The Ring || Adventures With Tripod Police

Every time I visit Dubai, I learn a little bit more about how to get away with using a tripod in restricted areas. The Dubai Mall for example, yea, totally restricted. So on my last visit I brought along a Joby Gorillapod thinking that it would be ninja enough to get the job done. I mean, who in their right mind would consider that a tripod. Right?

Now I have to admit, setting up a level and symmetrical ground level shot with one of those little rigs is tricky business. I had to sort of lay on my belly to line everything up, so I can’t really say that I was inconspicuous.

Just as I was getting into a groove, a security guard rushed up to me and asked me very curtly, “Are you a professional?” Clearly a yes answer would have been the wrong approach, so instead I looked at him, looked at myself lying on my belly, looked at my tiny Gorillapod setup on the ground, jiggled it for added effect and said, “Does this look professional to you?” We locked eyes for a moment and shared an awkward look, and then…  He just walked away. 🙂

The Ring - (Dubai Mall)