I was stopped this evening carrying in my camera and travel tripod I use for grabbing a quick shot in tight spaces. I was ceremoniously informed that professional photo gear was not allowed into or on the grounds as they protect the property by only allowing trademarked images to be taken. Okay, sure.

It wasn't being told no camera gear was allowed that pissed me off. It's the smugness in how it was messaged. I pushed back tonight... In my head I was all "Fuck you very much" but dignity prevailed and I asked them to please show me, in writing of their photographic policy. It was like slapping this person in the face, but ultimately I was asked to "follow me" and I was presented with a very vague definition of professional camera gear. While I was carrying a D4, a SB900 and a Nikon 14-24 2.8 it was the tripod that gave the illusion of being a NatGeo shooter on assignment to ruin their trademarked facility? Once they saw the tripod put back in my car I was no longer professional. Okay then, I am glad to know that if you don't use a tripod you're a hack amateur with a kodak disc camera and blurry images will result...