Please excuse me while I rant…
I found that sign displayed outside of a waterside tourist space during a recent trip and there’s nothing particularly remarkable about this list of rules. It’s the kind of stuff you might expect in any place with drinking crowds. I certainly want the “No weapons” restriction in a bar.
Then we come to the line “No Professional Cameras”.
I’m pretty sure whoever wrote that rule was thinking of a camera like the one used to make this image: a relatively big, black, single-lens reflex with interchangeable lenses. The variety of device you might expect to see in the hands of a paparazzi while stalking a Kardashian.
Except mine is not a “professional” camera.
I’ve never been paid a dime for any image I’ve made with it. I’ve never had a job that required me to use this device. I’m not a professional photographer, so this is not a “professional” camera.
Now, I’m certainly not going to complain directly to the management of this establishment about that one line. Their place, their rules.
I’m just pointing out this single, relatively minor entry in the unfortunately long list of examples of the modern day fear of photography.
Like the Metro cop who told me I couldn’t take pictures on the platform 1 and then walked past a group of kids doing exactly that with their smartphones. Or the security guards in DC who questioned me for pointing my camera at an interesting reflection in the window of a government building from a public street.
Do a quick Google search and you’ll find many, many similar stories, some with far worse consequences.
My point to this somewhat lame post is, cameras are everywhere, in the hands of just about everyone. Trying to ban or limit their use, especially by calling one particular style “professional”, is going to be an exercise in frustration. Far better to ask people to be respectful of others when making pictures. Doesn’t always work, but still better.
Ok, I’m done ranting. Thanks for reading this far.
For those interested, the ACLU has a short, simple guide to photographers’ rights. If you use a camera of any kind in public, read it.
