Question about taking pictures.

B

BerettaCougar

New member
Okay so, before I get into the story of what happened today..

I have a question, is it against federal law, to take pictures or to make any form of documentation (yes, documenting something on paper) near a federal building?

As a side note...It seems to me that I always bump heads with law enforcement officials... I don't try to, but I have been told several times to "shut up" by police officers, even when it comes to something as simple as "why am i being searched?" or "what did i do?"
 
Some places may have restrictions on use of photographic equipment. Most places if you are standing in a public place there is no restriction on photography.

to make any form of documentation (yes, documenting something on paper) near a federal building
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I suppose if you are set up on a federal building with your drafting table scurrying back and forth making measurements with your laser tape measure you may raise some eyebrows. Just sketching???

Any abnormal activity around federal buildings will cause some attention from Security. I would suggest cooperating with them and explaining what you are doing if asked. If you respond in a defensive way you will probably encounter offensive response.

Now tell the story.
 
Why not just ask the security guards if you can take pictures of that building.Other than asking for some id all they could say is no.
 
Depends on the building. I work in a federal building, I would take notice of anyone snapping photos as we are not a tourist attraction.
 
Why not just ask the security guards if you can take pictures of that building.Other than asking for some id all they could say is no.
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Because they will often say no even when they have no legal authority to say it.
 
Typically you will deal with the Federal Protection Service.

That being said, I've never been told not to photograph anywhere except for inside of a mall :) Who cares, I hate malls.
 
Tyme

They may not have authority to say no. But they are the ones that will be harassing him for taking the pictures.Their court their rules. Who's the police going to beleive when they show up couger or the security guards. My point was ask the closest authority available and if he still wants to take the pictures he then can go to a higher authority than the rent a cops to get permission.
 
.......this is a constantly raging debate over on at least 1 photog board I frequent. Consensus (despite and because of legal precedent) seems that in most countries, including U.S.; images captured from public property that deomonstrate a typical human vision (no tele-lenses invading privacy) of anything not specifically banned are legal.....to make. Commercial use of such images open a whole 'nother "can o' worms"........
 
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