Target In-Store Photography?

[WDWFigment]

During a visit to Target last night, I discovered that there were a lot of great photo ops there that I simply couldn't replicate at home (well, unless I buy 12 bottles of Absolut vodka among other things). I am seriously considering taking my camera and Sigma 30 to the store to see what I can do.

However, I am not sure what the store will think of this. I know many department stores seriously frown upon it; yet, Target is not a department store. Your immediate response might be to call and ask, but I don't want to deal with an awkward conversation if folks don't normally ask this, nor do I want to be told "no". At least if I don't ask in advance, I can plead ignorance. I'm the kind of person who would rather "do now, and ask forgiveness later if said act is forbidden." If questioned, I would probably just make up something about it being an assignment for my photography class.

Anyone know Target's policy (if they have one) on this?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Can you try calling another Target that's far far far away from you, and ask what their policy is? And ask if that's the same policy of all Target stores. Tell them you're a photography student, too. Just looking for interesting things, objects, patterns to photograph.

If you get the "okay" from the far-away Target store, then you probably have a better chance at your local Target store. Plus, it might be even better if you've got several Target stores in your local area to choose from.

One of the photography magazines about 1 year ago featured some guy who took pictures at his local Home Depot store. I think it was more macro photography, cuz I seem to remember a very close-up shot of a bucket of nails.

Sounds like an interesting idea. You'd never think to look for interesting photos at places you visit every day.

 

[WDWFigment]

Can you try calling another Target that's far far far away from you, and ask what their policy is? And ask if that's the same policy of all Target stores. Tell them you're a photography student, too. Just looking for interesting things, objects, patterns to photograph.

If you get the "okay" from the far-away Target store, then you probably have a better chance at your local Target store. Plus, it might be even better if you've got several Target stores in your local area to choose from.

One of the photography magazines about 1 year ago featured some guy who took pictures at his local Home Depot store. I think it was more macro photography, cuz I seem to remember a very close-up shot of a bucket of nails.

Sounds like an interesting idea. You'd never think to look for interesting photos at places you visit every day.

Great idea. I think I will give this a try. Thanks!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I'm just surprised Target sells Vodka!

 

[scoot241]

I'm just surprised Target sells Vodka!

Depends on the state. In Louisiana, Target, Wal-Mart, the grocery store all sell hard alcohol. In Texas, you have to get your hard alcohol from a liquor store.

 

[WillowBelle]

I have taken my camera to the mall before. I've also taken it to the flea market only to get yelled at by some grouchy lady who thought, I dunno, that I was going to steal her doorknob idea .

 

[Gdad]

Yeah a camera at a flea market and or craft show is a good way to get someone chasing after you.

I think the Target idea is great- if they say to stop it then just don't take anymore pictures- you will at least get a few and probably nobody will care- especially if you are discreet (and pushing a cart full of items you will likely purchase.) Be sure to post the pictures!

 

[Gdad]

By the way- I know several macro fans who regularly frequent the garden sections of Lowes and Home Depot for flowers and nobody cares- kind of the same thing.

 

[Philagoofy]

There's a whole website with photos from, not Target, but Wal-Mart. But then again it's "people of wal-mart", probably not exactly what you had in mind. They are not the most flattering pics. Looks like most were taken with a cell phone anyway.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLNtEGvhrT0&feature=PlayList&p=78D9CBC487FB0787&index=0

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

dont know about target but don't ever try to take a picture of a build a bear workshop inside a mall-my 2 boys did the whole building thing so I wanted the store sign to go with the scrapbook page and immediately made a couple of new mall security buddies that wanted me to leave.

 

[mom2rtk]

dont know about target but don't ever try to take a picture of a build a bear workshop inside a mall-my 2 boys did the whole building thing so I wanted the store sign to go with the scrapbook page and immediately made a couple of new mall security buddies that wanted me to leave.

REALLY? It seems to me Build A Bear would be RIFE with scrapbooking moms! I did the whole thing, complete with pics of the sign, for my daughter's scrapbook.......

 

[mom2rtk]

I'd give it a go.... I'm with you on asking forgiveness rather than permission.... but they probably will think you are a spy for Wal-mart......

 

[Gdad]

dont know about target but don't ever try to take a picture of a build a bear workshop inside a mall-my 2 boys did the whole building thing so I wanted the store sign to go with the scrapbook page and immediately made a couple of new mall security buddies that wanted me to leave.

