Photographers Rights Wallet Card (Page 3): I agree with Georgevedwards about improving the awareness across this country of the fact that photographers are just artists, and are...

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I agree with Georgevedwards about improving the awareness across this country of the fact that photographers are just artists, and are harmless. Some of this is already happening because so many folks now have digital point and shoots, that the public is again (after the digital revolution) getting used to seeing folks with cameras in hands, however, I do think law enforcement groups are behind the times, and perhaps some publicity that would bring out facts of what folks are and are not allowed to photograph, would not be a bad thing about now.

Thanks to whoever posted the link to the card.

georgevedwards wrote:

I still would like to see an abbreviated version t... (show quote)

stevenelson Loc: Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

That all sounds good but, there are way too many cops out there with a [I am the law]attitude. Thankfully, that attitude is now putting some of them in jail where they belong.

sloscheider wrote:

Define harass.... did they detain you? Did they a... (show quote)

steve03 Loc: long Lsland

I like that Nikofan70. I live on Long Island and that is a good idea on how to handle the over inflated code enforcement guys.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

georgevedwards wrote:

How about a card to fit in your wallet with Photog... (show quote)

If you print 'em up I'll buy one....reasonably of course!!!! Go ahead, do it and see if you can't make a few bucks. How about a buck each over printing costs and processing?

Cadugand Loc: Houston, Texas

sloscheider wrote:

Define harass.... did they detain you? Did they a... (show quote)

Good point. I'd like to believe that in most cases people are basically good and law enforcement is simply trying to do a job.

The idea in the original post of a card to carry might be good though.

KKnight

I have been stopped on several occasions over the years and with my experience I have found that a smile and a simple explanation of what I am doing along with my business card has gone a long way in defusing potential problems before they escalate. Might I suggest the following read for all photographers;
Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images (Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights & Liabilities of) [Paperback] $21.33 Amazon.com
Bert Krages (Author)
When in doubt I have found it better to turn my camera off and move to a different location rather than risk a Failure to Comply charge from the police. With my choice of lenses I can usually get the shot without putting myself or anyone else in harms way. As they saydont cut your nose off to spite your face.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

I have been in Law Enforcement or related fields for over 40 years. I am also an amatuer photographer. If someone is on public property, not impeding traffic and photographing public images, I would doubt he would be harrassed; however, I personally would welcome any officer to ask me what I was doing and conduct a field interview to eliminate me as a suspicious individual. If I was taking photos of bridges, tunnel entrances, or anything that could be construed as a target for terrorists, I would thank that officer for being observant and diligent. I would be polite, offer to take his photo, and perhaps even send a "Thank you" letter to his department commending him for "doing his job." That type of attitude is contagious and perhaps, just perhaps, the next time an officer questions you about what you are doing you will think that he is just doing his job and be thankful that he is!

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

Oops, forgot one thing. Unless your rights card has some sort of legal efficacy, please do not embarrass yourself and attempt to think that any officer would give any credit to a piece of paper. Think of a police officer as an umpire in a ball game. The worst thing you can do is show up an umpire because you will be ejected from the game, same with an officer. Never, never, show up an officer, it challenges him/her and you can't win, you may not be ejected from the game, but you just might be incarcerated for obstruction, public nuisance, etc. Just saying.

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

Last week two Orlando police officers stopped where several of us were photographing an eagles nest. They were polite, curious what we were photographing and asked some general photography questions. Since we were on private property (a grave yard) they could have told us to pack up and leave but didn't. They did enjoying looking at the nest through our telephoto lenses and it was very pleasant experience. For every jerk with a badge there are ten good guys just trying to do their job.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

Oops, forgot one thing. Unless your rights card has some sort of legal efficacy, please do not embarrass yourself and attempt to think that any officer would give any credit to a piece of paper. Think of a police officer as an umpire in a ball game. The worst thing you can do is show up an umpire because you will be ejected from the game, same with an officer. Never, never, show up an officer, it challenges him/her and you can't win, you may not be ejected from the game, but you just might be incarcerated for obstruction, public nuisance, etc. Just saying.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

sarge69 wrote:

Officer, I am on public land and this little card about photographers rights is right beside my concealed weapon permit.

I doubt that would help though

Sarge

So which card is the REAL photographers' rights permit?

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

lol anybody not think there is not any sugar pop pete cops out there i bet you think congress is helping the little people also. all that card is going to do is make them aware that you are aware of some of youre rights. an hopefully make them think twice. an thats about it.

Farmers Wife Loc: Louisburg, KS

I'm retired law enforcement....too many times someone with a camera wants to take pictures of things that aren't their business...you have no right to butt in and take pictures of people in their worst hour or some child just ran over by a car....sometimes these people get in the way of paramedics, firemen etc. You don't need a picture of someone's head laying in the road....leave well enough alone and mind your own business...or do you work for the National Enquirer....better yet, become a copper and get on the photography unit of the dicks.

Thom Loc: Cleveland Ohio

Well I guess it depends if you look like a tourist....geared like a tourist...or look like your "PACKED"....lol

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Love that one.

I'll have to remember that next time a Scottsdale, AZ cop harasses me. That seems to be the only city around my location that does not like photographers.