Legal issues for photographers

[dwylie]

Some time back in Feb, 2009 there was a major structure fire just a minute from where I lived. As soon as it was drawing a large crowd, where people was taking photos of the fire. Now as far as I'm concerned there is not much laws of photo taking if there was a fire or severe wx. I've taking numbers of photos of weather but in NH I was never stopped.

According to a lawyer I spoke to saying that it's LEGAL providing you do not cross the line. Many people I heard was arrested on the grounds of disobeying a police officer. To make sure of your rights use a zoom lens that you can get pics from a safe distance. This is all I can say on this.

[RDGDigital]

Bert P. Krages Attorney at Law Photographer's Rights Page

I carry one of these card with me so that I can show an officer that I know specifically what my rights are. Generally if you're standing in a place where the public is allowed to be then you are allowed to take pictures of whatever is in plain view. You are not allowed to take pictures where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy; e.g., someone entering their pin number into an ATM machine.

In your case, taken pictures at a fire, as long as you are standing in a place where the police (or fire department) have allowed the public to be then you should be allowed to take pictures.

With all this said, the main reason that I carry one of these cards is that there are still a lot of officials, police, private security, building management, etc and even some judges that still have a misunderstanding of what peoples rights are in regards to taking photographs.

[dwylie]

Originally Posted by RDGDigital

Bert P. Krages Attorney at Law Photographer's Rights Page

I carry one of these card with me so that I can show an officer that I know specifically what my rights are. Generally if your standing in a place where the public is allowed to be then you are allowed to take pictures of whatever is in plain view. You are not allowed to take pictures where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy; e.g., someone entering their pin number into an ATM machine.

In your case, taken pictures at a fire, as long as you are standing in a place where the police (or fire department) have allowed the public to be then you should be allowed to take pictures.

With all this said, the main reason that I carry one of these cards is that there are still a lot of officials, police, private security, building management, etc and even some judges that still have a misunderstanding of what peoples rights are in regards to taking photographs.

Thank you very much for this information you been a big help.

[tampabaynews]

I encounter this issue all the time.

Others have touched on this issue pretty well. If you are singled out by anyone (police, firefighter, citizen), remind them that photography is not a crime and they cannot stop you from photographing from public property that is outside the tape or a place where you are clearly not interfering.

Yes, many have been arrested and charged for "obstruction of justice" or "failure to obey a lawful order" or whatever. Every situation is different but more often than not, a confrontation has favored the photographer and resulted in dropped charges, disciplinary action to officials, and lawsuits.

It is important to stand up for yourself when you're clearly in the right. Always video record confrontations. If you end up in court it's your word against theirs.

Another good site is carlosmiller.com. He's the guru on Photog Rights and has been arrested three times as a result of his photography. He beat his first two arrests and the trial for his third arrest starts in two weeks.

[ckqualls]

Yes, it is legal to take photographs from public property. If that sidewalk (or whatever) were cordoned off for safety reasons (IE too close to the fire), then yes, PD could take action, but not for photography, but for other reasons. If it is open to the public at the time, then click away.

[k9rzz]

I've been questioned by building security when I was taking photos of their Christmas lights display from the public sidewalk. "You're not taking photos of our logo are you?" Photos of their logo? Is it top secret? Some people ...