When Do Photographers Overstep Their Bounds (Page 8): As to first paragraph, I saw a post in a computer forum once, in a thread about WiFi security, wherein someone suggested naming...

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

Wahawk wrote:

Wear a cap that says ICE, FBI, CIA or Border Patro... (show quote)

As to first paragraph, I saw a post in a computer forum once, in a thread about WiFi security, wherein someone suggested naming your WiFi router "FBI Surveillance Van," to give pause to your neighbors...

As to your second paragraph, I recommend that you listen to an old Johnny Paycheck song, entitled "Colorado Kool-Aid."

Thombar Loc: Hominy, OK

BrettOssman wrote:

This week I started a project My Nightly Walk, whe... (show quote)

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

BrettOssman wrote:

This week I started a project My Nightly Walk, whe... (show quote)

I believe firmly that if it is in public sight, there are no rights of privacy. I do have the right to ask you nicely not to photograph my house or my child, but I cannot go beyond that and you are under NO obligation to comply.

Of course, if you sell the photograph, things get murkier and I'm not a lawyer.

The converse is also true. If I am in a location which is private--my home with shades drawn, or even a public restroom, where we have an expected level of privacy, you have no right to photograph--or intrude.

I think--but my memory is cloudy--that this question was resolved about 18 years ago in a decision by the supreme court.

Of course, if these are neighbors or friends, you may wish to go along to get along.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

BrettOssman wrote:

Didn't think photographing someone's house directly was legal, without permission. Interesting.

You don't need their permission, unless or until you wish to sell the photograph. Even then there are nuances--but pros try to get releases on everything to avoid even unjustified law suits and legal fees.

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

JaiGieEse wrote:

As to first paragraph, I saw a post in a computer forum once, in a thread about WiFi security, wherein someone suggested naming your WiFi router "FBI Surveillance Van," to give pause to your neighbors...

As to your second paragraph, I recommend that you listen to an old Johnny Paycheck song, entitled "Colorado Kool-Aid."

several years back, a friend who works for the feds brought me a "Department Of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons" ball capI suspect that might do the job..

mcmm Loc: Kansas

Thank you for the information. It gives me some general information to use as a reference.

nakkh wrote:

Here's a great little one page guide about your rights as a photographer ...
http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

nakkh wrote:

Here's a great little one page guide about your rights as a photographer ...
http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

That is a great link. Thanks. It sums things up perfectly.

Thombar Loc: Hominy, OK

JaiGieEse wrote:

As to first paragraph, I saw a post in a computer forum once, in a thread about WiFi security, wherein someone suggested naming your WiFi router "FBI Surveillance Van," to give pause to your neighbors...

As to your second paragraph, I recommend that you listen to an old Johnny Paycheck song, entitled "Colorado Kool-Aid."

Were it I, I would go out of my way to be nice to folks. Explain what you are doing and that you aren't photographing their property. But if it is really interesting ask permission and offer a print . But always keep an eye open for the occasional idiot. (Sorry for the double entry my computer closed itself)

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Mudshark wrote:

several years back, a friend who works for the feds brought me a "Department Of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons" ball capI suspect that might do the job..

I talked to a guy a few years ago that got one of the "Border Patrol" caps as a "gag" and decided to walk into a store that catered to those people from 'south of the border' and he said the door almost came off the hinges in the sudden exit rush from some of the customers!! He knew the owner and clerks, and they all knew the customers that had left, so in the end they all had a great laugh after the ones caught by surprised got over their mild 'heart attacks'!!

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

BrettOssman wrote:

This week I started a project My Nightly Walk, whe... (show quote)

Actually no. If any thing or person is in public view it's open to be photographed. It's visible from a public street it's visible to the world.

I worked for a service one time that was photographing houses for a realtor. As one of their photographers I walked down the middle of a public street and shot both sides as I went along. I got some looks also but nothing they can do.

What about Goggle Earth? They shoot everything, I wonder if they get funny looks while driving through a neighborhood?

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I've been screamed at for photographing houses; I've been accused of photographing children (in a public place) while my back was turned to them and I was obviously photographing something else. You're not paranoid, but there are a lot of (non-photographer)people who are!

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

davidk2020 wrote:

Your paranoia is unwarranted, as is anyone else's.... (show quote)

Remember; figures lie and liars figure.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Suspicious farmers have accused me of taking pictures of their barns for calendars, suspicious persons at train stations (I have a long-abiding interest in all things railroad) have informed me that I need a signed release, and once I even spent half an hour explaining to local police why I was taking a picture of their train station (turns out that then-Senator Joe Biden commuted from there every day).

My current plans are for my next camera to be a Pentax. I'm hoping that something colorful (and not looking at all like a stealth airplane) will make me look less threatening. I want people to view me as a harmless goofy old guy with a camera.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

For those old enough to remember, Spiratone made a fake camera lens. It attached to your lens and was essentially a periscope mounted horizontally. When used it looked like you were photographing something in front of you but you were really photographing something off to your right or left.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Howard5252 wrote:

For those old enough to remember, Spiratone made a fake camera lens. It attached to your lens and was essentially a periscope mounted horizontally. When used it looked like you were photographing something in front of you but you were really photographing something off to your right or left.

You can kind of get the same effect using a tilting LCD pointed up so that you might appear to be fiddling with your camera when you are actually taking a picture.