Photography Confrontations
Friday January 4, 2008
You've probably heard a story of someone being harassed or even detained for taking photographs in public. One of our own forum members recently had a minor confrontation with security while taking photographs for weekly assignment 16. Thankfully this confrontation ended peaceably (although our member still wasn't allowed to exercise her right to take photographs). In situations like this, knowing your rights is essential. For example, private citizens (i.e. private security) have no right to confiscate your equipment. However, as Bert Krages put it inLegal Handbook for Photographers, "that does not mean they never try."
It is important to always remain calm during confrontations and to do everything possible to keep the situation from turning violent. How do you handle confrontations? Have you ever faced a photography confrontation? Take a moment to vote in the poll and then tell us your story in the comment section of this blog or by joining the discussion in the forum.
Poll:
Have you ever faced a photography confrontation?
It is important to always remain calm during confrontations and to do everything possible to keep the situation from turning violent. How do you handle confrontations? Have you ever faced a photography confrontation? Take a moment to vote in the poll and then tell us your story in the comment section of this blog or by joining the discussion in the forum.
Poll:
Have you ever faced a photography confrontation?
Comments
When I read abt what happened to the forum member, my first reaction was wow,what country is this,Russia. Next thought ok small town girl grow up.Next thought,whoa, this may be a smaller town but it is a very security concious area. There are 3 important military installations within 80 miles. And I still have never heard of this happening to anyone
I live in the D.C. metro area and frequently take pictures downtown. I get lots of stares and have been confronted numerous times, but fortunately, I know my rights and carry around a copy of those rights with me at all times. I’ve had to call the police once (in my defense), and got to continue shooting. I also try to make myself aware of my surroundings and what could be considered a “classified” building. Then the security does have the right to ask you to leave. I can’t believe this poor person was approached by THREE security guards in what appears was a shopping mall. I can understand clothes or products (copyright issues), but not a scene of people.
I shoot for a contractor & I have been confronted several times. In Tacoma, Washington it was a Security Guard outside a Building that I was Shooting, he was dumb, I could have been anyone. I did not have to even show him ID. In Van Nuys Near a bus terminal I was asked to stop. Downtown LA outside a tall building Near Wilshire I was surrounded and shouted at to stop but showed them a business card and then it was ok. Another time near a hospital in Seattle, Washington the guard was very difficult… delayed me about twenty minutes even with a card and ID we had worked on their building and were scheduled to be there. At the Alhambra in Freemont I was told I could take a Picture of anything but the big square building with no windows… I thought that was weird…. they watched me closely… I wonder what the difference is between a Nice Camera and what you could record with say a…. Cell phone…. or the “you are here Maps” at the entrance… I would like to see the current laws clearly for each state.. I have seen general.. But I think we should have a copy…. It would make life easier.