Originally posted by amstel78 I live in New York. However my job requires me to travel to some very nasty parts of the world where even taking a cell phone photo could get you shot at. In those cases, I'm not actually out taking pictures but working to complete whatever tasks I've been assigned.
There have been some instances in Africa where I've tried to take pictures just to be chased away by men with automatic weapons.
Closest I've been to an altercation here at home was probably about 10 years ago in Harlem. I was in the sidewalk around 125th and Lexington when I was surrounded by a group of guys who first asked me if I was a cop. I said no, they then told me to delete whatever pictures I'd taken, then leave immediately "or else."
I can hold my own against 2, but not 6 or 7. So I did the only thing I could which was to comply.
US protections do not cover you outside the US so your issue is mute in those cases.
In Harlem, you really walked into Harlem alone and expected to just start taking pictures? Your sense of appropriateness is really lacking, common sense should rule your day unless you were there as a journalist. While you do have a right to photograph nearly anything if your are on public property, there are places that require a little thought.
For the privacy dudes out there: The US Constitution does not explicitly provide for a right of privacy. Hint Read the first line:
The Right of Privacy: Is it Protected by the Constitution?
Summary:
1st - Privacy of belief.
3rd - Provision to no be forced to house solders.
4th - Privacy of person, papers and home.
5th - Right to not self incriminate.
9th - General coverage of "stuff" not covered in the first 8.
14th - Vague coverage of liberty as right to privacy for procreation, child rearing, termination of medication etc.
The basic photography rights of street photography, or any photography, in the
US - big caveat - are summarized as:
Know Your Constitutional Rights as a Photographer - The Phoblographer- When in public spaces where you are lawfully present you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view.
- When you are on private property, the property owner may set rules about the taking of photographs.
- Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your digital photographs or video without a warrant.
- Police may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances.
- Police officers may legitimately order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.
Expectation of Privacy?
What Is the "Reasonable Expectation of Privacy"?
Nice Video on Street Photography - in the UK - but please pay attention to the last few minutes. And remember, don't be a jerk.