Rights of Photographers

[bgottsab]

I am fairly new to photography and consider myself an amateur hobbyist.

Today on my blog I posted about a "run-in" that I had with mall security.

(Security Alarm | How to Feather an Empty Nest)

And it got me thinking - what are the laws that govern photography in public places? What are my rights as a photographer?

I would be greatly interested in your feedback and/or experiences with this issue.

Creatively,
Brenda

[Smallfish]

Well in the UK apart from a few restricted places there is nothing stopping you taking pictures in public (though many, including the police, seem to think they can stop you - they are wrong). It's worth remembering though that a shopping mall is probably privately own so not public so they make the rules and can say no photos.

[RLucas]

Just for the record. It can be a little deceiving, but a mall is not generally considered a public place. They are usually privately owned, and you can be subjected to tresspass laws. Just throwing it out there.....

[speedymatt]

Here is a good link that i found. the author does say that he is not an expert so take it for what it is.

[autofocus]

To the best of my knowledge the US laws allow you to photograph in known public areas. Restrictions occur when no photography is posted as in the case of military facilities. You are allowed to photograph things like houses, barns, and other people's property as long as you do it from a position off the property in question. Based upon my assumption this mall being privately owned could restrict photography for reasons only known by the mall owners

[andyw]

Originally Posted by bgottsab

I am fairly new to photography and consider myself an amateur hobbyist.

Today on my blog I posted about a "run-in" that I had with mall security.

(Security Alarm | How to Feather an Empty Nest)

And it got me thinking - what are the laws that govern photography in public places? What are my rights as a photographer?

I would be greatly interested in your feedback and/or experiences with this issue.

Creatively,
Brenda

A "Mall" (or shopping centre in English) is NOT (normally) a public place.
It is private land where the public are allowed to enter.

As such any restrictions on taking photographs within their grounds are down to the owners/management of the land.

In the UK (and it is very similar in the US) you can be asked to stop taking photographs. If you do not do so then you are effectively trespassing and can be removed from the premises.

Neither the security guards nor the police can "force" you to delete any images you have taken.

On public land then you are free to take pictures of people and things to your hearts content (with a few minor excepotions depending on what country you are in).

[Elmo]

Just a little thought. There is no such thing a total freedom. One's freedom stops where it infringes on the freedom of another.

[FitzTML]

Look here (http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm) for a great one page summary of photographers rights in the USA (sorry other countries). I have this printed and in my camera bag. I would highly recomend speking with an attorny for more details.

[bgottsab]

Thank you very much to everyone for your input and the links - they were very helpful.

One note about my picture taking at the mall - I took no shots of people and nothing with identifiable signage, tags or other marketing material.

And from the Krages info, "you may reasonably assume that taking photos is allowed unless specifcally requested not to" even on private property.

My security guard invoked 9/11 as the reason why he was questioning me. And at the time, I was outside taking a photo of a trash can.

Anyway, I really appreciate your responses.