Orchard & Delancey
On my way to work this morning, I saw two police officers giving a photojournalist a hard time for taking pictures of the trains. Since my weekday shooting locations are almost exclusively in and around public transportation, I figured everyone was a little too jittery for me to be shooting without credentials.
More from yesterday's excursion on the Lower East Side
Comments
I wouldn't fear the fuzz my friend. Here's what you need to carry:
The Photographers Rights [0], a downloadable PDF that you can print and carry with you. I keep one with my camera so that I always have it with me.
The ACLU Bust Card [1], good tips for what to do with encouters with police and other law enforcement.
Since the Supreme Court ruling in Hiibel vs. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada [2] it appears that a person no longer has the ability to refuse to present identification (which is beyond horrible), but I would suggest if you have nothing to hide and you're not doing anything wrong you should just present ID so the cops don't get too weirded out (of course, you should consult a lawyer on that if you want a real opinion).
At any rate, I think you're safe. If they give you a hard time (a) ask them the law that makes photography illegal and (b) ask for a lawyer. I know the Department of Fatherland^WHomeland Insecurity has everyone all jumpy in your neck of the woods, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your rights (no matter how much they really want you to).
[0] http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
[1] http://archive.aclu.org/library/bustcard.html
[2] http://papersplease.org/hiibel/
Posted by: danimal | August 3, 2004 1:02 PM
cool shot! I like the varying tones in the sky!
Posted by: daisies | August 4, 2004 12:04 PM
one thing i forgot to mention yesterday. i always carry a notebook and one or two pens with me. the reason for this is threefold:
1) I can write down where I took a photo and any notes I want to about it
2) Say the coppers are sweating you, you will be able to write down their ID and badge numbers (you do ask to see their ID, don't you?)
3) You can write down and give information to people that might need it from you.
...but, that's just me. anyway, keep shooting good pics.
Posted by: danimal | August 4, 2004 3:04 PM
Just taking a quick coffee break and wanted to post a hello
Posted by: Twink | September 23, 2004 1:44 AM