Hi. I'm thinking about writing a travel guide e-book about some of my favorite bars and restaurants in New York. On each page, I'd like to include a photograph of the place in question. I've done some research, but haven't found any conclusive answers as to whether copyright would or wouldn't apply, so I figured I'd ask here: Am I allowed to take pictures of privately-owned businesses and publish them in a book for commercial use?
Some additional info:
First, all the photos would be taken from the outside, on public property. I just want the front of the establishments, nothing on the inside.
Second, as I said, it's a list of places I consider to be good and/or noteworthy. So for what it's worth, all the reviews would be positive in nature.
Third, I know the obvious solution would just be to ask permission from each establishment, but several of them are corporately-owned, so that could prove difficult.
Thanks!
Some additional info:
First, all the photos would be taken from the outside, on public property. I just want the front of the establishments, nothing on the inside.
Second, as I said, it's a list of places I consider to be good and/or noteworthy. So for what it's worth, all the reviews would be positive in nature.
Third, I know the obvious solution would just be to ask permission from each establishment, but several of them are corporately-owned, so that could prove difficult.
Thanks!