Photography License from DHS

[dannyp19]

This post is purely in jest but Im going to try it!

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/05/15...otography.html

Lately Ive been given strange looks when photographing Gov. buildings, bridges, etc. It seems the bigger the lens the more your looked at as some Al Quida operative planning an attack! I was on a ferry taking shots at offshore oil platforms and someone told me they thought it was illegal to do that!!! There is a lot of mis-information about this subject and even some law enforcement people dont know the law.

Another link on this topic here.

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archive...r_on_phot.html


This subject is really starting to gall me!

[GEli]

Toeing the line of doing something very illegal (impersonating a federal officer) to prevent you from being bothered while doing something entirely legal (photographing things) seems really, really stupid.

[m.c.adams]

I was in Cleveland a couple weeks ago, and while taking some pics of the taller buildings, a security guard came out on the sidewalk and told me that I couldn't do that. I just continued, then walked away. She never really did anything other than yell at me.
Mark

[RustySterling]

I think about this when I see a building I want to photograph -- what kind of harassment will I face? Even around my work where most people know me I have been harassed by security. Of course, when I show my work badge they leave me alone. But I don't feel I should be harassed at all.

However, the last thing I'd do is make up some fake credentials. That really is a crime and could truly land you in jail.

[spookie5150]

I work in law enforcement, and I can tell you that we do receive calls from time to time of people photographing landmarks, bridges, etc. While 99.9% of the time these calls are either unfounded, or just some shutterbug taking a picture of a cool structure, there is always a chance that it is something more sinister. Law enforcement officers are expected to check every report, no matter how trivial.

As long as you don't trespass or break any other laws, I doubt you'll get any trouble from police. They might ask a few questions and check your ID, but that's far from harrassment. Keep in mind that security guards usually aren't commissioned police officers and have the same law enforcement authority as you do. The worst they can do under the law is call the cops.

I'll add that this is how things are in the US. Other countries have their own rules.

...and for pete's sake, don't carry around fake DHS credentials...that's asking for it.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by spookie5150

..... They might ask a few questions and check your ID, but that's far from harrassment. .

Asking for ID when you are in a public place doing nothing illegal is the definition of harrassment!

[kencaleno]

The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography

I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.
II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.
III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honour that request. This includes posted signs.
IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.
V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.
VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:
accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
industrial facilities,
public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
VII. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.
VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)
IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.
X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.
What To Do If You’re Confronted
Be respectful and polite. Use good judgement and don’t escalate the situation.
If the person becomes combative or difficult, think about calling the police.
Threats, detention, and taking your camera are all grounds for legal or civil actions on your part. Be sure to get the person’s name, employer, and what legal grounds they claim for their actions.
If you don’t want to involve the authorities, go above the person’s head to their supervisor or their company’s public relations department.
Call your local TV and radio stations and see if they want to do a story about your civil liberties.
Put the story on the web yourself if need be.

Regards, Ken

[kirbinster]

Indoor malls (shopping centers) are considered private properties and the owner can restrict cameras. The same holds for any individual store.

[Chip]

Originally Posted by spookie5150

As long as you don't trespass or break any other laws, I doubt you'll get any trouble from police. They might ask a few questions and check your ID, but that's far from harrassment.

sppokie5150 - I understand the need for law enforcement officers the lattitude to do what's necessary to do their job. But, if my taking a photo is legal, what basis is there for a law enforcement officer to ask for my ID? And what happens to me if I refuse to give it? Do I risk an obstruction charge?

Asking me questions seems fine, but checking my ID? That's what I don't understand. To what purpose? Seems like I'm not free to leave while my ID is being checked, which gets pretty darn close to being detained for doing something legal. Or am I making too much of this??

[candleman]

"spek -a- no englis"