Gramps Loc: Republic of Tejas--Tomball, TX

I applaud the courtesy and honesty of most of the posts. But did I miss something, if I did I'm certain more than one of you will take a shot across my bow. While asking permission
illustrates "transparency"---why not ask for the exhibitor's card offering to send them copies of what you shot? Think politicians call it "quid pro quo?" Incidently, the only time I have been told not take pictures was the Whitehouse and the only time I ever ran into "rules" was various large museums,"No Flash". Maybe I just don't get out as much as many of you seem. Incidently, while I have no one close entitled Law Officer I'm moved to suggest the next time you have a need for one, call a photographer.

luckyfon Loc: Bethlehem, PA, USA

I think the best action is write to the with copies to your state attory general office.

ask them to exxplain why you cannot take pictures ion writing.

ceallachain Loc: Cape May, NJ

They are definitely not a pain in the butt when it comes to "Bill of Rights" issues. Recently in Newark, NJ they got the State Attorney General to issue specific rights of photographers that is now being taught to all Newark Officers and most likely will trickle to all LEOs within the state of NJ. It takes a while just be courteous, hold the tongue and remember they are doing a thankless job. Some are bad apples, some have what I call the "Wyatt Earp" mentality. But you most likely are in the right and the Law (Judge) is most likely on your side. You should be able to beat a Disorderly Charge w/o a lawyer. Or, just call the ACLU. They like easy cases like this.

nikonesian Loc: Midwest USA

I hear you. A couple of things come to mind.

Start a blog,any blog. Call it My Town & Yours.com or something like that. This is so your recreational pursuit has a purpose--a 1st Amendment purpose. Next visit/call the nearest ACLU office and let them know about the situation (you may want to keep a log). Next stop should be your county's state's attorney and let them know what's going on. State's Attorneys don't like to waste time with BS arrests the police saddle them with.

You might want to write a letter to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan and copy your State Representative and State Senator. The state's attorney's report to the Governor and the AG is an activist with full support of her father House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

And finally, write a letter to the Illinois Arts Council. They make state grants to photographers and wouldn't look kindly on harassment of same. The IAC don't have enforcement powers, but they are influential. IAC's Executive Director is Tatiana Gant and the Chairwoman is Shirley R. Madigan who is, you guessed it, wife of the House Speaker.

All the addresses are available at www.illinois.gov. Good luck!

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

It's disgusting to read about people who have to spend tremendous amounts of money and time to lawyers and judges to prove their constitutional rights.
There's nothing wrong with the constitution, and contrary to what people think, it hasn't been changed.
What did happen is the politicians created controversies over things that were never written into the constitution in the 18th century...a lawyers goldmine!
What's even more disgusting are the people who interpret the law in their own mind and intimidate the citizens with it, knowing few if any people will challenge them because of the cost, time and idiot bureaucracy it takes to right a wrong.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I have found out over the weekend a photographer in Canada (formerly from the US) was told at a Wal Mart that he could't take photos inside and the property was not marked. They said if he didn't stop they would take his equipment. He told them they can't do anything to him since there is nothing making the property and since they can't legally take his equipment and he would sue. They backed off.

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Good for him. I love those "Customers of Walmart" links for a good laugh. :thumbup:

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

He's also a Fire Photographer and also works for the local paper as a free lance writer. He sure knows what he is doing.

Lazy Old Coot Loc: Gainesville, Florida

A good laugh??! That strikes me as an odd reaction. I've always thought those "Customers of Wal-Mart" links were a pretty sad commentary on the human condition. ........ Coot


Good for him. I love those "Customers of Walmart" links for a good laugh. :thumbup:[/quote]

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

[/quote]

It is sad but sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. :roll: Some people just don't have any self respect. I think it goes back to being raised by uncaring parents (or parent) and it just gets passed down through generations.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

It's not just NJ and Newark officers that are being educated with orders. Boston and Washington D.C. officers have also received orders late this year regarding photographers and ordered not to touch them or harrass them.

fthomas Loc: Philippines

If I were harrassed by a police officer while taking photographs on public property of anything that I can see then the officer is violation of your 1st Amendment rights and is acting illegally "Under the Color of Authority" is denying your Civil Rights. That could spell big trouble for the officer and whoever it is he works for. If he were to confiscate your equipment and/or arrest you for photographing then he is certainly way out of line.

Hope you will push it to reach the correct conclusion and action by your local law enforcement.