How to take stealth photographs at gas stations

I've signed up for one shop where you are supposed to get photos of every pump. You have a letter of authorization, but you don't present it unless someone challenges you, and it's obviously better if you do not have to use it.

Does anyone have good techniques to use? I have a normal-sized camera with a zoom lens, and I also have an I-phone. Obviously, the I-phone will be much more stealthy. However, the camera, which is what I use to take revealed audit photos, is much easier to use, and takes much better photos. I only recently got the I-phone, and haven't taken many photos with it.

I tend to think that it will be much better to use my I-phone, for stealthiness, but I wonder if there's anyone who would recommend the regular camera. Any tips?

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I use an app called Solocater. Works on the iPhone and iPad. It was free, but then it asked for $2. It's my get it done app. Honestly, $2, it's so worth it.

A couple of weeks ago, a store was closed. I used the camera for documentation. I really wished I had used the phone and the iPad for the photos. I didn't get in trouble, but had i used the app I wouldn't have had big problems backing myself up.

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!

That is unusual to have to get stealth photos of every pump. Never heard of that assignment before.

I have done the one where you need 1 pump, restroom, building, canopy, ID sign and overall - same deal. You have an authorization letter but are not to use it unless challenged. It sounds like the same job, but maybe something has changed.

Are you sure you need every pump ?

I found I could get all my required outdoor photos right from my car with the window all the way open (making sure no car part is in the frame). When I arrive I usually scope out the best location and angle to park where I may be able to snap most of my shots out of sight of the employee/s - then when I am ready to exit I drive past a pump stop and snap that one and the overall either on the way in (if it would not be noticed) or as my final eparting shot.

I have never been questioned and only a few times has anyone even noticed - but by that time I was on my way off the property.

I've done a few shops where you mystery shop the employee. You leave and then take an overall station photo and major station photo from your vehicle without being seen.

I've never heard of the one you're doing, ISHMAEL

Yes it is every pump and I do this one every month many times. I don't even try and be stealthy. I just take the photos right out in the open and if they approach me I show them the LOA. Have never been approached however.

How timely, I was just getting ready to pose a similar question. Thanks for the advice from all. Feeling confident now about taking on this type of shop!

I stayed in my vehicle also and was able to circle around the block and get the shots I needed.

Thank you everyone! Good ideas and advice. It's 'all dispensers', but I can shoot multiple ones at the same time, as long as the toppers show. That's a new concept for me.

I'm going to grab the overall and PID from across the street, with a zoom lens, I think. Dispensers, I'll have to see how it feels when I get there.

jpgilham, may I ask if you use a cell phone or a camera?

since you have an authorization letter than dont worry about it.
Time is money and time wasted going great lengths to remain
covert is unnecessary. You could be onto your next shop by then.

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There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
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When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody

I agree with Techman, time is money. Shoot with whichever you're most comfortable with and have the LOA handy. Why waste a lot of time trying to be "Maxwell Smart"? Be up front with what you're doing, bang out the pictures, give them the LOA if need be and, as Willie Nelson would say, get "On the Road Again."

.
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)

"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor

"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei

I would just take the photos and if I got challenged, I would just show the LOA. As other have said, time is money.. If this was a covert shop then yeah it may be tricky but the employees know to expect you.

Silver Certified ~ Shopping all of Toronto and beyond

I can't find any apps named "Solocater"

MA Smith Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------
> I use an app called Solocater. Works on the
> iPhone and iPad. It was free, but then it asked
> for $2. It's my get it done app. Honestly, $2,
> it's so worth it.
>
> A couple of weeks ago, a store was closed. I used
> the camera for documentation. I really wished I
> had used the phone and the iPad for the photos. I
> didn't get in trouble, but had i used the app I
> wouldn't have had big problems backing myself up.

Everything went smoothly. I took the advice to just be bold, take the pictures, and offer the LOA if I was challenged. I wasn't challenged! (Actually, a customer wanted to know if I was photographing her.

I explained.)

I use Spy Camera for my Samsung Galaxy S4 for taking discreet photos. I have taken photos of a receipt while sitting at a bar for an integrity shop. I also use it on dining shops when I need to take photos of the food. The app works great and it's free.

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What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. -Henry David Thoreau
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Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. -Frank Clark
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Techman is right. I take the photos with my smartphone. I can't imagine staying in my car and photographing every single pump while getting the head on shot they require. I also wouldn't bother going across the road to get a photo of the PID. As I said I've done hundreds of these and never had a problem.

If it is for the "tiger station" I just present my LOA. There are other pictures to take as well so I just get it all out in the open. I figure it saves more time than a possible visit from the police questioning what I am doing.

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How to take stealth photographs at gas stations

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