Your question "Is it OK to shop the fabric and even take photos in a quilt store?" yes, I'll tell you why because I have taken a picture of batting at wal-mart and the lady that worked in that department didn't care. I wanted to take the picture so I could remember to ask the quilting board about it so I could buy some next time I went to Wal-mart. I like buying fabric were I can touch the fabric see the colors like you said. I think that she came off tacky and rude by saying that to you assuming that you were going to buy it online. Another thing it takes longer when you buy it online then it does when your right there in the store. At least you know next time you might want to take a note pad in stead, guess that's what I need to start doing.