Taking a photo in a US supermarket

Taking a photo in a US supermarket - Young man photographing girlfriend on smartphone during date in city downtown near river

When I went to a supermarket in the USA, I was amused by the exotic vegetables, so I took a photo of the vegetable shelf. Soon, a worker came and told me angrily "You are not allowed to take photos in here!". I was surprised, since I haven't pictured anything personal or private - only the shelf which is visible to anyone entering the supermarket.

Is it usually forbidden to take photos in supermarkets, in the USA or elsewhere?



Best Answer

It's private property so they have the right to not allow you to take pictures. If the management/clerk says no then you must comply. However, you could always ask the clerk/manager if you could take pictures.




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Can you take a picture of someone in a grocery store?

Yes, it's illegal and wrong for you to do so (and, it's also private property, the store and even it's parking lots); unless the store management gives you permission to do so, and actually stage things for you to shoot, and even management can't give you rights to photograph non-store employees that are in the store ...

Can you take pictures in a retail store?

It is private property. So, yes, store staff can demand that you not take photos.

Do I need permission to take a photo?

Taking a photo of a person where they can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, is likely to cause a breach of privacy laws. Unless the images which have been taken are indecent, no one has the right to: ask a photographer to stop. ask for a copy of the photos.

Can you take photos in supermarkets UK?

If you're on public property, you can take photos of whatever you like. Whether it's property or people, you don't need anyone's permission.



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More answers regarding taking a photo in a US supermarket

Answer 2

Hello I have worked as a mystery shopper in the past and was asked to leave stores for taking photos of products on the shelf. Obviously stores don't want you taking photos of prices or creative displays for competitors' benefit or maybe spilled milk on the floor that would give them a bad reputation (even though it just occurred). Their "no pictures policy" makes sense. Best to ask first and say specifically what you are taking a photo of, why, and where you are posting the photo.

Answer 3

If in doubt: just ask politely! "This looks wonderful, would it be okay if I take a photo?". I found that to work exceedingly well in pretty much every country I go to (including the US, Germany Canada, New Zealand, China, Thailand, etc.)

It's mainly psychological: someone taking a photo without permission or covertly is often perceived as a threat: could be a competitor, could be management, could be the government or regulatory agency etc. Being open, polite and appreciative really changes the mood around this.

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