These buildings are very close to where I live. About a month ago, I had lunch with a friend there, and was impressed with the architecture. So, I returned the next day with my camera to take some photos. As soon as I had my tripod set up, and ready to compose a shot, a couple of security guards came up to me and told me I was not allowed to take photos with a professional DSLR camera. I joked and said it was NOT a DSLR, but a mirrorless camera. They were not amused. I asked if I could take photos with my iPhone, and they said, “sure”. So, I am allowed to take photos with a little point and shoot camera, but with an expensive camera, I am not allowed. Makes a lot of sense to me….NOT!!
Anyway, after a few minutes of telling them how stupid the policy was, I asked what I had to do to get permission to photograph the buildings. They told me I had to go to the marketing office and apply for a permit.
So, I went to the marketing office, but they were closed on the weekends (I was there on a Saturday). I returned on the following Monday, but the lady I was supposed to talk with was not at work. So, I went back the next day, and finally was able to talk to the lady in charge of handing out photography permits. She said I had to email her, and then she could forward the email to her boss, but I had to go back home and send the email (I couldn’t send an email with my phone on the spot). So, I went home, sent my email request, and then waited for a reply. She replied, and then told me to come back to the office to fill out the application. Arrrrggggh….why so difficult?? So, after 4 trips to the South Quarter, I was finally issued a permit. I went with my buddy, Alvaro, this past Saturday to take some photos.
I have been playing around with my editing techniques on black n white fine art architecture photography. I learned from watching youtube videos. I think the results came out pretty well…