New Mall (Simi Valley)

Nikolai

Opened just before this Thanksgiving, this is third and, according to the media, the biggest mall in Ventura county. Conveniently located just off Hwy 118 at the First St exit, this mall features two usual department giants (Macy's and Robinson's May) at the ends connected with the series of other fashion and design stores. Unlike Oaks Mall, Simi mall is not an "indoor" one and is all on the ground (with the exception of the aforementioned two big stores on its ends). Without huge glass roof it makes an impression of a shopping center (like TO's Jann's Market place), rather than a "mall".
Anyway, me and my friend Kirill decided to check it out and take some pictures.
It took only 10 minutes to get Macy's staff alerted. The lady with a badge and a walkie-talkie approached us and informed us, in a relatively polite, yet disturbed, manner that picture taking is not allowed inside the store, and unless we cease the said activity she would have to "escort" us outside.
Under some other circumstances I would argue, but since we already were practically done with this store and none of us would like to get into a big quarrel, we just decided to comply and retire. :dunno

Funny, the ladies in the makeup section on the first floor obviously didn't know about this company policy and willingly agreed to pose for a picture:



So did Victoria's Secret lady:



Few more pics from everywhere in the mall.

ZGallery:



Central square:



Mall Street:



The rest is here:
http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/999355/1/46211323

Enjoy shopping shooting!:1drink

Skippy

Store Policy ??

Nikolai wrote:

Opened just before this Thanksgiving, this is third and, according to the media, the biggest mall in Ventura county. Conveniently located just off Hwy 118 at the First St exit, this mall features two usual department giants (Macy's and Robinson's May) at the ends connected with the series of other fashion and design stores. Unlike Oaks Mall, Simi mall is not an "indoor" one and is all on the ground (with the exception of the aforementioned two big stores on its ends). Without huge glass roof it makes an impression of a shopping center (like TO's Jann's Market place), rather than a "mall".
Anyway, me and my friend Kirill decided to check it out and take some pictures.
It took only 10 minutes to get Macy's staff alerted. The lady with a badge and a walkie-talkie approached us and informed us, in a relatively polite, yet disturbed, manner that picture taking is not allowed inside the store, and unless we cease the said activity she would have to "escort" us outside.
Under some other circumstances I would argue, but since we already were practically done with this store and none of us would like to get into a big quarrel, we just decided to comply and retire.

Funny, the ladies in the makeup section on the first floor obviously didn't know about this company policy and willingly agreed to pose for a picture:
So did Victoria's Secret lady:
Few more pics from everywhere in the mall.
ZGallery:
Central square:
Mall Street:
The rest is here:
http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/999355/1/46211323

Enjoy shopping shooting!

Hi Nik....... looks like you had a fun day......some of those stores make you laugh don't they with their "Store Policies"

I tried to take some photos of a Christmas display in store one year, and was told to stop......I asked why? told them I was not from that town, even showed them my drivers license, and explained why I wanted the picture.

The reply was.......we don't know that you don't work for the opposition....and I'm thinking opposition ???

What I was trying to take a photo of was a reflection of light on a Red Christmas Ball on a shelf, and I was about 4 inches away from it, not a single customer in the same isle as me, just all these Christmas Decorations on the shelf I mean like hello??? how could they not see what I was doing

But like you, I put the camera away....... never seen anyone spy on Christmas Decorations have you Skippy (Australia)

Nikolai

Skippy,
Yeah, stores can be tricky:-)
In a small ones I usually ask first, since there is just one or two people, but in the giant chains like Macy's everybody is so afraid of taking any responsibilty for anything, that it's easier just start shooting and then deal with the issues as they come.
Have a good one, Maxine!

ed_h

Nikolai wrote:

Yeah, stores can be tricky:-)
In a small ones I usually ask first, since there is just one or two people, but in the giant chains like Macy's everybody is so afraid of taking any responsibilty for anything, that it's easier just start shooting and then deal with the issues as they come.
Have a good one, Maxine!

After asking permission, do you explain that their image may be on the internet for all see.. is a model release required? How would you stand legally if the ladies in the cosmetic dept. were fired for not adhering to company policy etc.

Nikolai

Ed,

ed_h wrote:

After asking permission, do you explain that their image may be on the internet for all see.. is a model release required? How would you stand legally if the ladies in the cosmetic dept. were fired for not adhering to company policy etc.

In all such cases I usually give them my business card and explain that they will be able to see their pictures online.
No, no written model release is usually made.
I highly doubt the ladies would be fired for having their picture taken, but is such an awful thing happens - I'd be genuinely sad and will most likely cease doing this in the future. However, reverse statement is also correct.

Cheers!

wholenewlight

ed_h wrote:

After asking permission, do you explain that their image may be on the internet for all see.. is a model release required? How would you stand legally if the ladies in the cosmetic dept. were fired for not adhering to company policy etc.

While I'll admit anything can happen, I doubt the girls would get fired unless his photos showed them revealing more than pretty faces. Something that would embarrass or compromise the company's image. Then again, those shots wouldn't be permissible on smugmug anyway . . .

"Nik Gone Wild" . . .with his camera anyway:D

ed_h

Nikolai wrote:

In all such cases I usually give them my business card and explain that they will be able to see their pictures online.
No, no written model release is usually made.

Cheers!

Good Morning Nik
thanks for clearing that one up for me, I guess most people don't mind as long as you're up-front with them. I'm off to see one of my grandkids graduate from Intermediate school this morning, should be a few picture taking opportunities there.
cheers, ed

Nikolai

Wnl,

wholenewlight wrote:

"Nik Gone Wild" . . .with his camera anyway:D

Yessir, that's me! :
And just wait until my newly ordered 580EX arrives in a few days (along with sto-fen box) from B&H...
Cheers!

Nikolai

Ed,

ed_h wrote:

Good Morning Nik
thanks for clearing that one up for me, I guess most people don't mind as long as you're up-front with them. I'm off to see one of my grandkids graduate from Intermediate school this morning, should be a few picture taking opportunities there.
cheers, ed

You're welcome!:):
Good luck with your shooting, don't forget to post.
Cheers!