Public/Non-Public Photography Etiquette?

[AnthonyLin]

Being kinda new to dSLR's, I'm wondering what you guys have experienced in taking pictures in public and business places. I've read stories of getting stopped by security after taking photographs of gov't and private buildings, but what about inside bars, restaurants, clubs, city squares, shopping districts, etc.?

I've only gotten stopped from taking pictures in a couple places with my old P&S, and that was because I didn't notice the "no cameras" sign in front. But then again places seem to mind SLR's over P&S's for some reason, so I'm not sure what's considered "safe" or "unsafe".

I'm fine with staying away from government and private buildings, and from taking pictures in stores, but is everything else fair game? What's your usual protocol?

[chauncey]

Ya see that blue bar at the top of the page. Punch "search" and type in something like "public building photography".
You will get a couple hours of reading on the subject, enjoy. ;)

[AnthonyLin]

Like I said, I've come across many stories of people getting stopped, so I know what not to do and what to expect. I also said I didn't want to take pictures of public and private buildings -- I'm more fond of indoor photography anyway.

Most searches I've done just talk about stories where people got stopped and were made to delete pictures. If a bar owner comes out and tells me not to take pictures of his taps, or if a waiter says I can't take a picture of a dessert, then I won't.

I was just wondering what's the custom most people go through. Do they always ask? Do they take pictures and only stop when asked? Does it happen often?

[artyboy]

most stores will make it very clear that no photography is allowed via signage (at least from where i am), so any stores w/o that sign is fair game. and if you're stopped, just stop, no harm done. F&B outlets are generally open to photography, they'll be in trouble if they don't becos people are there to celebrate birthdays/anniversaries and whatnots. for shopping malls, most of them have that sign on the entrance but if im in an open atrium, i go right ahead unless im stopped. so far i have not been stopped. they would have their hands full if they really wanted to stop anyone snapping pics, since camera-handphones and tiny compact P&S are popping everywhere, especially when there's a roadshow or staged event in the mall's atrium.