I was considering shooting some pictures in a local supermarket, and I was wondering if I should ask permission of the manager beforehand, or just take my chances and take the pictures and see what happens.

Has anyone else come up against this dilemma? 

Any advice would be helpful.� Thanks.

Sue

And what are the rules about hotels?  Not about asking permission to photograph (as photographing in a hotel is a natural thing, unlike in a supermarket), but what about the need for a property release?

Of course, something very recognizable, like a fa�ade or some special swimming pool would be not acceptable.  What about a conference room?  Or people drinking by the pool? 

I'm going to a hotel for a conference this week and was wondering about this.

I also have a series of photos that I took in the elegant restrooms of a very posh hotel and I'm in doubt whether I can sell those without a property release.

I have walked into stores many with my camera. While in there, I have snapped off a shot or two without being questioned. I think it's different walking around a store with a camera hanging from your shoulder and walking around a store actively taking photographs. Once the employees have noticed and dismissed the camera, I haven't had a problem taking some shots. Don't be obvious about it and have an answer ready, "I'm decorating my whatever and want to take some pictures of whatever so I can look when whenever."

A grocery store might be trickier, but the grocery section of a super Walmart or Target would be less so.

Also have a few hotel rooms in my portfolios that have sold.

I have only been stopped twice. Once from the top deck of a mall parking lot trying to shoot a subway train coming into a station (got the shot later anyway) and once getting closeups of a building I have shot and sold many times. "We don't allow photography of this building since 9/11." "Oh, really?" "Yeah, if that was a digital camera, I'd ask you to delete the file, but since I can tell it's not digital, I'll just ask you to leave." "okee-dokee"

I attended a conference one time as the "official" photographer.  During breaks I wandered around and took some shots that were fairly generic.  The staff never questioned me except when I was doing a close-up of a fire alarm pull box.  The shots I got of the food table laid out with warming dishes, etc before the luncheon started have sold.  As a hotel guest I've often taken pictures of the lobby, etc if they are interesting, to show my family when I get home.  I've never been questioned while doing so.
Judy