Picture: The Embarcadero Office Tower at Four Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, California
Since I did a last post from my old office, it should be fitting to make a first post from my new office. After days of dedicated moving and cleaning over the Fourth of July holiday, I’m delighted to say that I’m fully moved into my new office. The one pictured above isn’t my new office. My office has a slightly different look, feel, and view.
As a photographer, I’ve been hassled every time I’ve been to this location and tried taking this particular shot. Without fail, while standing on the steps and holding my camera up to frame the picture, security guards have come to tell me that I can’t take that picture. Why? Because I’m on private property. (The steps.) Each time I ask, “O.K., where can I take that shot from?” I’ve gotten a number of answers. Some have told me that I can’t take that shot at all, even if I was in the road. Some have said, “Not from here.” My favorite was the one who said, “You can’t be on the steps.” Of course, I stepped down three stairs and took the photo. I’m still pondering the logic…
After a decade of not having to leave the house, I must admit that I feel much freer in my new space. However, I’ll likely need some time to re-adjust to the idea of having a (micro) commute. Most unbelievably, I don’t have to pass a single Starbucks while heading to work.
Where is your new space? Also, Magnachrome has very nice metal prints. Tim@magnachrome uses my work as examples. They are excellent and are in Concord. http://www.magnachrome.com
Later,
Patrick
Nice photo Gary. Maybe I should tempt fate when I’m up there for the photowalk.
For taking photos like this is where a high quality compact camera that shoots raw could come in handy.
If you tried to take a quick hand-held photo with a compact digital camera (or gasp) an older FILM compact camera, I doubt that the security guards would hassle you. But show up with an SLR, especially with a tripod in tow, and it’s almost a certainty that they will.
BTW, have you ever tried to get permission from the Embarcadero Center property management company to take shots of their buildings? It could be worth a try. The worse they can say is no.
No Starbucks? You may have to rethink this. 🙂
I to have had guards tell me not to take photos. So much fear in this world. I do like your perspective on this building. Well done and hope you enjoy the new place.