A Photographer's Rights
Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 01:02
Can a public official, police officer or private security officer order you to turn over your film or flash memory card? Can that same person tell you that you may not photograph in a certain area?
Unfortunately, since the 9-11 attacks increasing numbers of these officials seem to think they can and unknowing photographers are readily giving up their chance to take some valued shots under the misguided belief that permission can legally be refused them. The fact is in most cases there are not very many legal restrictions on what cannot be photographed when it is displayed out in public view, such as monuments and buildings. As long as those items are within easy view, they are open to picture-taking and while it is always a good idea to be polite and cooperative when stopped by a security person, you would also do well to inform them of the law. You can also print off a copy of the "Photographer's Right" which is downloadable from this site:
Photographer's Rights BookletIt is a good idea to have copies readily available on your person to provide to officials who try to deny you the right to photograph items out in public view.
The fact is that most attempts to restrict photography are undertaken by lower-level security personnel and other law enforcement officials who honestly do not know the law in this area. Having a copy of this handy booklet to give them, accompanied by a cooperative and courteous attitude, can go a long way in educating them about photography and what the law has to say about public places.
