The War on Photography
March 11, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under Photography
Many thank to Rohn Engh for pointing out “The War on Photography” radio interview on Digital Village.
If you’ve ever had someone trying to stop you from taking a photograph in a public place, what are your rights? What do you do and say and how do you deal with confrontation by authorities.
Guest photographers Shawn Nee (known as Discarted) and Thomas Hawk, and Peter Bibring, staff attorney at the SoCal ACLU talk about the growing problem of harassment of photographers in public places by law enforcement and security guards.
Listen to The War on Photography
Really neat photo. Did you shoot it?
Caught me! No I didn’t. This is a Dreamstime Stock Photo from photographer Andrey Kiselev who lives in Omsk, Russia. His screen name is: Prometeus.
I was looking for a photo that combined war and photography and was running out of options when I found this photo. At first glance I thought it was mounted camera … so I figured it was perfect!
Dreamstime is one of my favorite stock agencies.
Melanie
Watched the video and a couple of others. Some of those security guards really get uptight. It’s like you are trespassing on their personal property.
Give someone a little bit of authority and a little understanding of the law and thats what you get. I guess we’re lucky we’re not in Mexico or some of those countries where the security guards carry machine guns.
Which brings up another thought. Photographers rights may be clearly (ha ha) established here in the US, but what about when we go to other countries, we either have to find out ahead of time, or be very careful.
I know what you mean Joe, I was in Mexico for three months and there is nothing more intimidating than a guy pointing a gun at you and motioning you away. I wasn’t about to stand there and argue with them regarding rights!
Melanie
I REALLY REALLY ENJOYED LOOKING AT THIS BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF, THE WAR ON PHOTOGRAPHY.
HOW DID YOU TAKE THIS PICTURE?
NOW I SEE HOW COME THIS PICTURE IS CALLED THE WAR ON PHOTOGRAPHY.
I LISTENED TO THE INTERVIEW ABOUT THE WAR ON PHOTOGRAPHY AS WELL.
I AM FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, BUT I NOW RESIDE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA FOR COLLEGE.
THE POLICEMAN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD DO NOT PLAY.
THEY ARE VERY VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR RULES AND REGULATIONS.
THE WAR ON PHOTOGRAPHY IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL FORWARD THE WAR ON PHOTOGRAPHY, AND DO AN EMAIL BLAST TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES.
HAVE A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS EVENING, WEEK, WEEKEND, YEAR, AND SUMMER.
SINCERELY,
I have found that the best way to avoid getting manhandled is getting to know the guards and officials, and the area. Arrive early. If kicked out of one spot, go to another until you get kicked out again. Repeat.