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For shooters in the United States (sorry to those internationally - too many variations in local laws) - if you are stopped while shooting by a security guard, policeman, or average Joe (and you are not on private property, trespassing, or say, on a military base) - with a very few exceptions for security, you are probably within your rights to keep photographing.

The author of the Legal Handbook for photographers has put together a one page PDF that outlines your rights - and is handy for giving to said policeman. I have a laminated copy in my big photo bag, and a few folded printouts in my smaller ones.

Read it carefully yourself - and do treat your accuser with respect - they probably think they are doing their job, not just harassing you. It does wonders for how the conversation actually goes.

Download the PDF Flyer of the Photographer's Right - Here

Unfortunately I've not been able to find a similar summary. My understanding of Canada's laws regarding this is that they are substatially the same as those in the US. The exception being that Quebec has been much harder on street shooting of individuals without their consent.

You might check with some of the professional photography organizations in the country and see if they have some guidelines or suggestions.

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I do want to stress - these laws only apply to public spaces. If you are in a mall, or a concert, or someones yard, you are on private property and can be kicked out for taking photographs without permission. However, they DO NOT have the right to take the film or request the memory card be deleted. (But I don't suggest you try to use those photos in an advertisement later) wink

I don't think it would apply to schools that say "No cameras allowed" *sigh* oh well, somehow i get away with it anyways.

I'd like to clearify something with this statement. Knowing your rights does not put you in a position to overide the decisions made by public officals. With the photojournalism and freelance documentary work I have done I've learned that its important to work with city and government officals as best as possible as it is their job to ensure that public order and safety is maintained.

I made a post a month or so back about being at the scene of a police street sweep involving the S.W.A.T. team. Although I know my rights, it did not change the fact that if I resisted the advances of sweep that I would be physically brought down and detained for questioning. They cannot tell the different between me and a rioter and they will not take the chance of putting their lives, my life, or anyone else's in danger to stop and ask me what I'm doing. I've also shot a scene with detained and hostile suspects, a bomb threat, and a major gas leak in my area. When you're told to move for your safety, you move, no questions period. However because I have become known in the area as a photographer city officials understand what my intents are and I am allowed certain luxuries like rogue_designer has mentioned (being able to safely pass through barracades in many forms is one of them).

In short, know your rights but do not attempt to use them to push your desires. You are an observer and a guest in most circumstances.

thanks for the info, that will help! i think i'll print it out and keep it with me! haha

Its also worth noting that not every person is going to be in the United States so always check up on local, county, provience (if applicable), state, or national laws if need be. For example, street photography is criminal offense in Paris but perfectly fine in San Francisco (joy to me). Never be afraid to ask about your rights, because without knowing them you will be forced to give up your work or even worse.

Thanks for posting all the useful information.

That's funny, lots of people I know have been chased out of my local park for having video cameras/taking pictures. Next time park security comes up to me I'm gonna have one of those on hand. Thanks!