Soocom1
Been spending a lot of time on here!
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This is just a reminder for those who have been over this, and words of wisdom to all the noobs.
I would like to take a few minutes of your time and remind everyone of some tidbits on your rights as a photographer.
First, several days ago I got into a conversation with someone about photography in the US and the infamous USA PATRIOT Act. They told me that the PATRIOT Act can prohibit photography of anything the government so wishes, and they can use the PATRIOT Act to stop a photographer anywhere.
It cant.
The act says nothing of the sort, nor does it directly address photography except as clandestine intelligence activities which is defined by: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/24jul20031400/www.gpoaccess.gov/serialset/creports/pdf/glossary.pdf
As: A preplanned secret intelligence collection activity or covert
political, economic, propaganda, or paramilitary action conducted
so as to assure the secrecy of the operation; encompasses both
clandestine collection and covert action.
Translation: Unless your KGB, Moussad, MI6, PRC Intell., or any other group including Al-Quida, your not covered by this.
Barring any local, county, state or Fed law, you have the right to take photos virtually anywhere. So any fear of the Patriot Act is unfounded, and can be contested if challenged.
Full text of the USA PATRIOT Act:
http://www.eff.org/Censorship/Terrorism/20020925_patriot_act.html
Keep these rules in mind:
Military installations: Photography can be banned as ordered by the base commander or any other governing agency. Obvious security issues do arise here, and will all always be posted as such.
Department of Energy: Nuclear facilities.
The government under certain circumstances can declare what is known as a National Security Zone which can mean almost anything, and restrict movement for any reason including photography. To my own knowledge, such zones have not been enacted much probably from the time of the start of the Cold War. If anyone can state otherwise, please do.
Inside/on private property: Any owner of any building or property can prohibit you from taking a photograph while ON the property in question or inside a particular building. Trespass laws are in effect here. As long as you are on public property, all is fair game.
Federal, State, Local (Open Space) lands: Private photography for personal use is permitted unless otherwise posted. The restriction is Commercial photography, which requires a permit, unless otherwise posted, or defined by act:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/photo-permits/
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/photo-permits/PermitRegulations.htm#pl106-206
Law Enforcement: From the web site: http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf
" On occasion, law enforcement officers may object to photography but most understand that people have the right to take photographs and do not interfere with photographers. They do have the right to keep you away from areas where you may impede their activities or endanger safety. However, they do not have the legal right to prohibit you from taking photographs from other locations "
The usual common sense items I think apply, like dont shoot people without their permission (especially children), dont be rude about what you are doing: "Im a photographer, so up yours", taking photos of "uncouth situations" like dead bodies of people on the road while family arrives, sneaking couples kissing, etc. You get the idea.
Though not illegal per sie, I think a little common sense here prevails.
Any additional info from anyone is helpful, and if anyone can either help define, correct or otherwise dispute these items, please do so.
Thanks.
This is just a reminder for those who have been over this, and words of wisdom to all the noobs.
I would like to take a few minutes of your time and remind everyone of some tidbits on your rights as a photographer.
First, several days ago I got into a conversation with someone about photography in the US and the infamous USA PATRIOT Act. They told me that the PATRIOT Act can prohibit photography of anything the government so wishes, and they can use the PATRIOT Act to stop a photographer anywhere.
It cant.
The act says nothing of the sort, nor does it directly address photography except as clandestine intelligence activities which is defined by: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/24jul20031400/www.gpoaccess.gov/serialset/creports/pdf/glossary.pdf
As: A preplanned secret intelligence collection activity or covert
political, economic, propaganda, or paramilitary action conducted
so as to assure the secrecy of the operation; encompasses both
clandestine collection and covert action.
Translation: Unless your KGB, Moussad, MI6, PRC Intell., or any other group including Al-Quida, your not covered by this.
Barring any local, county, state or Fed law, you have the right to take photos virtually anywhere. So any fear of the Patriot Act is unfounded, and can be contested if challenged.
Full text of the USA PATRIOT Act:
http://www.eff.org/Censorship/Terrorism/20020925_patriot_act.html
Keep these rules in mind:
Military installations: Photography can be banned as ordered by the base commander or any other governing agency. Obvious security issues do arise here, and will all always be posted as such.
Department of Energy: Nuclear facilities.
The government under certain circumstances can declare what is known as a National Security Zone which can mean almost anything, and restrict movement for any reason including photography. To my own knowledge, such zones have not been enacted much probably from the time of the start of the Cold War. If anyone can state otherwise, please do.
Inside/on private property: Any owner of any building or property can prohibit you from taking a photograph while ON the property in question or inside a particular building. Trespass laws are in effect here. As long as you are on public property, all is fair game.
Federal, State, Local (Open Space) lands: Private photography for personal use is permitted unless otherwise posted. The restriction is Commercial photography, which requires a permit, unless otherwise posted, or defined by act:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/photo-permits/
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/photo-permits/PermitRegulations.htm#pl106-206
Law Enforcement: From the web site: http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf
" On occasion, law enforcement officers may object to photography but most understand that people have the right to take photographs and do not interfere with photographers. They do have the right to keep you away from areas where you may impede their activities or endanger safety. However, they do not have the legal right to prohibit you from taking photographs from other locations "
The usual common sense items I think apply, like dont shoot people without their permission (especially children), dont be rude about what you are doing: "Im a photographer, so up yours", taking photos of "uncouth situations" like dead bodies of people on the road while family arrives, sneaking couples kissing, etc. You get the idea.
Though not illegal per sie, I think a little common sense here prevails.
Any additional info from anyone is helpful, and if anyone can either help define, correct or otherwise dispute these items, please do so.
Thanks.
