Your Photography Rights
Recently someone told me the story of how they were stopped and detained by police because they photographed the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. They were passing over the bridge while taking the photos out the window. They were well within their rights to take photos of the bridge, however, they were still stopped, detained, and questioned about their intentions. Their pictures were deleted from their camera, including pictures other than those of the bridge and were finally let go.
I’ve often been nervous about taking pictures myself, fearing I may be stopped and questioned by police or subjects of my photos. While it is reassuring that authorities are looking out to protect our national security, and that citizens are looking to protect their privacy and rights, more often than not you have the right to take a picture. I found this guide that explains your rights and will be carrying copies of it in my camera bag at all times: The Photographer’s Right - A Downloadable Flyer
Your Rights When Stopped or Confronted for Photography
