Slashdot Mirror
Photographers Face Ejection Over Lenses
destinyland writes "Zooomr CEO Thomas Hawk was ejected from a San Francisco art museum because the security guard apparently thought his expensive camera could be used to spy on female employees. Another photographer notes that 'many people consider a professional-looking camera a threat,' and the state of California has even passed a law against telephoto lenses being used to intrude on celebrities' private lives. Hawk is routinely confronting security guards who argue that photographing their buildings represents a 'security threat.' Ironically, four weeks ago while attending Microsoft's Pro Photo Summit, he was told he couldn't even photograph the lobby of a Hyatt Hotel."
Taking pictures inside an airport IS illegal.
The law is fine, BUT...
As a parent, or as a female, how would you feel if from 50+ feet away someone was standing with a telephoto lens taking shots of you, or your children?
Wouldn't that be very strange to you? Wouldn't you be nervous about their intentions--both in general and more specifically with what they plan to do with the pictures?
It may be LEGAL, but that doesn't make it RIGHT. If you want to take a picture of a PERSON (as opposed to a large group of people in general, or objects) in public you ought to have the decency and courtesy to ASK THEM if possible