What if it happened to you? (Restaurant Photos)
Local blogger and amateur photographer Deke had an interesting experience while trying to enjoy his lunch.
Via
The most interesting encounter occurred when I stopped in at a favorite restaurant (really more of a deli or bistro) and had lunch. I took some time making my choice at the counter, purchased my food and sat at a table next to the window … I’m thinking, what beautiful light! I’ve got to get a picture of lunch. So, I snap a few shots (50mm f/1.4 set at f/4).
At this point I was approached by an employee, I can only assume she was the manager that day, who asked what I was taking pictures of. I thought I was pretty straight-forward with her explaining that I was taking a picture of my lunch. She asked, “Why?”
My response was that I’m an amateur photog that simply sees a nice image in front of them. To which she replied, “I’m not that gullible.”
“I’m not that gullible.” Now, what do you say to that!?!
The conversation ended with me offering to delete the images if she was uncomfortable but she said, “I want you to stay just stop taking pictures of our food.” At this point it wasn’t worth making any further issue but I had to think that the $20 I just paid for the food would rightfully make it mine and not theirs. I could have gotten it to go and photographed it to my delight without interruption anywhere else.
I can only imagine what she was really afraid of and I suppose she’s in a position where she might feel the need to protect the proprietary rights of her employer however, I could be someone who was interested in promoting her business, too.
I could blog about D’Amico’s restaurant in Golden Valley, tell my readers how wonderful the food is, that they should try to get there and experience the patio, drink free refills of the house wines and especially have one of the molasses cookies which are to die for!
But, I don’t blog about restaurants. I’m an amateur photographer who photographs interesting things.
What would you do in this situation?
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Full Disclosure, I voted "Refuse". I paid for the food and if I keep blaming things on Jason, sooner or later, I won’t be able to use the lie when I really need it.
Hi
I voted refuse but I’m moatly thunderstruck.
Just back from Chicago at Gino’s East the waiter held the deep dish pizza to make it easier to get the shot. That’s been my experience. Most places are thrilled you think enough of their food to admire it photograph it before eating it
Sad really what are we scared of?
I can understand limiting photography for the protection of the employees who might end up in the shot (my company doesn’t allow photos for exactly that reason). However, it doesn’t sound like she had a good reason for asking you to refrain. Sheesh… it could have ended up being free publicity for the restaurant if you put the photo on Flickr or a blog or whatever.