Ack! I would have obliged and left right away- with my money and no build-a-bear. I have taken pictures every time I have ever taken the girls there without any issue. I would say at least a half dozen times at two different locations.

http://www.capturelifeinaction.com/Family-Friends/Color-Photography/Girls-go-to-Build-a-Bear

 

[jann1033]

i've never tried it at a mall but have other market type places. usually i get weird looks but not much else. i'd just go and do it unless there is something on the door that says "no photography". scout out locations before hand, leave the tripod at home and just take the shots fast then leave or maybe buy some of their popcorn /fiddle-faddle stuff on the way out,,the macadamia crunch is really good

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

Ack! I would have obliged and left right away- with my money and no build-a-bear. I have taken pictures every time I have ever taken the girls there without any issue. I would say at least a half dozen times at two different locations.

http://www.capturelifeinaction.com/Family-Friends/Color-Photography/Girls-go-to-Build-a-Bear

they were fine inside the store, but when I went to take the external shot they must have thought I was planning an attach of the stuffing.

 

[ssanders79]

dont know about target but don't ever try to take a picture of a build a bear workshop inside a mall-my 2 boys did the whole building thing so I wanted the store sign to go with the scrapbook page and immediately made a couple of new mall security buddies that wanted me to leave.

This sounds like more of a mall policy than it does a build a bear. I know that our local mall has a sign at the entrance with the "mall rules" and photography is prohibited. This is the same at the Orlando outlet malls acording to the posted rules.

BTW - i am not sticking up for build a bear, I cringe everytime my daughter walks by the store and wants to go in.

 

[dmccarty]

I know some malls prohibit photography. But I don't visit malls very much. I think I have been to a mall twice in 10 years.

The mall no photography rule pops up on photo.net frequently. I really see no valid security rational for banning photography. The must reasonable, and I use the term loosely, explanation I have read is that some of the stores don't want their displays, merchandise, and pricing photographed.

Seems daft to me.

But regardless of what I think it is THEIR property. And as private property they get to set the rules. So if they say no photography either from a sign or someone who you would reasonably believe has the authority to tell you to stop then stop.

Otherwise the you can be trespassed from the place and maybe arrested.

On the flip side, in no way can they take the camera, equipment, or demand that the photos be destroyed. A law enforcement officer cannot take private property without a warrant. Photographs are property.

Here is a link that provides more information and some text you can print out to carry with you.

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

I have read quite a few "photographers rights" discussions and sometimes the photographers really create a mess of trouble for themselves with their mouths and attitude. There are also quite a few stories were officers and guards well overstepped their authority.

But I have read of people taking photos in areas where a guy with a camera is not normal. Then the photographer gets up set that the police show up and ask questions. Duh. Its the officers job. They very well may have had a call about some strange dude looking in windows with a camera. The officers have to investigate. It is not a violation of US citizen rights to have an officer ask you a question.

Have fun just be polite and professional. If asked to stop, stop. If asked to leave, leave.

Now if you are taking photos of a Fort Knox or some such sensitive facility it is another conversation.

Later,
Dan

 

[WDWFigment]

I figure I'll just go do it sometime next week. I decided against calling, as I am sure even if Target does have an official policy somewhere, whomever I speak with will not be aware of said policy, and will just make something up on the fly. That, or a potential employee I encounter at the store will not be aware of the policy and will just enforce their judgment. Obviously I'll stop taking pictures if asked (luckily Wal-Mart is a short drive away!).

As for the not taking pictures in the mall, I don't know the full aray of reasons, but here is one example that might be indicative of the general trend: Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't allow it because the company has had issues with bootleggers in other countries sending over people to photograph items to imitate. The bootleggers have circumvented this policy by just buying the clothes (which is actually more efficient, as they can now deconstruct the clothing to make more faithful imitations). The reasons dmccarty cited are also relevant in a store's decision to ban photography. I don't think stores like Target or Wal-Mart have those same interests, however.

 

[GrillMouster]

One of my favorite portraits of my son was taken at a Super Target. I wanted an environmental portrait showing him in our everyday routine. He was two years old when I took the shot. In the image he's sitting in the kiddie seat the grocery cart in the cereal aisle sportin' a great big ole open mouth smile. We blew it up and have it over the fridge on a little easel.