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Not quite a DCist specific topic
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In a topic on another group, the following was asked. And it made me kind of curious. I know there are a lot of photographers in this group and quite a few that are versed in the laws regarding photography. I was wondering if anyone knew if this was real, or just a scare tactic to avoid the photos?
"Today I was walking about and saw a Fire Truck and and Ambulance pull up in front of someones house. I Started to take some pictures from the sidewalk across the street, they started to help an older lady out of the house and a fireman/paramedic looking fellow came up and asked me if I was with the press. I stated no, he then asked why I was taking pictures, I responded "I just like to take pictures". He told me that it was a federal offense to take pictures of a medical emergency and that I should be careful what I take pictures of. I tried to search for the federal laws but came up with nothing. Never the less he scared me away! Is this legitimate? I thought if I could see it, I could photograph it. what can't I photograph? "
Posted at 12:01PM, 28 February 2008 PDT
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There is no such federal law (though I'm sure some idiot out there will cite/blame the "Patriot Act").
For a good primer on these issues check out Bert Krages' site:
www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Originally posted 52 months ago.
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furcafe edited this topic 52 months ago.
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Thanks much :)
Posted 52 months ago.
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Thanks for starting this topic. I was concerned myself as twice I was stopped at government buildings. The first time was outside the DOJ Building at 10th/Penn. I was taking a photo of the plants and apparently was very close to a 'control board'. They wanted to ensure I wasnt photographing it. So, they asked to see the photos I took and did not ask me to delete what I took because it was not included.
A seperate occassion, I was in Pentagon City. I parked directly across from the Best Buy in a metered spot while waiting for my friend to come off the metro. While waiting, I decided to take my camera out and photograph some of the buildings around there. Unbeknownst to me, I was taking photos (not good ones that day) of the Dept of Homeland Security. Because I did not come from a certain direction of the building, I had no idea who inhabited the building. I assumed general office building. The security guard asked me to come to the door and come inside. I did. He asked me to delete my photos, which was of the building and some lightposts outside of it, definitely nothing fancy. Unaware of my rights, I obliged. They then called in the 'chief'. He took my name, address and phone number and asked to look at all the photos on my camera. I told him I deleted the ones of the building and showed him my shots anyways. He then left for several minutes and I small talked with the normal security guards. They assured me I wasnt in trouble. The chief came back 5-10 minutes later and told me it was okay to leave.
It definitely isnt something that will refrain me from taking similar shots, but may make me think twice about where I am.
I'm glad to know that it appears I do have some rights and do not need to turn over my photos. They were not of threat to national security, since the outside of the building is not even in a secure or 'unknown' location. With a good zoom lens, I could've stood across the street or from the roof of a nearby building and gotten the shot I needed.
I imagine there has to be some people with similar stories.
Posted 52 months ago.
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You may want to check out this group:
www.flickr.com/groups/dcphotorights/
Posted 52 months ago.
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thanks miscelena. Exactly something I was looking for.
Posted 52 months ago.
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The best part is, that before you didn't know it was a Dept of Homeland Security building. Now you do. leave you be an no one is the wiser, accost you and now you know where the sensitive building is. is that protection?
Posted 52 months ago.
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That is a really good point Eric. Now we all know the general location of the building. They are wicked smart.
Posted 52 months ago.
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DOJ has an annex near the DHS complex at Pentagon City as well, and they probably don't like photos either. The DEA Museum is located there. Just an FYI if you're in the area and playing tourist. Also, the security guards inside the Fashion Centre aren't too kind to photogs either -- their guidelines outside the doors leading to the Metro station do specifically say that they restrict photography, though I was able to sneak a few pics anyway. And I wonder what they do with all those visiting school groups and their point-and-shoots.
Originally posted 52 months ago.
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philliefan99 edited this topic 52 months ago.
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iamoop: a fireman/paramedic looking fellow came up . . . . He told me that it was a federal offense to take pictures of a medical emergency . . . .
The key here is fireman/paramedic looking fellow ; probably concerned about civil liability suits. When I hear about dubious laws I always ask smaller guys where they went to law school; I just ask bigger guys (like most cops and firemen) for the citation.
Posted 52 months ago.
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