Bill_de Loc: US

UHH needs a filter that highlights correct answers.

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Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

Well, In my state (Indiana) I can take photos of anything (with the exception of children and unwilling people) if I am on public property (sidewalk/street) without permission. I have cleared this with my attorney and the local Sheriff. If I am approached (which I have been on many occasions) I simply recite the law and suggest they call law enforcement if unsatisfied, which some have. It is important to understand the law as it pertains to taking photos so a person doesn't get into trouble doing it. Just Google your state law library or visit the local police/Sheriff for local clarification. Know your rights! Keep shooting!

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

I would always tell people what I was doing - IF I was ever asked, which I haven't been. I don't think I've ever been seen photographing in a public place either. Just my style I guess - camera up, shoot, camera down, total time two seconds. The dark blue jacket and black camera also helps.

skywolf

Generally speaking, assuming this is in the United States, if you are on private property, you have to have the property owner's permission to be on the property and take pictures. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of the property. Whatever is in plain view from public property is fair game. Public access property...a stadium, a street fair, or other places where the public can go, is a gray area. Check your local laws for any variances. If you were on a public sidewalk, you had a legal right to take the picture. If you're approached like that again, pull your cell phone and get ready to hit 911. Otherwise, monopods make good defense weapons.

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto: "As an LEO for ten years, we would rather you call us when in doubt."

Bluepup

My dad was a cop so more then once I have called the police if there is dispute like this that you can’t get away from. It has always worked but that’s in small town. And yes they had a reason to be paranoid...maybe just to bully or drug induced problems.

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

I was at a very public place in Philadelphia. There was a young couple with there back to me and I took a picture of them. ( you could not see there faces at all) the young man approached me and sated that I violated his rights. I explained to him that he was in a public space and no right to privacy. he then got loud and tried to act aggressive (to impress his girlfriend). I quietly explained to him that if he put his hands on me. That i would defend myself and then have him arrested. And asked if that would impress his girlfriend. He deiced to walk away. LOL

Clapperboard

TB4 I think you've got it. Drug dealers/users tend to go for maximum threats and intimidation instantly. Especially the dealers. I had a similar experience a few years ago when I was parking outside some houses. I told a police contact and he told me the mother and son had previously been jailed for dealing. They were at it again and my information was useful to the police.

anotherview Loc: California

I've been confronted before by an immature youngster when photographing on the street, and by others elsewhere. Usually I reply in a mild voice that I'm just taking pictures. I mention the subject while providing a few details of its interesting character. The other person typically reacts with some surprise that I find this or that subject worthy. Besides, I then sound like a photographer, not a nosy busybody or an intruder. This approach informs the other of my activity while having the effect of reducing the intensity of the face-to-face encounter.

That said, I emphasize that as a rule, photography intrudes by its nature. I have learned so. I also recognize that others have a sense of their personal privacy. The act of photography may impinge on this sense.

Finally, I've learned that, yes, this one subject may present itself as photo-graphical, yet if I pass it by, then another interesting subject later will come my way. The experienced photographer will have come to this practical understanding, and live by it.

Bill_de Loc: US

The Spring after 9/11 I was in DC. I had a long lens on taking pictures of monuments and such from a distance. During the 15 minutes or so that I was photographing the White House at least a half dozen good Samaritans approached me and warned me to stop before the cops showed up. As one guy was walking away a pair of cops walked up and asked how it was going. I told them they have too many deputies telling me I can't photograph the White House. They laughed and one mentioned that the crowd that had gathered was going to be very disappointed when they don't arrest me. Their only suggestion was to be careful with the tripod so nobody trips over it. As the cops were walking away I heard one guy say you his companion, "He must be Secret Service".

Funny how people perceive things.

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Clapperboard

Warlock 43 I hear the drug dealers now have a good supply of cell phones.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

I did a little research on this once when a guy approached me accusing me of taking pictures of the children at the apartment complex pool. (His clue should've been that I wasn't even pointing the camera in the direction of the pool.) Apparently, taking pictures outside is perfectly legal. The only statute that was broken was him confronting me the way he did. If your state laws / statutes are similar, he was in the wrong, not you. Next time, tell him to back away and call the cops if he thinks you're at fault (which you aren't). The cop will send him back inside to leave you alone.

anotherview Loc: California

Some of us photographers run into others who compulsively try to control and regulate the behavior of others. These others typically act from emotionalism not from an informed view. They act like fanatics, meaning not subject to reason. I tend to back off diplomatically from confrontations with such types.
I have better things to do than argue fruitlessly with them.

Clapperboard

anotherview Yes, I agree. A wise man once said "Never argue with an idiot. He'll just bring you down to his level". How true. And we are disadvantaged anyway as we have expensive kit with us and they are usually very 'brave' while they have several friends with them. Not a good idea to ask their friends to look after your camera while you argue with the ring leader.