Warning: Illegal image
Today I was photographing the sort of place that forms the bulk of my subject matter, the concrete heaven that is St James’ Shopping Centre in Edinburgh. Whilst I was getting terribly excited by the super abundance of fading concrete grandeur, a small but stocky security guy complete with serious-looking earpiece emerges from nowhere and swaggers over to me.
- Excuse me.
- Hi.
- Why are you taking photographs?
- Because I’m a photographer.
Thought I might confuse him with a bold statement of fact.
- You can’t take photographs here. Who gave you permission?
- Nobody. It’s the law of the land. I can take photographs in a public place.
Clearly not keen to get into a debate, he turned to go away.
I called after him.
- Sorry, I would just like to make sure I fully comply with any of your regulations.
I admit I was being a little sarcastic here.
- You can’t take pictures here without the authority of the marketing department. You can ask them and they can give you permission.
- Um, no. I will be taking photographs. I do not need permission.
With that, he disappeared.
It seems I am clearly not alone in incurring the wrath of bored security guards. One Twitter chum has had similar experiences at Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.
It will be interesting to see if I get reprimanded again next time I visit the St James’ Centre. For I will return! Far too many wonderful concrete facades begging to be captured.
Anyway, today’s photograph is dedicated to excitable shopping centre security guards everywhere.
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