GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

This will probably go to links and resources, but thought I’d post here first.
There is always debate about the legality and ethics of photography in public places.

According to the article, the people who make the most noise aren’t the ones in the photo.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Good read - thanks for sharing

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Good article and well written.
I was out shopping with the wife and saw a guy in a wheelchair that had a full facial beard, and medium long hair. The look was stunning and my first thought was to compliment the guy on his spectacular and charismatic looks. My second thought was I need to take this guys picture, it would be fantastic. Then I thought should I just whip out my cell phone and take it, or talk to the guy first.

I didn't do any of it, while thinking about it, he was gone...and now I wish I would have at least complimented him on the look presented.

As far as this issue is concerned I lean strongly towards the law as it stands. Of course people need some ethics legal or not, but we all know how that works...

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I've been in your shoes several times and regretted not doing either one.
A compliment costs nothing and would most likely be appreciated.
Maybe next time, instead of thinking twice about it, I'll just do it.

Voss

Thanks for posting. The article and leads took up a nice chunk of my morning. Interesting stuff.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Interesting.

Stephan G

The phrase "The Holier than Thou" would define a good portion of the complainers.

Good link.

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

An interesting article, thanks for sharing.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

A very interesting link. I am not an avid street photographer but like many here when I find an opportunity, even when I do not have the experience, I like to make my shot. Many times I hesitate not knowing the legal implications.
A few years ago I was photographing in a local park where a primary school is located. One of the security guards approached me and very politely asked me to stop taking pictures because it was against the law to photograph near a school where the law assumed children were been photographed without parents consent. I told the gentleman that I was not photographing children but I complied and retired from that place.

In another occasion a woman was running after me claiming that I was photographing her child when indeed I was photographing trees. She threatened me with calling the police and since I had no pictures of her son I just told her to go ahead and do it. She did not call the police after all. I live in South Florida and I am no lawyer and many times I refrain from making a shot simply because I do not know if I am legal. That has always been my main concern with street photography. Most recently I was testing a lens in my neighborhood and another woman approached me and threatened me with calling the police because I was "photographing her house" without her consent. Once again I told her to go ahead but it never happened.

So, what is the law in reference to photographing in Florida? At two local parks I have been stopped from taking pictures because I had a tripod and as such I was a "professional photographer." In one of those occasions I was with my family and I was unable to get into the park. I presented a strong complaint to the authorities arguing they spoil my day with my family and I made it clear I was an amateur not a professional photographer. Anyone entering that park with a professional camera and lens but without a tripod was perfectly acceptable according to the law. I had a similar experience at a local marina here in Miami when ready to photograph with my tripod a sunset. I missed the sunset when a security guard told me that professionals were not allowed in the marina without a permission. Discussing with a person who knows nothing about photography is a miserable waste of time.

So, as photographers which are our rights?

Stephan G

One overall thing to remember, if the property you are standing on is owned, then you are at the mercy of the legal owner's will. But, if you are on public property, it really doesn't matter what a security guard or anyone claims, they will have to cite the particular laws and regulations that actually have relevance.

Unfortunately, some go to the tough guy routines. I have faced down some by demanding how they decided that I am a professional. I will have to admit that my 6' 2" stature worked in my favor. However, it is a needless hassle. And having a background in law enforcement did help me in a couple situations.

The best thing to do is to get an understanding from local lawyers and local people in the business.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Thank you Stephan for your reply. There are two things you should know:

1- I bet most local lawyers, busy with trials and those matters that make them more money do not have the time to hear the complaints of a photographer that can hardly pay their fees.
2- If you mean by "local people in the business" other professional photographers I can assure you that they are not there to photograph a sunset but to shoot a wedding, a reunion or another social event.

I have been unable to get information, in regard to photographing to what is and is not legal in South Florida.