Multi-Platform Media: Taking Pictures in Public

BiB Contributor | Haley Cihock

There’s a good article in Popular Mechanics (really? yes.) on taking pictures and video in public places. As an intern and young reporter, I was very intimidated by law enforcement and other official types telling me that I wasn’t allowed to photograph something or record something on video. But journalists actually have a lot of legal backing in those situations. And you’re almost never restricted from taking pictures when you’re standing on public property. I would strongly encourage you to research the laws in your state.

Here’s the key part of the article:

So what should you do if you’re taking photos and a security guard or police officer approaches you and tells you to stop? First, be polite. Security people have tough jobs and probably mean well. Ask them what legal authority they have to make you stop. (If you’re in a public place, like a street, a park, etc., they have none; if you’re in a private place, such as a shopping mall, they may have a basis for banning pictures.) Krages advises those hassled by security guards to threaten to call law enforcement. If it’s an actual police officer who’s telling you to stop shooting, ask to speak to a superior. And remember–you never have a legal duty to delete pictures you’ve taken.

And here’s a little tidbit about taking pictures at airports.

Good Luck!