It's time for another discussion on a photographer's rights. Recently, in one of my threads, a couple of photographers have suggested that we voluntarily give up our right to photograph images freely in a public place. Voluntarily giving up our freedom is not the wise way to keep our freedoms.

If you're worried, I've uploaded the "Photographer's Right" sheet by Bert B. Krages II, Attorney at Law, that he has prepared for worried photographers to carry. My hubby laminated it for me to carry, and you can do the same.

Okay, have at it. Put all your harrassment discussions here, so I can get back to planning (tongue in cheek)!
Start your bitching now . . .

Thanks Halie - I needed to re-read that.

Thanks Halie always nice to know what your rights are when out shooting

Definitely a document that should be read no less than once a month. Had been a while since I had thought about that one. Thanks Halie.

I have it printed out and carry it in my bag.

Nobody suggested giving up any freedoms. All that was mentioned was that there is a way around the potential problem by getting a FREE permit (for 1 to 2 photographers). The more problems that can be eliminated the better, especially on a group field trip. I do choose to pick my battles though. For as little as I go to crazy D.C. it is not worth my effort to argue with them. I will not convince a D.C. police officer that I am right eventhough I am. And they have ALL the power in the moment.

The same thing goes for gun laws and automotive laws. I read many of the ACTUAL laws concerning these areas. I can't count the number of times Police or other authorities have been wrong in referencing, quoting or enforcing the law! I respect those people, they have a tough job! But they should be accurate and informed when it comes to the law. Hell, Norfolk has already paid one Penninsula resident $10,000 for repeatedly, wrongly, harrassing this guy about legally carrying his pistol. They have since done it twice more to him! Get a CLUE!

I am all for standing up for my (our) rights, but I do pick my battles. Mostly at home and definitely not in D.C. proper.

that is my nickel .....two cents isn't enough

It is a great document, and we really should thank that lawyer for our use of it. For entertainment, we could share the few headline encounters photographers worldwide have had with law enforcement.

As for Nazi police in DC, I've never encountered them myself, and I feel like I've been to the Mall quite a lot. Anyway, that's subjective, I'm sure. I don't do much to draw attention to myself, even with a camera and tripod. The way you guys talk about DC, members might think it's East Germany reincarnate. I just haven't seen it. I've had some of the most enjoyable weekend trips to DC, and I look forward to more. I think it's a shame to bash the city so much. I'm not sure it's done much to help get a group together for the trip. But that's another discussion.

Hope you don't have any problems but I know where Mark is comming from and I see his point.

Here is a blog by a photographic lawyer that I follow through RSS and regularly address photographers rights:
http://www.photoattorney.com/

Another good source is ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers):
http://www.asmp.org/commerce/legal/copyright/
http://www.asmp.org/commerce/legal_articles.php

Lets hope we don't go the way of England where the police can arrest you for taking photos of them if they feel it could be used for terrorist purposes.

I am not sure if I have mentioned it before, but a gent by the name of Carlos Miller in Florida runs a site called PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT A CRIME. It can be found at
http://carlosmiller.com

He does have RSS feeds at http://carlosmiller.com/feeds
I have a bunch of RSS feeds on my smartphone, and I tell ya, this is one i ready constantly. Great info, and it is unbelievable what is going on right here in the USA....

Tom