|
Gotta admit - I'm afraid to take photos on the subway. I'd love to, don't get me wrong, but my physical well-being currently ranks above my artistic avocation.
Maybe it's my "recently transplanted from Ohio" mentality, but my fellow subway riders haven't been the epitome of understanding in the first place; I hardly think exposing my camera will soften their hearts before or after giving me the evil death stare as if it's my fault my arms can't reach those silly overhead bars.
But someone needs to capture all those secret nose pickers - it's an epidemic!
Posted 80 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Yes, I've been hassled, by both the NYC Police, and by MTA NYC Transit employees. But there is a difference. The Police just "check you out" to see if you are suspicious. And when they see you are not, they will allow you to carry on, since it is not illegal to take non-flash photos in the subway. However, the subway employees WILL tell you that is illegal, that you should stop taking photos at once, and that they will call the police. You can try to explain to them that it is not illegal, you can walk away, or you can just ignore them.
In any event, don't be afraid to take photos in the subway. It is totally worth the hassle, and it is 100% LEGAL.
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've only been given grief on the PATH to hoboken... Transit cop asked me to delete my photos. *shrug* I know it's legal for me to take photos on the MTA trains, but I didn't know enough to challenge the guy on the PATH.
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Nah! I just whip it out and shoot away.
Besides, I almost never take the subway to school anymore. Biking is the way to go.
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
a drunk told me i should ask permission first once...not really a hassle
anybody here actually shoot in the subway?
Originally posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
edmo edited this topic 79 months ago.
|
 |
VincenzoF [deleted] says:
Me... Tons...
Well pictures, anyway...
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
was just lookin through your blog...cool
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
There was a ban for a few months in the winter of 04-05 for taking photos on the subway but that ban was lifted in the spring or summer,I dont remember when I did a full out camera in hand without worries. So shoot away. The new ban is against eating and drinking...not booze but coffee and egg sandwiches during rush hours. But you should do that too.
Originally posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
majapapaya edited this topic 79 months ago.
|
|
|
So this may be an extremely naive question, but how do you take photos of people on/near the subway? ask permission? or just snap away until someone says something?
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
VincenzoF [deleted] says:
I usually just snap snap snap snap snap. If someone says something, I show them the picture. If they're unhappy, I delete it.
No biggie, really.
Most of my pictures are on the subway, and I don't "sneak" pictures, so it's never really been a problem for me. Go with your instincts. If you think the guy whose picture you shoot is gonna beat the hell out of you for doing it, move on ;-)
Posted 79 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I got hassled by NYPD this morning for shooting in the subway, and immediately filed a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
Posted 78 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Gotta use a quiet camera with a fast lens. None better than the old Olympus 4040 z. I have also used my dSLR in the subway, but that makes you a little more obvious.
There is something about the subway that makes a GREAT background for black and white photography!
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
CitySkip [deleted] says:
NY1 just ran an article on the subject:
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=57343
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Sometimes you just have to Run With Scissors → Like I'd let someone touch my camera!
Originally posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
Runs With Scissors edited this topic 72 months ago.
|
|
The conductor of a PATH train stopped the train last week to yell at me at the 14th street station. he actually stopped the train where i was standing.
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Unfortunately the PATH has different rules for shooting in the system than the NYC Subway does.
www.nycsubway.org/faq/photopermits.html
See Section IX of the following for rules regarding the NY/NJ Path:
www.pathrail.com/CommutingTravel/path/html/pop_regulation...
On another note I had been approached by transit cops on NYC subways before and can offer this advice. If you are going to shoot with a DSLR I suggest you open up the link below, print it, and highlight section 1050.9 c. After doing so fold it up and put it somewhere in your camera bag.
