The Ten Legal Commandments for photographers comes to us from Photojojo. I would like to send this in a mass email to every single law enforcement agency in the country.
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 honor 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, Superfund sites
- public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
- children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
- UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris
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.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Fernandez, as I mentioned in a
10 responses so far ↓
1 srcohiba // Mar 18, 2008 at 6:16 pm
some goon at the Police concert tried to get my CF card, but I got away. I got permission to bring in my camera 20d+75-300 by the head of security at the door. so when I take pics during the show they tell me I had a pro camera and was not allowed … friggin wankers…..
2 Ms Calabaza // Mar 18, 2008 at 7:42 pm
. . . seems like you pretty much can take any pictures you want as long as you stay away from private property. This should make police work EASIER, by their just leaving you alone to do your work. It appears that youtube and internet sites have some police officers scared that their actions will be scrutinized so they try to curtail your rights out of fear for their jobs . . . and if you’re mild and meek they can intimidate ya. Not you buddy.
3 Scott // Mar 19, 2008 at 12:37 am
I’ve gotten harassed before at Flamingo Park by a groundskeeper when I wanted to take a photo of kids playing little league. Aggravating. “So I can TELL people that Flamingo Park is a total family friendly park, but I can’t show that in a photo?” Whatever. Guy was a wiener.
4 Carlos Miller // Mar 19, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Cohiba,
I ended up sneaking my camera into the Police concert. I even managed to sneak in a 300mm lens. I ended up with decent shots considering I was sitting in the nosebleed section.
I’m not really a big Police fan. Now if it were the Stones, I would have been thrilled.
What I did was I had the gear in my backpack. When I walked into the gates, the guy asked to check my backpack.
But I had my friend behind me try to walk in with an open beer, so when they saw that, they immediately started dealing with him.
I kept walking and I heard them say, “sir, come back here” but I acted as if I didn’t hear them.
5 srcohiba // Mar 20, 2008 at 9:30 am
Carlos, I had no problem getting it in. My problem was having the putzes leaves me alone to take pics.
I still got decent pics albeit at ISO 1600 or ISO 3200 (how I could have used a nikon d3 for that show)
but did you get in a 300 2.8L lens? if you did, wow!
6 Carlos Miller // Mar 20, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I wish it were an f/2.8.
It’s an f/4 with IS. A hell of a lens. I can only imagine the f/2.8.
The next lens I will one day buy is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS.
I currently have the 70-200 f/4 and it’s a decent lens, but I am always looking to upgrade.
7 srcohiba // Mar 20, 2008 at 12:36 pm
The 300 2.8L USM IS is the sharpest canon lens out there. it’s sweet.
I have the 70-200 2.8L IS; great lens but heavy. the new one 70-200 4.0L USM IS is great, sharp, and light. makes a difference if you’re hiking it.
Dunno if you use teles that much in your work but if you need to go above 300, consider the canon 400 5.6L. The sharpest and lightest you’ll ever get. sharper than a 100-400L; and sharper than 70-200 + 2x.
8 Carlos Miller // Mar 20, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Prime lenses are always sharper than zoom lenses.
I tend not to use telephotos lenses that much, preferring to use the 24-70L f/2.8 lens. I like to get real close to the action or subject.
I like to capture a foreground and a background.
But every time I use the 300 mm f/4, I always remind myself that I need to use it more often because it produces great images - especially if I focus on someone’s facial expressions.
Another lens for facial expressions is the 100mm f/2.8. That’s not an L lens, but it might as well be because it is extremely sharp.
9 The Ten Legal Commandments for photographers - Asians, Inc. // Mar 20, 2008 at 1:10 pm
[...] can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security. Originally from Photography is Not a Crime, click on the link to continue reading. __________________ Things I now believe in: Mermaids [...]
10 srcohiba // Mar 20, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I sole my 100mm 2.8 macro and now use the Sigma 150 2.8 Macro and sometimes add the sigma 1.4x tc.
the sigma is as sharp and comes with tripod collar, but don’t have to get in as close. I like a comfortable working distance. the 24-70L is my fav and sharpest lens I have, but its heavy. I tend to use the 24-105L now when I’m out in the field…. but for portraits it’s the 24-70L or the 70-200 2.8L USM IS …
take it easy dude
Leave a Comment