Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
I don't normally like modern architecture, not for the sake of it that is. However there was something about these glass domes in this new shopping centre, that really caught my eye. I was like a kid in a toy shop at Christmas......... and I had my camera handy. I started snapping without a care in the world.
Up on a higher level, things got even better, snapping glass domes through other glass domes and the patterns were fantastic. I was really looking forward to going to the very top level and taking photos looking down through the glass domes and seeing all the angles and unusual shapes that would come out in the photos.
"Excuse me," said a voice of a man behind me, "You can't take photos here."
I turned around and saw the security guard! Gulp.
"Its just that these glass curves in the roof are so fantastic," I stammered. "I am an amateur photographer. They are only for my own use."
"You will have to get permission if you want to take photos here," The guard went on to say.
I half expected him to demand that I delete the photos from my camera or worse still to confiscate it.
I went on to ask where I could get permission. The man, who was speaking in a very heavy foreign accent, told me some brief instructions that I didn't fully understand, so off I went. I had to go right to the top of the precinct to get to the Management Office.
Was I feeling unusually bold? I figured that as I was probably captured on thousands of CCTV cameras as a would be terrorist, that I had better go and make it legal and explain my case.
After much asking around (why did I always chose a foreign person each time, who I couldn't fully understand) I did eventually get to the Management Office. The doors were heavily locked and there was not a person in sight.
Surely that security guard must have known that the office was closed. Is that what they do to put people off? Make it so difficult that they hope people will not bother?
So that was that then. I looked down at the glass domes and realized what it must feel like to be a junkie needing one more fix, or a gambler needing just another bet, an alcoholic needing one more for the road. What was happening to me?
I clenched my hands in my pockets so that I wouldn't be tempted and tried to think of other things.
I would find a way to come back some time in the future and ask the Management Office if I could take the photos from the top level.
So for the sake of security, I cannot tell you where these pictures were taken. In which town or city or even in which country. However I will reveal to you that it is somewhere in Europe.
However, as I didn't have the camera interfered with in any way, I feel that it is OK for me to use the pictures that I had already taken.
Am I wrong? Gulp!
27 comments:
Normally it's okay to take pictures of public places. They may have their reasons. Good thing they weren't asked to be deleted.
Lynn
Well it provided a great story Maggie! Poor you though - can just imagine how you felt, with all the CCTV cameras pointing right at you! The photos are well worth your effort - aren't they? A pity you couldn't continue - you have some great shots.
A x
Lovely photos, shame you weren't able to take some more.
MA
Crazy, isn't it? I don't know whether they are within their rights or not. I do feel a bit self conscious, however, when I take photos, in the town or city, nowadays. I'm often waiting for the tap on the shoulder and some sort of remonstration.
They're great photos. I can understand your interest. How frustrating that you couldn't find anyone in authority to speak to.
This is PC gone mad again. No - don't get me started again!!
Great story and pics. reminded me of the time I took a photo of JP in this incredible Mall in Dallas. I had been to[something amazing to me then as we had nothing like it in the UK at that time] a one hour opticians,a Vision Express type place. As I came out to look for JP I saw him sleeping on a bench and took a snap shot of him, only to find myself surrounded by what seemed to me to be giants in black uniforms with guns. At the sound of my accent bleating a feeble explanation they backed off and asked very nicely that I take no more photo's in the Mall. JP continued sleeping throughout.And this was way before 9.11.
Enjoyed your post and pictures!
Hi Maggie, that's so funny!! I took a picture there last weekend (my first visit) with my phone because, like you, I almost shreeked with ewxcitement when I went in!! (I especially liked the deer). Thank goodness no one spotted me!
It provided a great story and I am afraid I would have taken more after finding the office closed! I agree with Lynn - it is a public place. But then again, maybe not. So many of these places are owned.
I remember when I used to smoke, going into a shopping arcade that was open air. You went through an archway but you were in an ordinary street. It was normal flags on the ground and I could see the sky clearly. I could be rained on and there was no piped music or anything. Now an ordinary precinct. I lit up. I got told I would be fined if I didn't put it out. I protested I was not in a shop but in the open air! Apparently, that air space was also owned by the owner of the "precinct". Hmph. (Not an issue now I don't smoke, but similar to yours).
So, it could be the mall or precinct is owned. But if it is public, then you can take photos.
A great story anyway, and it seems I have written one too! lol
I wonder why you couldn't take photos? Weird.
TOOO funny! Hope you get back there!
That is definitely a photo-story! Very nice to find you and your blog, I will have to come back and browse more!
Well, if we don't hear anything from you for a week, we'll know where you are--in jail!:) These are fantastic photos, Maggie May; I don't blame you for wanting to take them. I can't imagine why a public place like a shopping center would object to your taking pictures.
I chuckled at your comments about all the people you talked to having foreign accents; that seems to be the case here in the U.S., too. I don't mean to be rude to them when I ask them to repeat themselves, but sometimes I just don't understand what they're saying!
Great photos. I can see why you wanted to take them, but looking at things from the security point of view you can understand why they do not want people taking photos of places such as shopping malls. You could have been a terrorist for all the guard knew.
That's just crazy! I wonder what kind of security risk he thought you were! The photos are great.
I probably would have pretended to be checking my camera and snapped a few more shots at weird angles. Just for spite at being told not to.
The world is going to hell in a hand basket. Everybody is a potential terrorist now. Even you and I, Maggie.
I can see why they were so concerned. Looks like a matter of national security. Sheesh.
What an interesting story. And I always like a good architectural photograph. I have never taken a good one myself, but yours are great!
Aww - I think the security guard was just jealous! He wanted to take those pics. LOL!
Loved your pics. No wonder you wanted just one more. Sounds like me and chocolate!
Don't worry, if you go off to jail, all of us bloggers will find a way to get you out. LOL. Try and stop us!!
it's bad enough you can't take pics in an airport now - but a MALL??? sheesh! they are gorgeous pics and i would have done the same thing, but totally not gone to the office. screw them!
Maggie,
Yep, I think you have crossed over to the dark side of criminality - what on earth will you do next?? hehehe
They are lovely photos though - maybe they just don't want anyone copying their design.
I recently went to Westfield in London, the new shopping centre in Shepherds Bush - it's huge, the biggest inner city centre in Europe, but it was too easy to get lost in, so I left pretty sharpish!
Hope you're well.
Peter
I am quite speechless. Nanny state gone a bit too far I feel.
Oh dear Maggie!
Sounds to me like you have now joined the criminal ranks! haha
I too had a similar thing like this happen to me in a shopping centre in Rio... I was there taking some snaps and a security guard came over and started telling me (in Portuguese of course) that I couldn't take photos inside... I of course pretended that I couldn't understand a word he said and continued snapping away until I was escorted off of the premises! haha
Welcome to the club Maggie!! haha
I think it's a strange rule, and one that must exist all over the world!
Wonderful photos! and I agree the glass curves on the roof are beautiful! x
Wow, that's a first. Not allowed to take photos in a shopping mall? Never heard of such a thing. I wonder why....
These photos are lovely and I hope you get your chance to go back and take more....
If that isn't the craziest thing I've ever heard! they are great photos and I hope you can get the ones from the top level.....
That place is just beautiful Maggie!!!! No wonder you wanted to take pictures, and you took GREAT pictures at that!
Post a Comment