As a warning, just like you don't want to anger an angry dog any more than it is... you don't want to anger a cop who has a chip on his shoulder. Basically don't go throwing this in their face... simply reply, "Hey maybe you aren't aware of a recent change of the MTA's policies on photography. There's been an update to the Rules of Conduct. I happen to have it with me if you would like to view it."
www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/rules/rules.htm
So far I've done that 3 times, only once have did the cop persist. I just let it go because I had nothing to prove, my time spent shooting was more valuable than arguing.
Originally posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
Sir Toby Tobe edited this topic 76 months ago.
|
|
VincenzoF [deleted] says:
Hey Corporal,
What's the windup on your story?
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Photos on PATH are verboten, although I have never had a problem.
I have only been bothered once and that was by a railroad clerk about 5 or 6 years ago and I told her I was in the right.
Originally posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
Triborough edited this topic 76 months ago.
|
|
I don't photograph people on the subway much, as I find it a little awkward, but I shoot photos of the trains themselves and the stations all the time and don't give it much thought, which got me in trouble in Rome. There, it's apparently VERY discouraged, and some policemen got very in my face about it. My Italian is molto crappy, which didn't help either.
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've gotten stopped by cops and given warnings a few times in the subway. I also got a warning for taking photos of the High Line from standing on the public sidewalk. And I got yelled at by a train driver once.
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
hi everyone, NY1 has a story today - MTA to remind officers there is no ban on photography - here's the link
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've been stopped before but it was a couple of years ago. We were on the 7 train from Manhattan to Queensboro Plaza trying to take pics of the graffiti. At that time, the officer told us she could confiscate our camera but she let us go with a warning instead.
Posted 76 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
CitySkip [deleted] says:
There are still MTA employees harassing photographers. Last night I was photographing out the window as the train left the 242 Street station on the 1 line and an employee actually ran with the train screaming at me that it was illegal (I don’t think it was an MTA officer, but things happened fast, so I can’t be sure). I told him that it was legal - I'm sorry it just seems wrong to let him abuse his power - and he screamed some more, then actually pulled the doors of the train open as it was moving to yell that a police officer will take my camera away.
I’m going to contact the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board and NY1. And I’m going to keep a copy of MTA’s rules and regulation on me, but really something more needs to be done about this.
It’s really sad that 911 has made us a paranoid populous that doesn’t mind if laws aren’t followed as long as it makes us “feel” safe. It’s really damn sad.
Posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
yea it is sad, i agree. everyone is more insulated in their little bubbles than ever before
Posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I was hassled Thursday morning, taking pictures in Penn Station. 2 cops & 2 rookies zoomed in within 2 minutes of me whipping out my camera. Dudie #1 says that I shouldn't be taking pictures of the tunnels and tracks. It's "suspicious activity". I asked him if it was illegal, and he mumbled a bit and asked me for ID. Called in my name to check for warrants & prior arrests and almost made me late for work. Jerks.
Posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
VincenzoF [deleted] says:
I hope you got their badge numbers and filed a complaint.
Bastards.
Posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
CitySkip [deleted] says:
I wrote NY1 about my incident and got a response from Bobby Cuza, the reporter who did the stories about the MTA enforcing a non-existent photo ban.
Here’s his advice:
"What the NYCLU succeeded in doing was getting the *MTA POLICE* to back off (this was the story I did last week). But they only patrol long island rail road and metro-north stations, e.g. penn station and grand central.
The regular MTA employees you encounter in the subway system are highly misinformed, but in my experience, if you ignore them, or politely explain the rules to them (it helps to carry a copy- and I believe they now have pamphlets available at token booths), they'll back down. Worst-case scenario, I ask them to please call the NYPD. I find that 95% of the time, NYPD officers know the rules and will leave you alone. Though, of course, not without asking a few questions first."
Originally posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
CitySkip edited this topic 75 months ago.
|
|
thanx a lot for this. i was thinking of doing the same. this sounds awesome. see i knew that upholding my rights was fair game. if anything i'll write to him about my experiences as well. :)
Posted 75 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Hello all! I often shoot in subway stations and occasionally on the trains as well and wondered out of curiosity how much of what I do is legal and what is considered "illegal". I've never had an unpleasant encounter with a TA employee.
