Re: Criminalizing Photography

[Jan Faul <jan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Am I the only photographer who has ever ben stopped and questioned while shooting from a tripod in public? I don’t think so. I get stopped in Virginia more frequently than in MD, PA or DE. In VA, cops want to search me and my car to prove they are correct in thinking that I am dangerous or that my tripod is really a rifle mount. This is in sharp contrast to the UK, where I have never been stopped. Whilst shooting in the UK, I don an official looking reflective vest so drivers can see me clearly and in the US I wear a fluorescent orange vest so I stand a better chance of not being hit by cars no matter where I am standing.

When I have traveled in the past. I get searched more than thoroughly in US airports, but in the UK, they must be using another kind of profiling,  as when I pass through security with a PorterCase jammed with 150 rolls of film in lead bags, all they ask is “Are those lead bags?” while in the US, the morons want to look inside every factory sealed roll of film even though they do not smell of dynamite.    

Jan

On Aug 14, 2012, at 8:38 PM, MichaelHughes7A@xxxxxxx wrote:

In a message dated 15/08/2012 00:16:54 GMT Daylight Time, palcewski@xxxxxxxxx writes:

Photography is an _expression_ of free speech.

I realize that this was a quotation. I also expect that the question was set up so that the 'learned' counsel could give the audience or readership the benefit of his 'wisdom'

 

The proposition may have had greater credibility if the questioner had said - 'The right to publish a photograph is similar to the right of free speech.

 

Learned counsel might also have included in his response that the 'right of free speech 'does not mean that everyone can say anything they wish no matter what the circumstances.

 

It is important that photographers and law enforcers have adequate guidance about any rules that exist whether they are on the street, within a public building, within a building to which access is allowed .

It should also be borne in mind that in general there are no rights which do not bring with them obligations.

 

'Criminalisation'  This only happens in courts of law.  The policeman who arrests someone because he believes that the person has commited a crime does not 'criminalize' that person.

 

Michael in Norwich

Art Faul

The Artist Formerly Known as Prints

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