Flattery Does Get You Everywhere!

Which Way, Candy Dish for sale at Whats In Store, Ellicott City, MD 08.22.04

Of all of the shops in Ellicott City I have to say that Whats in Store, on Old Columbia Pike has got to be my favorite. They have the coolest, strangest and most unique furnishings and accessories in all of the colors of the spectrum. They play awesome music and they sell the music that they play, which to me is a bonus. They are photographer friendly (I have a story about that below) and every inch, nook and crany is a photo-op. I have been in their store twice now and have left each time with more than a couple of dozen images.

This past Sunday I went into Ellicott City with Lynn and Will for the purpose of visiting the Margaret Smith Gallery and to raom around town making photographs. I just had to take them to Whats In Store. Upon entering we were greeted by a friendly woman handing out sales fliers printed on flourescent green and pink paper.
"Hello and welcome to Whats In Store," she said as she noticed our cameras. "Is this your first visit?" Her eyes flitted back and forth from Lynn to Will to me and back around again. Her attention mostly focused on our minimal photographic gear. If we looked like anything it was tourist.
"Oh no I have been here beofre with my wife. We really like your store," I said with a big smile wanting to put her at ease.
"That's great," called flamboyant man #1 from behind the counter. His eyes went to the camera hanging from my neck. Flier lady moved off to great other customers.
"This store has the coolest stuff," I called back, and looking to difuse what I felt was going to become an uncomfortable photography situation I added, "... and you guys are the most photographer friendly people in town! It's so cool of you to let us shop and take pictures! This store is so muc fun and the music you play is great. What a great club atmosphere!" At this point there was no way that they would tell us not to take photos. Especially after I just gave them such a nice compliment and in front of a dozen other customers who couldn't help but pay some modicum of attention to our pleasant exchange.
"Ohh, well... umm... THANKS!," stammered flamboyant man #1.
"Why thank you," said flamboyant man #2 coming from behind a huge floor display. "We're glad you like our store and that you have brought friends. By the way, your photos aren't for magazines or newspapers are they?"
"No, we're not commercial photographers. It's our hobby," I said and smiled back. My honest flattery had the desired effect. I should make a few prints for them.
"Oh that's cool then! Shop and shoot away and have fun, fun, fun!" flamboyant man #2 called as he waved his arms in the arm jesturing to the plethora of wares. And we did... shoot away away that is.