Similarities with the old USSR.

Dum Spiro Spero ^

[Argentine-Firecracker]

Wow. Talk about determination!!! And you’re right. Owning a camera in the USSR was not a crime. But taking photos of “prohibited” areas, as determined by the state, was.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

So what should you do if you’re taking photos and a security guard or police officer approaches you and tells you to stop?

If I'm on private property I do as the security guard asks. If I'm in a public area taking photos of people I know or the exteriors of buildings, etc. I tell him to mind his own business.

If a police officer tells me to stop, I comply no matter what - not because he's right, but because a malicious police officer can make a law-abiding citizen's life pure hell. The letter to the police department and public officials pointing out that police have no right to make such demands comes later.

[pankot]

If approached throw your camera to the ground, stomp on it and say to the nice security person, “this damn piece of crap never did work!”

[cripplecreek]

Getting permission - in writing - is required if you ever hope to sell the photos. And you should have it for private use as well.

Buildings/property are now protected by copyright law - for sale or not.

That's exactly why I stick to scenic and floral photography.

[ASOC]

Oddly, I have never had any problems - I carry a standard release form in my camera bag (a stack actually) and all that is required is a signature.

Private home owners are a crap shoot. I do my best to hide the address if film, blur the address if digital.

Most folks are happy that thier business will wind up in a Nationally published magazine.
I make a point shooting several frames with the business sign as an obvious part of the photo. Rarely does the editor choose to use those, but I cannot help that.

If I am going to be back in the area I will drop a copy of the magazine to the outfit. Sometimes the publisher will send a copy or two for me.

Other times, businesses will send you good quality photos/images/slides with a release for use in an article. Commercial photography can be pretty cool at times - I once got a personal tour of Hoover Dam into areas the public is normally not allowed for a photo shoot - another, the AKRR let me shoot thier maintenance areas, normally off limits. I love 'big machines' so it was both fun and profit. You might see if there are opporunities in your area.