Those Pesky Phantom Laws about Photos

By Eric Richardson
Published: Monday, September 04, 2006, at 05:55PM

Library Tower Security Hassling Photographer Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — I was walking next to the Library today when I noticed an all too familiar situation unfolding. A photographer was set up across the street looking to take some pictures of the Spanish Steps next to Library Tower. Up came a security guard who proceeded to inform the photographer that it was illegal to take pictures on that side of the street since this was one of the top terrorist targets in LA.

Of course that's pretty assuredly B.S. You're perfectly within your rights to take photographs from the public way of whatever building you'd like.

I did enjoy the photographer's response. He changed lenses and continued to take the shots he wanted, hopefully security guard free. After a few minutes he packed up and moved on. To his credit, the security guard did not attempt to bully the photographer (more than just telling him to leave).

I know eecue has a thing or two to say about this...

Update (Tuesday): Ed emailed and pointed me to his account of a similar situation with Library Tower.

I feel a little bad for the odd pose I got the photographer in. I snapped the shot while walking by, so I felt a little awkward about going back for a second take.

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Comments

1
eecue writes:

haha, it looks like he is crying! that is pretty cool that he stayed and kept shooting though.

# on Sep.05.2006 AT 01:22 PM
2
sto writes:

Its total bs. These security guards dont know anything about the laws on videotaping and snapping pictures on public property. Its not illegal at all.

# on Sep.06.2006 AT 04:23 PM
3
Scott Mercer writes:

There have been a lot of problems with this in the railfan community. People taking photos of railroad facilities and rolling stock have been harassed many times since 2001. They even tried to impose a ban on taking photos in the New York subway. Bottom line: such bans were never put into effect, it remains legal to photograph buildings/trains/public areas from public property, and the harrassing incidents have decreased over time. But there are still some dumb security guards out there who are misinformed. Stand up for your rights.

# on Sep.07.2006 AT 07:13 AM

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