Pictures of Bridges? I have a few questions about this taking pictures of bridges: - Is it legal to take pictures of bridges? - Is it legal to tak pictures of railroad bridges?

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I have a few questions about this taking pictures of bridges:

- Is it legal to take pictures of bridges?

- Is it legal to tak pictures of railroad bridges?

- What are good views or perspectives of bridges to get pictures of?

Thank you for considering these questoins. You can answer all or part of these questions.

Carioca

It's legal to take photos of pretty much anything, as long as you don't violate any laws when doing so.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Some bridges is harder than others like New York City. Otherwise it is pretty much free game.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

chapjohn wrote:

I have a few questions about this taking pictures of bridges:

- Is it legal to take pictures of bridges?

- Is it legal to tak pictures of railroad bridges?

- What are good views or perspectives of bridges to get pictures of?

Thank you for considering these questoins. You can answer all or part of these questions.

I'm a retired railroad Yardmaster so I will comment only on railroad bridges. As long as you are shooting from a public area you should be alright, though in this era of paranoia it is conceivable that you could be questioned about why you're taking those pictures. Keep in mind that the tracks and the area on either side of them are owned by the railroad and are private property. If you go onto the track area anyway please be alert for trains. Trains can operate in both directions on any track.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

I agree with Capt. John. Also, being an x-law enforcement type, I can tell that if you trespass on RR property you could be detained or arrested. Please be careful!

photodaddy Loc: Missouri

I guess if your not naked you can take pictures of bridges!

Cadugand Loc: Houston, Texas

The question is a sad comment on where we are in our country. When we start worrying about the legality of taking our cameras out and taking pictures it is troubling. In many places you can't use tripods either.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

chapjohn wrote:

I have a few questions about this taking pictures of bridges:

- Is it legal to take pictures of bridges?

- Is it legal to tak pictures of railroad bridges?

- What are good views or perspectives of bridges to get pictures of?

Thank you for considering these questoins. You can answer all or part of these questions.

Living in the NY area, and having traveled across all of the bridges, I know there are signs that say it is illegal. I remember seeing one several times on the Verazzano Bridge, and I'm pretty sure I've seen it on other bridges.
However, I did a Yahoo search on the question, "Is it legal to photograph bridges?" I got no definitive answer.
One of the sources suggested that it was a deterrent so that vehicles wouldn't stop on the bridge just to do so.
Several sources referred to the illegality of using other equipment (lighting and such) and especially prohibitting the use of tripods.

So, what does this mean? I have no idea. It appears to be legal but you can be stopped, or harassed by authorities, and photographers have won lawsuits for these actions.

davejann Loc: Portland Oregon

Indi wrote:

quote=chapjohn I have a few questions about this ... (show quote)

It is based on the considered and rational conclusion of bureaucrats, that the bloke taking some snaps with his cell phone to determine the best place for his IED is less dangerous than the chap with $5000+ worth of equipment who is try to make an image of the graceful lines of the structure.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Relax.
IF you are on public property, you can take pictures of bridges.

Yes...someone can hassle you for just about anyting at anytime...but it's legal.

ahanonymous Loc: Queens, NY

I was shooting a bridge in upstate NY near one of the reservoirs when I was stopped by the local police and questioned about what I was doing. I told the trooper that I was shooting landscapes, he asked if I was shooting digital and asked to see what I was shooting. Satisfied that I was not a terrorist trying to sabotage the water supply, he then told me to move my car from the side of the road.

It depends where you are shooting. In NYC you are not allowed to shoot bridges while you are on them (driving across) they have signs posted. But if I wanted to shoot the GW bridge from the Palisades in NJ there would be no problem.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

davejann wrote:

quote=Indi quote=chapjohn I have a few questions... (show quote)

Of course if the decision to question or not was based on the type and cost of the equipment, then a terrorist could buy good expensive equipment and never be questioned.

davejann Loc: Portland Oregon

Mac wrote:

quote=davejann quote=Indi quote=chapjohn I have... (show quote)

It is not the questioning that is the problem, LEOs have their job. It is what happens subsequently...confiscation etc. Also, the object of being a good terrorist is to be unobtrusive and avoid identification. I don't care if it is know that I Photograh bridges; the terrorist might not want to have that info available.

Dave

egj0307 Loc: Out west

Carioca wrote:

It's legal to take photos of pretty much anything, as long as you don't violate any laws when doing so.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

rpavich wrote:

Relax.
IF you are on public property, you can take pictures of bridges.

Yes...someone can hassle you for just about anyting at anytime...but it's legal.

http://www.dvafoto.com/2011/03/update-to-florida-farm-photography-bill/