Although he posts the standard (understandable) "I'm not a lawyer" reminder, Andrew Kantor has put together some useful advice on the legal rights of photographers, including a brief overview, a link to his USA Today article on the topic, and a downloadable pdf [151K] you can print out and stick in your gadget bag or backpack.
If this is a topic that affects you, read the full pdf. Here's his bottom line:
Except in special circumstances (e.g., certain government facilities), there are no laws prohibiting the taking of photographs on public or private property. If you can be there, you can take pictures there: streets, malls, parking lots, office buildings. You do not need permission to do so, even on private property.
Trespassing laws naturally apply. If a property owner demands you leave, you must. But if a place is open to the public — a mall, office-building lobby, etc. — permission to enter is assumed (although it can be revoked).
[via Gizmodo]
Posted by johndanseven at January 7, 2006 10:41 PM