Every time I enter The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, I am visually captivated by the grand floral arrangement in the front hall. I adore photography and instantly want to capture their ever-evolving enchanting arrangement! It is always thoughtful and polite to ask permission first.
Oh, my gracious! I received so many enthusiastic, positive responses to my last letter about “photo no-no’s.” I thought you might enjoy reading a few, which touch on other aspects of privacy in reference to photography:
“Oh yes, it is one of those boundaries, alas, which is becoming ever more porous.”
“I had someone visit once and I never saw him take any photos. A few days later, I saw several photographs of my place on his Instagram page. I felt so violated!”
The comment below is worthy of your consideration for those posting photographs on social media.
“Another detail of which I wish people would be mindful of is posting on social media and then, tagging the location! I’m happy for people to take family photos while visiting us at our summer home. They can even use the photographs on their Christmas cards, etc., but please, leave the location of my “empty-for-8-months” vacation home off of social media posts!”
“I hosted a party at my two-story home and was rather surprised when I discovered that a few guests helped themselves to the upstairs level, which they knew were the private bedrooms. I wonder if they took photographs while upstairs?”
As enticing as a staircase or a “hall to somewhere” is, without an invitation from the host to visit those areas, they should be considered private and off-limits! Do you agree?
Another VERY important no-no: never photograph children, whom you don’t know, without asking permission first! This just happened to me at a Palm Beach hotel pool. A female guest seated near the pool started taking several pictures of my adorable little granddaughter who was in the pool. Yes, it is flattering to know someone appreciates how darling your child is, but it is also very disconcerting not knowing who she was, why she was taking pictures of my granddaughter… and how they would be used.
Our darling daughter and daughter-in-law, in our living room at Fox Hall, have champagne in hand at a private, family celebratory moment. Mind you, I did ask for their permission to use it!
Photo credit : Paola Kaoud
In a previous letter, I wrote about not having a drink in your hand when “posing” for a photo at a party or business function. So, with that in mind, I will conclude with remarks sent to me from a southern subscriber. I adore her sense of humor!
“Great article! Also, I never want to be photographed with a drink in my hand, unless it is a special celebratory occasion where everyone is offering “cheers” with a beautiful champagne flute. My southern roots will not allow it! It’s just like a woman drinking a beer straight out of a bottle… someone, get me the smelling salts! Just one of my pet peeves, like badly chipped nail polish in public… more smelling salts, please!
My appreciation to you for your thoughtful comments, and also for inspiring me with additional topic ideas!
XX
Holly
P.S. Please be a dear…share this with a friend and inspire them to subscribe!