What To Do When Not Allowed To Take Photos?

I am just over two and a half months in South Africa now and during the first weeks, I have been taking photos in some of the most popular areas for people to meet up here in the Johannesburg area. Unfortunately, last week I was approached by a security guard who informed me that using a camera, other than one from a smartphone, was not allowed.

Bummer...

I really like taking photos in these public places: a lot is going on, and they are very safe. So what to do now? Although South Africa is not as unsafe and dangerous as some news outlets want us to believe, I yet don't feel comfortable walking the streets taking pictures. Especially now, when it is going towards winter time here and it gets dark quite early.

While there still are opportunities for taking pictures, for example in my apartment and around the estate where I live, I have to think about other opportunities to work on and improve my photography.

So, what can I do?

Learning and Planning

Not being able to photograph, should not prevent me from learning:

what images I can create without being 'on the street'
about photography (technique)
about other photographers (their work, vision, and technique)
my cameras (settings, how to operate fully manual)
image post-processing (ON1 and maybe film developing)
about my own vision, and how I want to grow as a photographer
how to promote and sell my images

And not going out to shoot, will provide me plenty of time for planning:

what and how to print
projects I want to work on back at home
blog posts and how to share these on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Although I definitely will continue to produce new work while here in South Africa, being restricted in my opportunities will mean that I also will post more general interest and background information on the blog.

So watch this space (subscribe!) and see what will be coming!