist for bringing it into the hotel he was staying at. There is way too much paranoia and it's targetting the wrong people.

Originally Posted by PuckMonkey

Also, just 15 minutes south of Philly is tax-free shopping. That can inspire a person to do some pretty impulsive things.

Just sayin'

Every day is tax free on Amazon.com

Originally Posted by FlyBoeingJets

What'd you do!?!?

I had a D3 in my hand and my my wife (along with the sales people) chirping "Do it! Do it!", but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the Excalibur of dSLR's. After a box of smelling salts and a day of monk-like self-contemplation, I returned to the store and claimed my second child...




A bouncing baby D300.

Nicey! Congrats.