For today’s inspiration, I thought I’d link to a site that is completely filled with photos that you aren’t supposed to take: photos at concerts, photos of military installations, photos inside condemned buildings.
The site is Strictly No Photography.
Now we’re not recommending that you violate laws or put your life in danger to get a great photo, but looking through these galleries I was struck by how great some of the shots were and how arbitrary the rules that made them technically illegal seemed.
At any rate, it’s an interesting gallery and a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
A few years back, I took a basic photography course at my local community college. I loved to take pictures. I wasn’t bad, but I thought some formal training would make my photos even better (it did.)
One of the habits I developed then was to carry my camera with me everywhere. So I had it around my neck when I went to a local flea market. I got some great shots on black-and-white film of creepy marionettes and dark hallways lined with books.
As I was lining up my next shot, a voice came from behind me. “Hey, you can’t take pictures here.” A burly tattooed man who was selling some beat up tools was walking towards me. “This is private property.”
I pointed out that I wasn’t taking pictures of him or his belongings, but he was insistent. “This is private property and unless you have permission from the owner, you aren’t allowed to take pictures.” Since he had more tattoos, muscles and sledgehammers than I did, I agreed and moved on.
But truthfully, I was pretty sure I could take photos there — but I wasn’t positive. Later, I learned that you can take pictures on private property as long as it is a public place, unless you are asked not to by the owner (or if there are posted signs.) Mr. Tattoo had no right to tell me I couldn’t shoot photos. (more…)
