[M_Six]

We're in NYC for the week and I had some time today to shoot some pics. It's overcast, so I decided to grab some indoor shots. I was going to try a long exposure shot at the Time Warner Centre mall at Columbus Circle. I set up my tripod way in a corner out of the way of everything. Then some doofus security drone comes up and tells me I can't use a tripod to take pics in the mall. He, of course, had no idea why. Just that he was told by his boss to come down and tell me to not use a tripod.

WTF is dangerous about a tripod? Anyone have experience in security planning and can explain that?

[Bimmer84]

Every place has its own policy. Maybe it will cause people to think they are being filmed, feel uncomfortable, complain, and you'd have to take it down anyway. And perhaps, the fact that it is NYC, which will have a heightened security policy for years to come, security will feel as if the mall is being scouted for an attack or break in. It's sketchy looking to the average outside world if you look from their perspective.

Experience: 9 Years as a Military Police Officer in the US Army, and a degree in Criminal Justice. Educationally significant response, no. Probably the right answer? Yes.

[Seminole]

NY is overly cautious with security so you might run into that issue a lot. You could ask the security desk next time before setting up. Maybe they'll appreciate you asking and give you the OK as opposed to seeing some random guy setting up a tripod on their cameras.

[solefald]

tripods are for terrorists.

[Echo M3]

I'm sorry, but walking around with a tripod in a public space in NYC is asking for attention.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by solefald

tripods are for terrorists.

This. We've become afraid of our own shadows.

I worked in the security and intel office (S-2) for my first few years in the Army. I understand NYC has heightened security. We've been coming here the same time every year for the past 5 years. But I also know the difference between security and security theater. If I had set up in the middle of the hall or near some stairs I could understand the concern that the tripod could become a danger in an evacuation situation, like a fire. But I carefully chose my spot to be out of the way. And it wasn't that I couldn't take pics. He said that was fine. So the idea that I may have been scoping out the place wasn't their concern. This was just some guy with authority deciding he didn't like seeing a tripod because it was different, so he sent his flunkie down to chase me out.

If you get a chance, watch the movie The Lives of Others. It's about a Stasi goon in East Germany in the late 80's. He's loyal, honest, and dedicated to his work. He doesn't really know why he's told to do what he does, but he firmly believes his bosses know why they want him to do it and it must all be for the security and well being of the state. Then he learns it's all bullshit.

This is where we're going in this country when we're afraid of things like cameras and tripods.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Echo M3

I'm sorry, but walking around with a tripod in a public space in NYC is asking for attention.

I don't even know what to say to that. There have to be more tripods per capita here that almost any other place in the world. This city is crawling with photographers.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Seminole

NY is overly cautious with security so you might run into that issue a lot. You could ask the security desk next time before setting up. Maybe they'll appreciate you asking and give you the OK as opposed to seeing some random guy setting up a tripod on their cameras.

I just sent a note to their Media Requests email address asking about using a tripod. I'll post back what they say. If they answer.

Apparently there is a law against using tripods in certain areas of NYC where the tripod would disrupt the flow of traffic or people on sidewalks. That is entirely understandable. I've read where some folks have been told they can't use a tripod to take night shots of Times Square and others who have done it right in front of cops with no problems.

I willing to bet the Time Warner folks come back with a similar response about tripods disrupting the flow of people, so they just ban them entirely.

C'est la vie.

UPDATE: I heard back from the folks at TWC. They are concerned about 1) commercial photography in their building (i.e., someone taking professional level images and using them in an unlicensed advertisement), and 2) security. The first issue I fully understand. The second reason I guess is now the status quo here (and other places, as I've been learning). I don't really understand the security concerns (beyond disrupting vehicle and pedestrian traffic), but that's the way it is. So be it.

[Maestro]

First I am kind of surprised they even let you take pictures, tripod or not. I know some Buildings in NYC will not let you take any pictures inside, again security, they do not want someone recording or taking high resolution pictures that can be use to stake out a buildings coming and goings. If someone is going to do something bad they will take picture of the surrounds to see where things are and how internal security may be set op and so on.

They definitely are not playing games in NYC anymore.