Asked to leave the premises (Page 4): We have a local tourist site that has gotten really sticky about photography. It's the sort of place where one takes pictures of their family...

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

We have a local tourist site that has gotten really sticky about photography. It's the sort of place where one takes pictures of their family against the backdrop of the old buildings. I was harassed by one of the owners once. He said that someone photographing a model had to have a permit (that cost big bucks). I asked him how they knew the difference between someone shooting a model, and an Aunt Martha shooting her niece. No answer. And I wasn't shooting a model, but an old truck.

DJD Loc: Seal Beach, CA

Machu Picchu did not allow tripods when I visited a couple of years ago. Fortunately this restriction was in the travel literature.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Ramm Francis wrote:

The worst is DC. It is a law that cameras may not be on a tripod. Hand-held only.

You're not telling the whole story. Tripods require a permit or are not allowed in some parts of DC.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

I've done many photo projects as a volunteer photographer for a number of events (mostly hospital holiday parties). I get written permission from the event sponsor and also bring permission slips for folks to sign if they are in a picture just to be sure there are no problems later on. If a person refuses to sign, I delete the photo. I also have to give the SD card to the sponsor at the end and they will decide what to do with the photos.
I know this sounds very strict but with all the problems relating to privacy especially with regs like HIPAA in play, but its either you play by the rules or you don't play at all.

avman Loc: Normal IL

Perhaps you might consider privacy issues. In a public setting there should not be an expectation of privacy. To demand you cease photography in a public location where you are not commiting any crime for access, those who ask you to discontinue photography are violating YOUR 1st amendment rights. Private property NOT SO MUCH. Especially if a fee is required to enter....

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Photo_Buff wrote:

Was at the Rodin Garden at the Cantor Museum @ Sta... (show quote)

The only time I had a problem was two years ago at the historical Santa Ana, California Amtrak station. I was taking pictures with my handheld D90 (no flash) of the almost deserted station and platform when I was approached by a private security guard and informed that it was illegal to photograph on the station property without a city permit. I phoned the city Monday morning and found out that the license cost over $200 and is required for both amateurs and professionals. I have never had a similar issue at any other railroad station, even when using my D800 on a tripod.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

When I visit a new venue or going back to one I have previously visited, I ALWAYS call/email ahead to find out if there are any restrictions, or if their rules have changed regarding photography. So far I haven't been booted from places because I know the rules and restrictions before hand.

rgmichel Loc: Connecticut

Must be a case of city government raising money. Might make sense for professionals, but amateur rail-fans and such like??? Nevertheless I have taken railroad shots in several stations over the lasts few years and had no problem.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

repleo wrote:

I have been challenged a couple of times by security while taking pictures of buildings with a P&S. They weren't 'sensitive' or Government buildings. One was a new unoccupied office building and the other was at the Mall. They were just a couple of quick shots - no elaborate set-up or prowling around the building. The Mall security guy tried to demand that I delete the pictures that I had taken.

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The only time I was asked to leave an area was at the "West County Mall" in West Saint Louis County, Missouri. It is one of the few shopping centers still around in my area. As the shopping center is built on a hill, and the multi-level parking lot is four stories high - I thought that this would be a good place to get a sunset shot. I drove to the top level - and began to set up my tripod and camera. I was focusing on the sunset, and out of the frame of any and all buildings, as I Only wanted the colors of the sunset.
I hear a voice behind me... "Sir....." (I Knew by the use of THAT word, it was the Security Guard ... I turned around to see this guy is FULL uniform, Glock 9 mm and All, standing behind me. (Damn he was quiet - never heard him approach.) "You can not take photographs of the center."
I responded with = "I am not taking photos of the "center itself" - I am only taking a photo of the sunset; It is really good from Up Here." I then turned on the Live-View and ask him to ... "Look, Here." Pointing to the camera. And he moved to the camera and looked at what I was about to capture.
"OH!!! I see. Hey! That IS a nice sunset. And I do not see any of the buildings in this.... Go ahead."

After I got the shot. He was full of questions about = "What Lens is that?" What Camera are you using?" Are you going to edit this?" -- So I met him at the coffee shop in the center and we had a great conversation about photography and how to make better photographs.

It turned out to be a Positive thing. And every time I am at the center he always gives me a smile and a wave.

So... By being polite and honest pays off.

Knowing the "rules" of any place Before you go, helps any private property situation. I usually always ask about making photographs of any privately owned area. AND IF there is a Sign stating NO TRESPASSING - Do Not Go Into That Area. Be respectful of others. And IF they are rude to you, or indignant, or being an asshole to you, do NOT become one yourself - They are Not worth your energy. I just Smile and say thank you and leave, without looking back a second time.

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Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Flash, tripods, long lenses, and professional looking cameras are routinely discriminated against for any reason the venues choose. Cell phone cameras are tolerated because they often can't stop them. Just the realities of today.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Here's some web links that may help:
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/photography_law_rights.html
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/security/how-to/a5907/taking-photos-in-public-places-is-not-a-crime/
https://thelawtog.com/public-places-private-places-photography-oh-my-legal-tips-for-photographers/

Hope this helps. Please note that non-US laws are different

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

dougbev3 wrote:

Stay off railroad tracks. I was a Conductor on the RR for over 40 years. The number of near misses was great ; the number of deaths were too many. I worked Denver to Pueblo, so people wanted to get Pikes Peak and the train in their picture. They put themselves in harms way. These trains of today are very quiet. If the top of the rail is shiny, the track is used a lot, if it is rusty , it is not used as much, but is used or it would be gone.

I've been photographing railroads for over fifty years now. My style normally puts me at forty feet or more from the tracks. If I'm going to be in the vicinity of the actual tracks, I bring someone {brother or wife} to watch for me.

Fatman235

It's one thing to be asked to leave. Perhaps a violation of Freedom of Expression, but on private property that doesn't apply. I wouldn't be happy, but I would comply.

However, memory cards cost money. Cameras cost a lot of money. Anyone demanding confiscation of my hard-earned equipment that I may or may not get back would likely get a close-up view of my 9mm lens. And I go where I can take it.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

repleo wrote:

I have been challenged a couple of times by security while taking pictures of buildings with a P&S. They weren't 'sensitive' or Government buildings. One was a new unoccupied office building and the other was at the Mall. They were just a couple of quick shots - no elaborate set-up or prowling around the building. The Mall security guy tried to demand that I delete the pictures that I had taken.

Yeah, those mall cops are real professionals.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

rehess wrote:

I've been photographing railroads for over fifty years now. My style normally puts me at forty feet or more from the tracks. If I'm going to be in the vicinity of the actual tracks, I bring someone {brother or wife} to watch for me.

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Unless the R.R. tracks are Abandoned. Usual signs of this is Rust. However - You can NOT be sure....

Here is a photo of a good sign that the railroad does not make use of the right-of-way any longer.

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