Photographing and filming things that are clearly visible in public spaces is a constitutional right. This includes transportation facilities, outdoor areas of federal buildings, and police and other government officials who carry out their duties. Unfortunately, police officers are known to ask people to stop taking pictures of public places. Those who did not comply were sometimes harassed, detained, and arrested. Other people have ended up in FBI databases for taking harmless photos of public places.
What are the laws about filming in public? If you take photos or film in a public place, you have the right to do so. You are also not required to describe the purpose of your photos or your activities, even to law enforcement officials. At the same time, common sense says that you should comply with the instructions of law enforcement agencies. You don’t have to give your camera to a police officer or security officer if you took a photo of them in a public place.
They have no right to confiscate or destroy your equipment. Business insurance and general liability insurance are low costs for your photography business success as well as for your safety and peace of mind. If you display your photos in a gallery, for example, an art publication usually doesn’t need permission to reproduce your image if they use it as part of a review.