Thanks, Sir Toby Tobe, for posting the link re: MTA rules of conduct. I read them and encountered a seeming discrepancy in two sections of the regulations, which may explain the behavior of certain folks. If I were an employee of the TA, I would misunderstand, too, as the first section DOES seem to ban all visual recording equipment!
Here goes:
.........................................................................................
MTA Rules of Conduct [source: www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/rules/rules.htm]
Section 1050.6
Use of the transit system.
5. No person shall use media devices such as films, slides or videotapes.
Section 1050.9
Restricted areas and activities.
c. Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provision of these Rules.
......................................................................
Re: c. I assume this means that built-in flash or any flash attached directly to the camera is ok.
Do you agree?
Posted 72 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
yes i agree. They just don't want you to block people or interfere with traffice with auxillary equipment. Just use your common sense with respect to other people. Basically if your really unsure , if you have a lot of things with you, just take out the camera with batteries and a memory stick inside of it or film if you prefer. Thats it. Take the shot and keep moving.
You might be able to get away with a hotshoe flash. Its not bothering anyone and make sure you're not shooting it directly at anyones eyes or face or people walking by. People will get upset. Those things are very powerful sometimes and some people will be shocked by it.
Good Luck.
Posted 72 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
i try to sneak a photo of people on the subway once in awhile. it's hard to pretend you're not, but it gets tricky most of the time. it's easier on the streets because of the excuses you can make. in the subway you know your photo is being taken.
Posted 72 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Have never been hassled for taking photos on the subway.
PA Police have asked me not to take photos at the WTC PATH platform. I complied and took the photo the next time.
Posted 72 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Wow! There is alot of confusion it seems on can we or can't we photograph on and around the train. Know your rights people.
I personally refuse to allow this paranoia of terrorist threat and the vulnerability of the subway system to not allow Me to take a LEGAL photograph of any angle or any curiousity I see. I refuse to lay down my civil liberties for this. At what point do we stop?
Posted 72 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
charmante: There is no discrepency. Section 1050.6 is refering to showing films (as in movie films).
other people: Here is a short summary...
NYC Subway - photography is LEGAL as long as you don't use a flash or a tripod.
Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road - photography is LEGAL
New Jersey Transit - photography is LEGAL
PATH - photography is is NOT LEGAL - take photos at your own risk and if caught, don't try to argue that it is legal because it isn't - don't stoop to the level of employees and police that lie about things being illegal when they aren't
Posted 70 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I take pics on the subway all the time.I take them preety fast and move on though. There was a time it was illegal but that lasted a week. I did have an officer ask me what i was going on once and i showed him some of the shots i had just taken. I dont think i had to but he laid off after that.
Posted 70 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
My story here. I wrote to the NYPD (with cc's to the MTA and NYCLU) and haven't heard anything yet.
Posted 70 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've snapped some shots from the subway platform with no worries - probably helpful to put an awed-tourist look on your face LOL. However, I don't feel comfortable shooting riders on the trains because frankly I wouldn't want someone snapping my picture as I grab a snooze on the 6.
Posted 67 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I was recently told to stop taking photos at the Bedford station. When I told the two MTA employess that it was legal, one of them simply said, "do it in front of a cop and see what happens." Well there happened to be two officers boarding at that platform. I took several photos in the officers presence and they did not even acknowledge me. Since this incident I have been to just about every token booth from 42nd to the Financial District and no one has rules and regulations pamphlets. One MTA employee told me he didn't even know they had a rules and regulations pamphlet.
I think it is assumed by the MTA staff that it would be illegal. It is illegal in certain areas of Port Authority buildings and on PATH trains and platforms.
Posted 67 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
While shooting this on a pretty much abandonned platform, I got asked by two surprisingly friendly cops if I had a press card. Their explanation of the rules was that you could take photos in the subway, but not photos of the subway, which seemed a little odd. They should have objected to the fact that I was using a tripod, but they didn't mention it at all. Anyway, I packed up and left, no harm done (but I still want to get the rest of that platform shot).
Posted 67 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Reidab, from the looks of your photo there is no sign of the "subway". So what was the objection from the officers? By "subway" do they mean the train, the tunnel, what exactly? And the Rules and Regulations states nothing of not taking photos of the "subway". Rules, such a strange thing and the enforcers do not even understand them.
Posted 67 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
The thing you should worry about on the Subway is not people or cops hassling you, people taking your camera.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
i have a greater fear of someone taking my gear on the streets than on the subway - - it's harder to run away.
as for the cops, fahgetabou'em. shoot and be merry. they ain't going to take your gear or put cuffs on you. heck, they ain't even going to ask you to delete images, take your card away or make you expose your film.
shoot everything you want - - with a camera.
Originally posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
Runs With Scissors edited this topic 64 months ago.
|
|
|
Don't assume anything, a nice camera is gold.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
you're right, i often forget that not everyone is wearing "i'll make you eat this camera if you look at me the wrong way" face while carrying $1,300 worth of gear around their necks on a brooklyn-bound local train.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
When in New York last month I had a couple of cops tell me I couldn't take photos due to "security concerns," which is of course completely false. I tried to explain, but they I'm not sure they were even listening.
Here in the San Francisco area, I've had BART police demand I delete photos, and radio in my description after I refused. And I've certainly heard stories of locals having their cameras and cards confiscated. It won't stop me from shooting, but I think police are willing to go pretty far to enforce laws that don't exist.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
When I first started taking pics on the subway I was sure I would get in trouble. I haven't yet. I carried a copy of section 1050.6 for a while, then I forgot about it. I've never taken pictures with cops around. I have one photo where the guy looked none too pleased.
www.flickr.com/photos/45599203@N00/394408763/
But whatever, I gotta do my thang. We'll work it out later.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
It is actually Section 1050.9.
I had an older gentleman, who didn't work for the TA, tell me that you couldn't take photos on the subway. I told him it was perfectly legal and he should consult the MTA website. I then resumed photographing.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I finally got hassled, by someone who was definitely not MTA or NYPD-affiliated. I wasn't even shooting, just had my camera around my neck. I tried to politely explain that the MTA had lifted its ban some time ago, and he got angry and wouldn't listen, saying "NO, IT'S ILLEGAL. OH, YOU THINK IT'S OKAY?! IT'S NOT." He was pretty incensed and kept glowering at me until I reached my stop.
Posted 64 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Truth be told the MTA hasn't said anything to its' employees about the photo policy. A lot of people down here are still under the impression that it is illegal.
One time i noticed someone taking pictures of me while I was waiting for clearance to go on the tracks. Rather than saying anything, I took out my phone and started taking pictures of him as well. Unfortunately I deleted them or I would have posted one or two here.
Posted 60 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've actually been hassled not by the police but by pain in the ass fellow passengers. I guess they think that they're saving the world from terrorists by stopping me from taking pictures.
Posted 60 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've been heckled a couple of times but I've pretty much ignored the uninformed. I've taken shots on subway platforms plenty of times, within plain sight of MTA workers, and I've never been hassled by one yet.
One important distinction for most of these issues, MTA and otherwise: these are not LAWS. The MTA has no more right to pass a law than Starbuck's or Wal-Mart does. They do however have every right to institute regulations of their premises, just as any private property owner would. There may be laws that pertain to the New York City transit system (like the one about assaulting a transit worker), but those are indeed LAWS, passed by either the city or state, not regulations imposed by the MTA.
So the next time some a**-hat tells you that something is "illegal", tell them to prove it or stick it.
Posted 60 months ago.
(permalink)
|
Would you like to comment?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).
|
The NYC Subway /
Discuss
Feed – Subscribe to The NYC Subway discussion threads
