This article is an interview with an attorney with the National Press Photographers Association. They talk about cops, photographs, and public spaces in America. A very informative read.
Worthwhile reading for press photogs, tourists, and folks with a passion for street photography.
@jtrudell very interesting article I hope this does not become the norm, here in the UK its not so serious, just yet, but unfortunately it could end up this way...
There is also interest in this subject from those who are railfans. Taking photos in an Amtrak station is difficult, even if you are waiting for a train.
@byrdlip I've photographed both inside and outside the Everett Station.One afternoon a Sound Transit security officer stopped to say "hello" to me. He knew I was photographing the interesting architecture, but had to talk to me anyway. When I shoot inside I seek out the security guy and tell him what I am doing. I've never had any trouble.
So much of what is happening now comes from people taking photos and using them for "wrong". I have clients who have taken photos of children and photoshoped their face onto naked bodies or just used the photographs for fantasy purposes as they were taken. I have clients who have used cell phones to photograph under bathroom stalls... and so the list goes on. I kind of understand why people are concerned with someone in a park with a camera given the nature of the work I do but that being said.... I will not allow anyone to take away my rights. Public place=fair game. If you dont want to risk having your photo taken either by a street photographer or by a security camera... STAY HOME.
@byrdlip Sometimes I do but if I'm taking photos of a scene in general then I'm not going to ask. If I'm wanting to take a photo of one individual for a specific reason then I ask. More often than not I take street photos from the hip with a point and shoot so nobody knows I'm even taking the photos. I was yelled at and threatened once for taking photos from the road overlooking farm land. A general rural scene and decided to find out my legal rights and will not let anyone take away my legal rights. So long as I am abiding by the law I'm happy with what I'm doing.
this is great to know. I was skepital about taking pictures of people.I work at a retail store. and have a lot of customers that are elderly. and I take great pride in all there stories they tell. but am afraid to take there picture for later I can remember them and there great stories and all of there advice..
@flagged In all fairness cameras weren't around when our Constitution was written. (Sarcasm) Believe me, we're not all gun freaks and most places we can walk around without fear of getting shot. Well, except for college campuses, shopping malls and movie theaters.
Nobody thinks anything about the fact that surveillance cameras take our photos in public places all of the time. How is a person with a camera any different? When you're in a public place, there really is no such thing as privacy. Unfortunately, 9/11 has made us paranoid in a lot of ways, but I'm not sure how to fix that. It was a life changing event for most Americans.
@flagged Nice point!! We live in a strange society here.
@byrdlip It seems more and more in some instances the cops don't care if you are following the law and allowed by the law to shoot where you know you can. I've heard too much lately about tourists and the general public told to stop shooting or get arrested. I'm not sure how long I'd stand my ground with an angry cop, even in a place I'm allow, by law, to be.
@lisjam1 They talk about surveillance cameras in the article. Such an interesting point.
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@byrdlip It seems more and more in some instances the cops don't care if you are following the law and allowed by the law to shoot where you know you can. I've heard too much lately about tourists and the general public told to stop shooting or get arrested. I'm not sure how long I'd stand my ground with an angry cop, even in a place I'm allow, by law, to be.
@lisjam1 They talk about surveillance cameras in the article. Such an interesting point.
Another instance of a news photographer getting arrested doing his job: http://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/NYPD-Letter-08-06-12.pdf