Just a quick overview of who i am, I have been a photographer for three years now and am a student at Northern Arizona University studying photography.  I shoot most anything but would like to have a portfolio many different subjects, from portraits and sports, to landscapes and architecture.  Since I am from the west side of Phoenix I enjoy the architecture at the Westgate City Center.  I tried to photograph some of the beautiful  architecture there but was ran off by security telling me that I have to have a permit to take photos there.  I contacted my council person for assistance in getting the permit and she put me in contact with a few people.  I was told by the PR Director that they do require a permit but usually do not give out the permit unless they need the pictures taken.  Also was informed that the reason for this  policy was in place to control where the photos would be published.  BUT they do not i in force the policy across all photography and allow snap shots in the City Center.  I have contacted the Ellman Group that is in charge, but did not get the answers that i wanted, i need some help!!!! I do not think that a policy like this is right or fair since my tax dollars are the reason that Westgate exist.

hey , I already told you what chris said on the phone.... but if you post this in the general forum you might get more responses.........

It's as you said "Private Property" so they can set the rules as they desire..but even if it was Public Property you would need to have a Signed Property release (similar to a Model Release) if you wanted to use the Images for Promotion of your Photography or to sell to s Stock agency. It's just the way it is .

They do have a photography Permission form right on their website though. But that would only give you permission to photograph there. Not use permission.

If you are on a Public Area, Streets, sidewalk you don't need permission to shoot, except certain Government Area's and Buildings  But even with that, Your "Use" may be limited without a Property Release.  i.e. you can take as many shots as you want at Disneyland, you just can't sell any.

Well since this has all started the web page has been changed and that has been added.  I am not selling them I just wanted some of the architecture in my portfolio, I just think that it is nonsense, but I guess I will have to get use to stuff like that.

I don't know the area in question, but being a pro shooter, I do know something about public areas. You can photograph any building as long as you are shooting from a public location. Certain government building you can't. Security guards are there to "observe and report", though most think they are cops. Here's a link for you to check out: http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm